Blocking & Finishing

Great question: To achieve a polished, professional finish on your knitting or crochet, we recommend starting with a basic blocking kit from our collection. This should include blocking mats (for laying out and shaping), T-pins or blocking pins (for securing your work), and a spray bottle or steamer (to apply moisture). For straight edges or lacework, blocking wires are a total game-changer. Yarn needles for weaving in ends and measuring tape for checking your finished size are also must-haves. If you’re just starting out, a blocking mat, some pins, and a spray bottle are the essentials, and you can add blocking wires as you start working on shawls or delicate lace.

Choosing the right blocking method is all about your yarn: Wet blocking is best for natural fibers like wool and cotton—it gives the fabric amazing drape and helps even out stitches. Simply soak your project, gently squeeze out excess water, lay it on your blocking mat, shape it, and pin it in place to dry. Steam blocking is great for synthetic fibers like acrylic; use a steamer (without touching the yarn directly) to relax the stitches. Spray blocking works well for delicate pieces or blends; lay your project out and mist lightly before pinning to shape. Always check your yarn label for specific care instructions, and we highly recommend blocking a small swatch first to see how your yarn responds.

For shawls and lace projects, precise blocking makes a huge difference! We recommend using blocking mats for a stable, pin-friendly surface and blocking wires to achieve those crisp, straight edges and open up intricate lace patterns. T-pins are perfect for securing curved sections and points. Having a spray bottle or a gentle steamer helps you dampen the fibers evenly. For the best results, thread the blocking wires through straight or scalloped edges, shape your piece on the mat, and use pins to hold everything in place. Let your project dry completely before unpinning to lock in that gorgeous shape.

Neat seams and edges start with the right finishing tools and techniques. Use a blunt yarn or sewing needle for weaving in ends securely—this prevents unraveling over time. For joining pieces, the mattress stitch is a popular choice for nearly invisible, sturdy seams (especially for garments). Stitch markers can help align edges before seaming, ensuring everything lines up perfectly. Our collection includes all these finishing essentials. Tip: Take your time, and gently block your pieces before seaming for the smoothest, most even edges.

Absolutely! To get accurate sizing and a perfect fit, always have a measuring tape or ruler handy when blocking. Lay your project out on blocking mats and gently shape it to the exact dimensions you want, securing edges with blocking wires and pins. If your pattern gives finished measurements, adjust as needed while pinning. For first-timers: It’s very helpful to block a swatch (sample square) before your main piece, so you can see how the yarn reacts and get familiar with the process. Let everything dry thoroughly before unpinning to maintain your hard work. Blocking is the secret step for professional-looking results!