How to Block Crochet Sweaters

For a professional look, block your sweater.

Crochet sweaters are a comfortable way to stay warm in winter time, but once a crocheted sweater has been washed, it can look uneven, bubbled or misshapen. To make the sweater once more appear smooth and fitted, you'll need to block it. This is accomplished by wetting the sweater and then reforming it to dry. Taking the time to block a crochet sweater allows you to slip back into a comfortable garment without being self-conscious of its appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Tub or other large container
• Baby shampoo
• Towels
• Blocking board
• Tape measure
• Rust-resistant pins

Instructions

1. Soak the sweater in a tub of warm water for 15 minutes to an hour. If you want the sweater to have a scent, add 3 drops of baby shampoo.

2. Remove the sweater from the water and form it into a ball.

3. Squeeze the excess water out of the sweater gently. Do not wring or twist the sweater, as that distorts the stitches.

4. Squeeze the excess water out of the sweater gently. Do not wring or twist the sweater.

5. Press down on the towel with your hands and/or place the towel on the floor and step on it several times. This removes most of the water from the sweater into the towel.

6. Unroll the towel and remove the sweater. Place the sweater right-side up on a blocking board. Smooth the sweater out with your finger tips so that it lies flat. If you want the sweater to be longer, gently maneuver it until it is the length you need, but don’t stretch it so far that you elongate the stitches.

7. Measure each sleeve to make sure that they match in length. Check the length of the sweater on each side as well.

8. Pin the sweater with rust-resistant pins to the blocking board.

9. Leave the sweater to dry. Drying time varies depending on the amount of humidity in the air and how wet the sweater was.

10. Unpin the sweater when top and bottom are completely dry. Insert your hand under the sweater to feel for moisture, and then shake the sweater gently to fluff it. Your crochet sweater is now ready to wear.

References

• Fiber Images: How to Block and Fold a Sweater
• “Positively Crochet!”; Mary Jane Hall; 2007