How to Fix the Size of a Knitted Hat

Blocking can resolve sizing issues with knitted garments, including hats.

Beautiful, intricate and practical, wearing a knitted hat will bring you compliments, especially when you've knitted it yourself. But there's nothing more frustrating after finishing knitting a hat only to realize that it doesn't fit correctly. Before throwing the hat in your knitting bag in sheer disappointment or unraveling the entire project, try blocking your garment first. Used as a finishing technique by many knitters, blocking can resolve size issues with knitted garments, including hats.

Things You'll Need

• Dish pan
• Detergent or hair conditioner
• Towels
• Blocking mats
• Ruler
• Stainless steel pins

Instructions

Directions

1. Fill a dish pan with cool water and add detergent specifically made for hand-knitted garments or hair conditioner.

2. Immerse your hat in the water. Let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

3. Lift the hat out of the water. With your hands, carefully squeeze the water from the hat. To avoid damaging the garment, don't twist it.

4. Lay a dry towel on a flat surface.

5. Place the hat onto the towel. Roll the towel into a cylinder. With firm and constant pressure, press down onto the towel as you roll it. Unravel the towel. If your hat is still wet, repeat the process with another towel.

6. Place the damp hat on a blocking board or mat. A towel on hard surface can substitute for a blocking board.

7. Shape the hat by referring to the finished measurements stated on your pattern or shape to the size you desire. For accurate results, use a ruler instead of a measuring tape.

8. Pin the hat to your blocking board or mat by using stainless steel pins.

9. Let the hat completely dry before moving it from the blocking board.

References

• Let's Get Knitting: Blocking, Pressing And All That Boring Stuff
• Knitty; Techniques With Theresa: Welcome To Blocking, Part 1; Theresa Vinson Stenersen