What is Blocking in Crochet?
When you reach the final stitches of a crochet pattern, it’s nice to see that your project has the exact same measurements as those listed in the instructions. However, this is not always the case. Similarly, you may wish that your finished blanket pattern is a few inches longer or that it is a slightly different shape. If you think there is no solution to problems like these, then fear not! With blocking, you can make these quick fixes in no time.
Blocking is a process in which water or steam is applied to the finished project to obtain a desired final shape. Blocking is a common process used to shape crocheted granny squares, which are often treated with a combination of blocking and stretching. According to The Crochet Crowd, synthetic yarn fibers react better to blocking than natural fibers do.
In this guide, you’ll be able to answer the question, What is Blocking in Crochet?, and learn what some of the most common types of blocking methods are.
Types of Crochet Blocking
There are three main crochet blocking methods: wet blocking, dry blocking, and cold blocking.
Wet blocking uses water to wet a crochet piece (often times submerging the piece in water) and then using your fingers to smooth out the design or create a desired shape.
Cold blocking uses water mist to set a shape that has already been pinned in place.
Dry blocking uses steam to secure a shape that has already been pinned in place.
Depending on the type of crochet pattern you're working on, it's important to know when to block crochet. Crochet afghans and granny squares are types of common projects that crocheters frequently block. However, you can also use blocking to even out all of the stitches in any final crochet piece. However, before choosing one of these blocking methods, you should make sure to look at the washing instructions on your yarn label and choose the method that will work best with your yarn.
Knowing how to block crochet is a quick and convenient trick that you can keep in mind as you become a crochet expert. If you want to learn more about crochet blocking and how to do it, then make sure to check out our page on How to Block Crochet that features easy-to-follow infographics. Now that you know about crochet blocking, you’re ready to start adjusting your crocheted creations to be just the shape you want!
Have you ever tried crochet blocking before? Let us know in the comments!