About Blocking and Finished Squares

I was asked a few times why do I share my squares right after I am finished, without blocking, which makes the squares appear uneven or not as perfect as it looks in the link to the pattern. There is a method to my madness! In my years of crocheting, I have found that most books, magazines, websites and blogs that feature crochet show completed pieces at their most perfect. While I understand the intent behind it, I would have loved to have seen some of those pieces before the blocking and perfecting done to it, so when my piece was done I wouldn't look at theirs and back at mine and think I did something wrong. I like to show what yours may look like RIGHT when you complete the piece. If it is a wee bit wonky or crooked, that is ok, because that is how it is straight off the hook.

As for blocking-I mentioned this quite a few times and a few people have mentioned to me they have no idea what I am talking about. :) So this is for you! Blocking is when you wet the finished piece and arrange it in a way that when it dries it comes out with straight edges, neat, clean lines and perfect gauge. The process I use is one I learned a hundred years ago when I made my first scarf:

You will need: 2 towels-must be colorfast, light colors or white are best, a bunch of rust proof safety pins and access to cold water.

1. Wet your piece in the sink or tub until it is thoroughly wet. I use cold water for everything, no matter if it is acrylic, wool, cotton, a blend, etc. Only because this ensures no shrinking or felting ruin all my hard work.
2. Lay out your 2 towels.
3. Lay your piece(s) down on one of the towels and roll it up. If you are doing a bunch of smaller pieces, you can put a few down on the towel at once.
4. Press firmly all along the towel roll to get out any extra wetness.
5. Unroll the towel and move the piece(s) to the second towel. Begin to arrange your piece(s) and safety pin them into the shape you want.
6. Leave to dry. Usually it is about a day. But make sure they are dry before you remove them.

There are different variations on this-some people put plastic down before they pin the pieces, some people just spray with a mister instead of wetting the pieces in a sink and there is also a way to block using a steam iron(although it is not recommended for synthetics).

Any other questions I will be more than happy to answer, either privately or here on the blog!