How to Block Knitwear

After knitting a sweater, block it to retain its shape.

Some knitwear, because of its inherent give, requires blocking either before wearing or periodically between wears to help keep its shape. Not all projects require blocking. Hats, gloves, purses and other rounded projects can be worn directly after knitting, but sweaters, baby garments, skirts and dresses can all benefit from blocking. The method used to block the knitwear depends on the makeup of the yarn used to knit the project. Always consult the care label or the yarn manufacturer's guidelines when blocking a project.

Things You'll Need

• Iron and ironing board
• Towels
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Rustproof pins

Instructions

Synthetic Knitwear

1. Wet a towel that is large enough to cover the garment to be blocked.

2. Lay the garment on a large, flat surface, arranging it into the shape you desire for the finished item. If you have a second item exactly the same shape and size to block, lay it on top of the wet towel.

3. Lay the dripping wet towel on the garment and allow the item to sit in a ventilated area until both the towel and garment are dry.

Cotton or Wool Knitwear

1. Lay a damp towel on an ironing board. Set the cotton (or wool) knit garment on top of the damp towel, arranged into its desired finished shape.

2. Cover the garment with a second damp towel.

3. Set the iron on "warm". Run the iron lightly over the damp towel covering the cotton knitwear. Do not press down.

4. Lay the item flat to dry completely on top of the towels. When the item and towels are all dried completely, the item is fully blocked.

Alternative Method

1. Create a blocking surface with a large wooden board covered with several towels for padding.

2. Lay the garment on the towels in the finished shape desired. Pin the garment to the blocking surface, using rust-free pins.

3. Spritz the garment lightly with water. Allow the item to dry completely before removing from the blocking surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Items other than knitwear, such as crocheted afghans or knit baby blankets can benefit from blocking. Blocking helps your project look professionally finished. After washing the knitwear in a washing machine, re-block it if necessary.

• Do not iron synthetic or blended yarns. Synthetic materials can discolor or melt under even a cool iron. Always care for knitwear according to the yarn maker's instructions.

References

• "Ready Set Crochet"; Susie Johns; 2004
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service: Beginning Knitting

Resources

• The Knitting Guild Association