How to Block a Wool Hat

Blocking is a process that's often used to give shape to hand-knitted wool items, which can appear bulky and uneven when first completed. It can also be used to size items, which can be very useful for garments such as hats. Unlike blocking other types of knitted items, blocking wool hats is a process that doesn't require an enormous amount of precision. This is because, once the hat is blocked, wearing it will continue to shape it to the appropriate size.

Things You'll Need

• Hat Large towels Tape measure Hand towels

Instructions

1. Fill the sink with just barely warm water. Place the hat in the sink and swirl it around gently until it's wet all the way through. Drain the sink and press the hat against the side of the sink to get as much water out of it as possible.

2. Spread out a large towel on a flat surface. Place the wet hat on top of the center of the towel and roll up the towel with the hat inside. Gently press down on the towel to press the water out of the hat, then unroll the towel. The hat should be barely damp.

3. Measure around the hat wearer's head if the hat needs to be sized. Roll up hand towels and stuff them inside the damp hat to mimic the size and shape of the wearer's head. Stand the stuffed hat upright on a large, dry towel and allow the hat to dry completely. Make sure the hat is fully supported from the inside so that the brim doesn't get squished.

4. Spread the hat out flat on a large, dry towel if it doesn't need to be sized. Tug the edges of the hat until the lines are straight and the hat is smooth. Allow the hat to dry completely.

5. Remove the dry hat from the towel and unstuff it, if necessary. It's now ready to wear.