How to Wet Block Your Knitting

Wet Block your knitting may sound scary or foreign but the fact is it can make your project sing!  It will make the stitches even out and open lace wok and cables nicely.

How to Wet Block your Knitting

“Even the professionals block”

There are ways to steam knitting that can kill synthetic yarns but wet blocking is perfect for all types of yarn, is cheap and simple.

“A simple wet block to knitting evens your work.”

Blocking instructions:
I suggest a wet block approach.  This is safe for all types of yarn.
If you have a machine washable fiber you can run it through the wash on gentle then follow pinning instructions below.  If a natural fiber or delicate stitches like lace, wash by hand with a recommended mild detergent then follow pinning instructions below.

Washing Instructions:

I prefer washing by hand in my plastic basin, to wet block, with a product called Soak. This detergent is formulated to not need rinsing. Mix with one tsp of detergent to 1 gallon of water.  Use spring or filtered tap. Mix up with your hand in a clean sink or basin. Place knitting in and let soak in for 15 minutes. Gently squeeze the water out or place in a dry white towel and roll.  Knitting will be damp.

(I originally bought my blocking set with tub and “Soak” on Craftsy. click here but I’m not affiliated with them, I just love the product.)

Pinning Instructions:
Need:
Blocking Board(s) or clean kids play-mats
T-pins that are rust-resistant.  These are reusable.

Lay knitting on blocking board (a towel on cardboard or child’s foam letter block play-mat works, too) and pin the corners evenly with 1 pin in each corner.  On one side start pinning behind each picot to have a nice straight line. Adjust corner pins as necessary.  Repeat for adjacent side and work your way to the corner opposite your first starting pin.  Try to match the sizing pinned from the first side. Now skip the adjacent side and go to the side opposite of the 2nd side you pinned.  After pinning behind each picot (the edge in this example).  Adjust the pins as needed and complete the last side.

For small items that need shape, try a clean water spray bottle to spray onto your knitting that is over a dish or even a balloon to give some shape to your wet block.

Leave knitting until it is dry.  Be sure to place in a well ventilated area with good air circulation. We hope this article has helped you learn to wet block.  Please leave a comment if you need more help.