The 8-Letter Dirty Word….blocking
Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just casting on your first project, there’s one finishing step that can elevate your knitting from handmade to heirloom: blocking. It’s the not-so-secret sauce that helps your stitches bloom, your lace open up, and your garments fit just right. Yet, for many knitters, blocking remains a bit of a mystery—or worse, an afterthought.
Let’s demystify blocking, explore why it’s essential (especially for swatches!), and walk through how to do it with confidence.
What Is Blocking in Knitting
Blocking is the process of wetting (by soaking or steaming) your finished knit (or swatch) and shaping it to the desired dimensions. As it dries, the fibers relax and set into place, smoothing out uneven stitches and enhancing the fabric’s drape and structure.
Think of it as a spa day for your knitting—your stitches get to stretch, breathe, and settle into their best selves.
Why You Should Always Block Your Swatches
If you’ve ever knit a sweater that mysteriously grew two sizes after its first wash, you’ve met the consequences of skipping this step. Blocking your swatch is the only way to get an accurate gauge that reflects how your finished project will behave.
Here’s why it matters:
Gauge changes after blocking. Fibers expand, contract, or bloom depending on their content.
Patterns list blocked gauge. You’ll need to make sure the blocked gauge of your swatches matches the gauge stated in the pattern. But you’ll also want to write down your pre-blocked gauge to know that you’re working to gauge during the knitting process.
It reveals fabric behavior. Will your yarn drape or bounce back? Blocking tells all.
TKGA tip: Always use the same yarn and needles for your swatch as you plan to use for your project. And make your swatch at least 6″ x 6″ so you can measure the center without edge distortion.
The Three Main Blocking Methods
Different fibers and projects call for different techniques. Here’s a quick guide:
MethodBest ForHow It WorksWet BlockingWool, cotton, most natural fibersSoak in room temperature water, gently squeeze out excess, roll in towels to absorb excess water, pin to shape, and dry flat.Steam BlockingCotton, acrylics, final elements like neckbands, ribbing or seamsUse a clothes steamer rather than an iron, on the wrong side of the fabric. Acrylics melt with steam so the blocking is permanent. Spritz BlockingDelicate fibers, novelty yarnsLightly mist with water, pin to shape, and let dry.
Tools you’ll love to help get the job done: rust-proof pins, blocking mats, and blocking wires for crisp edges.
Blocking in Action: Swatches and Finished Projects
For Swatches:
Knit your swatch and bind off.
Wet the swatches (either by soaking, steaming or spritzing) and absorb extra water.
Carefully pin the swatches to blocking mats, making sure the edges are squared off and even.
Let it dry completely. Unpin and shake out the swatch. Let it rest naturally.
Measure the number of stitches and rows in the centermost 4 inches.
For Finished Knits:
Weave in ends.
Wet the piece (either by soaking, steaming or spritzing) and absorb extra water.
Carefully pin the piece to blocking mats, or use blocking wires, using the pattern schematic as a guide. A tip! While the pieces are soaking, use a tape measure and place pins on the blocking mat in the outline of the garment or piece you are soaking. Then when it’s ready for the blocking mat, shape it inside your pins and re-pin the piece.
Shape carefully—especially for lace, cables, or garments.
Lace and Fair Isle may need aggressive blocking to open up the stitch patterns or correct the floats. Superwash garments may grow beyond the schematic measurements. Still pin it to the final measurements and let any extra fabric lie in bunches. As it dries, fluff the excess fabric occasionally until it dries to the pinned outline.
Let dry fully before wearing or seaming.
Final Thoughts: Blocking Is Worth It
Blocking isn’t just a finishing step—it’s a transformation. It’s how your stitches settle into harmony, how your lace unfurls like a flower, and how your handmade pieces become wearable art.
So next time you’re tempted to skip it, remember: your knitting deserves the full glow-up!
