NOT....is my preferred method! Lo! Steaming is my go to ...only I hold my squares over a pot of boiling water for a few seconds (on a fork!) then pin it out....not conventional but needs must! No iron or steamer!
@@impunitythebagpuss That’s a really good idea! I have chronic (severe) back pain so any method (of anything I do) that is less work is best for me. When I get to the granny squares I may have to try that!
I just started crocheting again after not crocheting since my teen years with my Grandma and I am in my mid 50’s lol ! I have suffered brain damage and lost my memory so I use your tutorials to relearn everything! I wet blocked my first projects two weeks ago I think and ordered a steamer from Amazon and can’t wait to try it!
Well the good news is that hobbies like crochet actually help your brain maintain it's neuroplasticity and regenerative capabilities! But I'm sorry you've experienced that. It's seven months later, so I hope you're okay.
I have been crocheting for years and I've only just discovered this method! Crazy! I shall definitely be doing this with your summer shawl pattern I'm currently attempting 🥰
Oh my gosh. I had heard of blocking and had just grabbed the pins from my paracord project stuff and an extra foam piece from my boys floor figuring I could use them together. And I clicked on your video not seeing the name and made me laugh because we have the same name. I always find other women named Robin but spelled with a y so it was nice to see another woman to have the same spelling. And then upon it playing I literally had all the same stuff as you in front of me except my block was red instead of blue lol. This is my 1st time blocking anything. Thank you so much for making this video it was perfect for me 😊
I've been crocheting for more than 40 years and have never blocked anything. For the last few years, I started making blocks with 3-D flowers like roses and now sunflowers. My question is how can I block these and will I have to it with each layer of the flowers?
I’m a newbie crocheter and my neighbour who crochets just mentioned blocking. I had no idea what she meant so looked it up and was so happy you covered it since I am doing one of your shawl patterns right now! Thank you so much for this, and all your videos, tutorials, and patterns! 😊
Can confirm that the soak, towel press, and pin methods are great for animal fiber pieces, too! I use the same method for my handspun yarns, sans the pinning part.
I am a BIG crochet Addict! Have now been crocheting for 50 years!( just worked that out!) I mostly do what I call Hippy Blankets, or Art rugs… very free style. But do more classic rugs & some garments. I’ve long wanted to understand blocking! Thank you for such an excellent tutorial!❤
really great tutorial on blocking!! have been trying to find out the do's and don'ts on this and your tutorial is the most helpful one i've heard!! steam is definitely my preferred but with my old iron that seems to be easier to manage for me than the hand-held steamers -- thank you again!!
Im a beginner and this was interesting! i might use it in the future projects i make. i was making my first ever project and it was a mushroom keychain tho it was tiny and i didnt watch shaping videos so i created some thing called a skip stitch basically you stitch any stitch (i did sc) and then skip one stitch then do the sc again then skip one stitch and so on and it somehow worked for the mushroom hat 😂😂
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’ve never blocked an item and I’m currently making your light weight summer shawl and would like to try the seam method. This is the third shawl of your pattern that I’m making. Truly enjoy your channel.
Thank you for the helpful video. I've seen other blocking videos that, for me, are a bit overkill, but this is perfect. I plan on steam blocking my cardigan squares before assembling.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm currently making a granny square blanket. This video has been tremendously helpful in the process of making that blanket.
I had no idea blocking was a thing until recently and it would have been really handy to know about it when I did my temperature blanket 😅 will definitely be using this method in the future!
Hello i have made a top (its called a peek-a-boo top). I have used acrylic yarn for this. How do i go about in blocking it? I want to be able to wear it for many days to come. And how do i go about taking care of it? Thank you for your time and your video! ❤
Thank you for this video. I'm making my first crochet comforter for my daughter for Christmas...I had no clue what I was going to block this monstrous thing on, but watching this I realized I could use my old yoga mats!! I'm sure I have at least 10 mats so that should actually be large enough. I really didn't want to go buy that many play mats for one project. THANK YOU SO MUCH!🥰🙏
I just started to crochet and i'm very new to it. Rght now my work(a baby blanket made with only single crochet) is rolling up in a sort of DNA shape. Does blocking help to make sure it stays flat? Or should i try something else?
How far into the blanket are you? It sounds like potentially you are crocheting quite tightly (very common when first learning so don't worry! You're not doing anything wrong 😀) I suggest maybe going up a hook size to see if that helps - HOWEVER - don't change the hook size part way through your blanket, that's only if you are starting again :) If you've already made a fair amount of progress then yes, blocking will help and also, as you carry on and the blanket gets bigger, hopefully the weight of it will help to keep it from rolling up too 🙂 I hope all of that makes sense?
Thank you so much! As i said i'm new to crocheting and i'm only a few rows into making the blanket but i noticed it keeps getting less rolled up. Thanks for the info🥰👍
Thank you, this is such a helpful and clear video. I’ve just completed my first blanket using your granny square videos. As a new crocheter your videos are amazing. Thank you x
Thank you, Robin, for producing this video. I, too, am left handed, but still do quite a few things right handed. You crochet pretty much like I do. I always wondered how I could learn to wrap my yarn around my index finger but it is so much easier the way I (and you) do it, and I am able to hold (and control) my work with the yarn in my left hand. I yarn-over on the top of my left index finger as you do. Thank you for making me feel ‘normal’ !
I like to wet block my items sometimes I will steam block but usually if it's a shawl or something I will wet block it. Also u can use blocking wires as well as the t pins to help straighten out edges and bring out stitch definition which I like to use also if needed 😊
@@conniestone6251 u can put them through the stitches of ur work to straighten out edges and hold them in place with the tpins. I bought mine off eBay.
Hello! I recently finished a cardigan with what I think is acrylic yarn but it is waaaay too stiff and I ended up hating how it fitted on me and I was told that blocking could help with that. Any tips you have on which method I should use or even if blocking will salvage the project? Thank you very much in advance I hope you have a great day!
You may find that simply washing it will loosen the fibers enough that your cardigan isn't stiff any longer. Acrylic yarn comes treated to keep the fibers stiff to make it easier to work with and washing should remove that once your project is completed. If you find it is still stiff after washing, a soak in a cheap hair conditioner can help. But all of that said, blocking would most certainly not hurt, so why not try?
Yay! I have been waiting for this one. Thanks soooooo much Robin 🤗🤗🥰 I have a blanket of squares that I want to block and wanted to see how you do it ☺️
Very informative easy-to-follow video! You're sense of humour is channeling Julia Child vibes :) Is there a particular type of blocking you recommend for cotton yarn? Is steaming not a good idea because it mat cause it to shrink? Thanks!
Thank you so much. I just finished a solid granny baby blanket and it was in desperate need of blocking. I've never, ever blocked anything. Your video gave me the courage to try and conquer
I saw this very pretty blanket on Pinterest...It’s called Lace Baby Blanket with beautiful crocheted lace border .. Could you how us how to make this beautiful Lace Baby Blanket?
50 years of crocheting and the only thing I have ever heard of is starching a doily . I have never blocked anything. I had no clue how to block anything, like where in the heck would you block a queen size afghan? Learning new things is great, but sometimes it makes my head hurt! LOL 😆
Thanks for the video. I use a flour towel to cover the project in the area I am steaming. It adds a layer of protection for the yarn. It does help. Walmart has blocking boards that have a grid in 1 inch sections. Around $12-13 per package of 4. There are great.
Thank you very much for this! I just got to the end of making a shawl and the instructions said to block and I’d never heard of it before, so your video was exactly what I needed 😊
Thank you for this video! I had never heard about blocking until yesterday I was watching a tutorial on a crochet sweater and then I found you. This was very helpful. I'm still a little unclear on what killing the fabric is and why you would want to do that? In what situations would that be necessary?
This is very clear. Thanks for this tutorial. I just finished a graph project in crochet thread and it curls around the corners, so I'm looking to block it before framing so it sits square.
I like to wet block. If I'm giving the finished item away I like to wash it before it goes so wet blocking is a cheats way to was a blanket, one square at a time. The only time I have tried steam blocking I killed the square and was not happy. However, several years later I've accepted that there are times when killing the fabric is what you want to do.
Killing the fabric frightens me because I'm so slap dash with my pinning out 😅 I'm nowhere near neat enough to risk permanently setting my dubious shaping 🤣
i've only been crocheting for a year and I've been too scared to do this. my aunty had to wash a blanket for me but for small projects I will try the spray method
Hi Robin, I’ve just watched your blocking video. I’ve never done it before and I’m really nervous. I have finished a blanket using Tunisian Simple Stitch and the top and bottom is curled. My question is can I just pin the top and bottom and spray the top and bottom with water. I used Caron Blossom Cakes yarn 61% cotton and 39% acrylic?
I block with steam. that is what I was taught and didn't know there was any other method until recently. I find that when using cheep yarn like red heart that is a bit rough, steam will soften it up quite a bit. thanks for explaining the other methods
Thank you Carleta! I was working on a blanket with the Red Heart but I got discouraged and stopped. I thought the yarn was way too rough and I was wondering if it ever softened. I'm so happy to hear that it can be done.
@@shortgiraffe6311 it is discouraging when this happens. I have found that dyes play a lot to do with it. to me red is the worst and it will always give you a different gauge than say green or yellow. so glad I could help.
I have never blocked an item, but am looking into it as I am going to put a couple of pieces in the county fair. I think blocking will make it look much better, especially for the edges.
Thanks for this video. I’ve only blocked one project, and after seeing this informative video, I will block more of my pieces. I’m currently working on a poncho, and it will definitely need to be blocked. I have subscribed! Can’t wait to see more of your videos.
Great video! I'm making a poncho with an acrylic blend yarn and I want to block it because the ends are curling up. I'm wondering if the square you blocked in the video killed after you steamed it?
Hey! I have a question, im makong a granny squeare bag, and should I block the granny squares before connecting them or i block the whole bag later? Or i just dont block anything😅
I don't generally block my crochet items because I'm too lazy mostly. BUT, I've recently had a brainfa*t about 3-D granny motifs...leaves, flowers ,etc. I swore years ago I'd never sew knitted or crocheted items ever again...I hate sewing! Sunflower grannies got me going again. Thankfully you UA-cam people now have crochet techniques to join squares! NOW I have to learn to block the darn things! Lol! Oh well, it's all for charity auctions anyways!
Hello and thank you for the video, my question is: I have to block a cotton crochet item, 100% cotton, can I steam it closer and hotter? Since cotton usually can be steamed at hot temperatures. Thank you in advance, have a good day!
Hi. I’m making a baby blanket for a friend and I want to wash it before I gift it to her. Could I just wash all the squares and then pin them to block them?
Yes absolutely! Personally I would wash the blanket once it was fully complete THEN block the blanket itself as that will save you work in the long run but it is totally personal preference 😀
I like to steam block. Not everything needs blocking . But as you said The stitch definition for a lacy item ,needs to be blocked. I make a butterfly shawl. You must block or it dosent show the butterfly's. My son helps me block my squares. I pin and he steams. I dont get around good anymore. Thank you for all your information. I want to make the Unicorn dreams blanket. I have only done applique once. Dident look that good. The way you show ,helps and looks much better. Also I have done your joining on my granny squares. Thank you so much
Thank you so much! Im making a somewhat lacy shawl (chains & sc) for a gift and although I've never made anything else that i cared to block, i can see by stretching out my stitches on this shawl that it would totally be worth it for this shawl. I have a garment steamer so yay BUT my yarn is polyester (Lion Brand Feels Like Butta) so I'm wondering if steam blocking might kill the fiber which is pretty much what i want to do. Do you know? And confirm that "Killing" the fiber IS what I want to do?
I'd be tempted to kill it as it's a gift (and those chains will want to scrunch back up EVER DARN TIME) - the only thing I'm unsure of is how polyester would react and whether it is killable like acrylic 🤔
@@HookedbyRobin This yarn feels like soft suede or thin chenille. It's really amazing so I searched the internet and couldn't find any mention of anyone else steam blocking any polyester yarn so I might be the first. Maybe I'll do it now while I'm about 1/4 done. If it ruins it won't be too bad starting over. I'll re-post and let you know in case anyone ever asks you again. If you want.
@@southerngirlhandmadeknit yes please! I'd be fascinated to know how it works out! I'd imagine it will probably work as it's a man made fibre but I'm no scientist, merely guessing 😂🤷♀️
@@HookedbyRobin I did it! Well I did a 6x6 inch corner of it with my garment steamer. I don't know if I "killed" it. I don't think I did because I wasn't too sure how long to hold the steam near it or if I should actually touch the steamer part to it. I held it about an inch or so above it and steamed it just until it was a bit damp (20 seconds?) then I let it cool and dry for about 2 minutes. I had a fan to help cool it so it was cool and dry that fast.. So it's MUCH better and for the most part it's keeping the improvement. The chains still fall a tiny bit but the openings are still good. Remember this yarn is extremely extremely soft.. So when i finish the other 3/4's of the shawl I'll wash it then I'll block the whole thing and reply to this post one more time to let you know if the original block stayed good and how the fully blocked shawl looks. Just for scientific reasons lol 😄🤞
so is killing the acrylic yarn the best thing to do? in the video, you provided lots of extra things that killing it provides, but is it bad in any way? and how do you know if you’ve killed it?
So I’m making a beanie and I messed up kinda a lot on the stitches at the top and bottom will this help and could I still make the beanie? Also for the spray bottle what will happen if I use hot or cold water?
Have a bigger blocking board so you can pin as many pieces into place as desired. I am working on a square blanket that should be blocked and I'm thinking I will need a five to six foot square of blocking pads/space to block it. The interlocking blocks will be so useful because I can reconfigure them for different shaped projects. Btw, I've crocheted for decades and never blocked a thing, though it would have made so many items much more beautiful.
I’ve been crocheting for many years but only recently learned of blocking through social media. I’m enjoying the explanation and am tempted to block my first project as it’s a gift and made of 20 squares.
Great video. I'm working on a blanket with individual hexagons surrounded by little squares and triangles. Because the squares and triangles are only 2 rounds of stitches in size and I don't have a steamer/iron, I am very glad the spray bottle method can work. There is no way I want to mess up rolling those little pieces in a towel after soaking them.
I wanted to block my skirt..but they have lots of ruffles at the end of the skirt. I wanted to ignore the ruffles and only block the straight skirt part, is that okay?
Yarn is so flimsy There is no way to get it perfect when you crochet it is an absolute must that you have to block the item I pin mine to a cork sheet which is water resistant and use a spray bottle that I got from beauty supply Then I use a hot hair dryer over it Works for me
I’m trying to learn how to block to attempt to compensate for my inconsistent stitch tension :s I’m also quite impatient and lazy could I steam then use a hair dryer to dry it faster?
What's your preferred method of blocking? 🤔
I am a lazy crocheter so third method is good for me! 😂
NOT....is my preferred method! Lo! Steaming is my go to ...only I hold my squares over a pot of boiling water for a few seconds (on a fork!) then pin it out....not conventional but needs must! No iron or steamer!
@@impunitythebagpuss That’s a really good idea! I have chronic (severe) back pain so any method (of anything I do) that is less work is best for me. When I get to the granny squares I may have to try that!
❤😂😅😮@@impunitythebagpuss
🎉😊
I just started crocheting again after not crocheting since my teen years with my Grandma and I am in my mid 50’s lol ! I have suffered brain damage and lost my memory so I use your tutorials to relearn everything! I wet blocked my first projects two weeks ago I think and ordered a steamer from Amazon and can’t wait to try it!
Well the good news is that hobbies like crochet actually help your brain maintain it's neuroplasticity and regenerative capabilities! But I'm sorry you've experienced that. It's seven months later, so I hope you're okay.
2 years later, I hope you're both doing fine. 💙
I love your easy going no-pressure approach! You took the pressure out of gifting items for me! i love what you said at the end. 💝
You're so welcome, I am glad the video helped.😀🤗
Thank you Robin, great info. I didn't know about the steam method, Ive still got so much to learn! Thanks to your videos I'm getting better.🥰💜
I have been crocheting for years and I've only just discovered this method! Crazy! I shall definitely be doing this with your summer shawl pattern I'm currently attempting 🥰
Oh my gosh. I had heard of blocking and had just grabbed the pins from my paracord project stuff and an extra foam piece from my boys floor figuring I could use them together. And I clicked on your video not seeing the name and made me laugh because we have the same name. I always find other women named Robin but spelled with a y so it was nice to see another woman to have the same spelling. And then upon it playing I literally had all the same stuff as you in front of me except my block was red instead of blue lol. This is my 1st time blocking anything. Thank you so much for making this video it was perfect for me 😊
A fellow female "i" spelling! Do you know how rare we are? 😂 LOL do you get people thinking you are a man too? Haha!
I’m also spell my name that way. Thanks for the video.
I've been crocheting for more than 40 years and have never blocked anything. For the last few years, I started making blocks with 3-D flowers like roses and now sunflowers. My question is how can I block these and will I have to it with each layer of the flowers?
I’m a newbie crocheter and my neighbour who crochets just mentioned blocking. I had no idea what she meant so looked it up and was so happy you covered it since I am doing one of your shawl patterns right now! Thank you so much for this, and all your videos, tutorials, and patterns! 😊
You’re so welcome, I’m glad it helps!😃🧶
Can confirm that the soak, towel press, and pin methods are great for animal fiber pieces, too! I use the same method for my handspun yarns, sans the pinning part.
I am a BIG crochet Addict! Have now been crocheting for 50 years!( just worked that out!) I mostly do what I call Hippy Blankets, or Art rugs… very free style. But do more classic rugs & some garments. I’ve long wanted to understand blocking!
Thank you for such an excellent tutorial!❤
You’re welcome and 50 years of crochet sounds like the dream!😃🥰
What an awesome video giving such details! I love the time stamps you mentioned as well!! What beautiful nails too 💞
really great tutorial on blocking!! have been trying to find out the do's and don'ts on this and your tutorial is the most helpful one i've heard!! steam is definitely my preferred but with my old iron that seems to be easier to manage for me than the hand-held steamers -- thank you again!!
I’m teaching myself to crochet, and this tutorial was so well-spoken and easy to understand! Thank you so much! 🥰
Im a beginner and this was interesting! i might use it in the future projects i make. i was making my first ever project and it was a mushroom keychain tho it was tiny and i didnt watch shaping videos so i created some thing called a skip stitch basically you stitch any stitch (i did sc) and then skip one stitch then do the sc again then skip one stitch and so on and it somehow worked for the mushroom hat 😂😂
Thank you for watching and I am glad it was interesting! 😃🧶
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’ve never blocked an item and I’m currently making your light weight summer shawl and would like to try the seam method. This is the third shawl of your pattern that I’m making. Truly enjoy your channel.
The lightweight shawl is the perfect candidate to block with! It will make such a difference to the finished look of it 😀👍
Thank you for the helpful video. I've seen other blocking videos that, for me, are a bit overkill, but this is perfect. I plan on steam blocking my cardigan squares before assembling.
Thank you for an excellent video --- I've always wondered how to block an item. Thanks to your explanations, I now know!
Loved the vid! Thanks
I was completely baffled by blocking, but you have explained it beautifully! Thank you!
In your opinion, what works best with cotton?
Personally I'd use steam - especially if it is a finer cotton yarn! Getting it wet would take FOREVER to dry and it would be super heavy 🤔
@@HookedbyRobin Thanks so much for this and all of your tutorials. I really appreciate your taking time to answer my question. :)
Thank you Thank you so much. Not many you tubers go into this so nicely!!!!! You are wonderful!
Thank you so much for this video. I'm currently making a granny square blanket. This video has been tremendously helpful in the process of making that blanket.
You’re so welcome, I’m glad it helps!😃🥰
My cat *use the carpet, mom. I won't lay on it. I promise.
Ha! So true!
Great info! I was so confused about blocking when I first started crocheting and knitting, thank you
I had no idea blocking was a thing until recently and it would have been really handy to know about it when I did my temperature blanket 😅 will definitely be using this method in the future!
Ah no!🤗 But I am glad this helps for your future crochet projects.
Hello i have made a top (its called a peek-a-boo top). I have used acrylic yarn for this. How do i go about in blocking it? I want to be able to wear it for many days to come. And how do i go about taking care of it?
Thank you for your time and your video! ❤
Thank you for this video. I'm making my first crochet comforter for my daughter for Christmas...I had no clue what I was going to block this monstrous thing on, but watching this I realized I could use my old yoga mats!! I'm sure I have at least 10 mats so that should actually be large enough. I really didn't want to go buy that many play mats for one project. THANK YOU SO MUCH!🥰🙏
Great idea! 😃 I’m pleased my video helped.x
I just started to crochet and i'm very new to it. Rght now my work(a baby blanket made with only single crochet) is rolling up in a sort of DNA shape. Does blocking help to make sure it stays flat? Or should i try something else?
How far into the blanket are you? It sounds like potentially you are crocheting quite tightly (very common when first learning so don't worry! You're not doing anything wrong 😀) I suggest maybe going up a hook size to see if that helps - HOWEVER - don't change the hook size part way through your blanket, that's only if you are starting again :) If you've already made a fair amount of progress then yes, blocking will help and also, as you carry on and the blanket gets bigger, hopefully the weight of it will help to keep it from rolling up too 🙂 I hope all of that makes sense?
Thank you so much! As i said i'm new to crocheting and i'm only a few rows into making the blanket but i noticed it keeps getting less rolled up. Thanks for the info🥰👍
I have 285 blocks I don’ t think I will be blocking them. Just hope everything falls into place. I will keep my fingers crossed.
Hi Mary, I don’t always block things because I’m lazy. Let me know how it goes.🫣😅
Thank you, this is such a helpful and clear video. I’ve just completed my first blanket using your granny square videos. As a new crocheter your videos are amazing. Thank you x
You’re so welcome Erica, I’m glad they help.😃🧶
Thank you, Robin, for producing this video. I, too, am left handed, but still do quite a few things right handed. You crochet pretty much like I do. I always wondered how I could learn to wrap my yarn around my index finger but it is so much easier the way I (and you) do it, and I am able to hold (and control) my work with the yarn in my left hand. I yarn-over on the top of my left index finger as you do. Thank you for making me feel ‘normal’ !
I like to wet block my items sometimes I will steam block but usually if it's a shawl or something I will wet block it. Also u can use blocking wires as well as the t pins to help straighten out edges and bring out stitch definition which I like to use also if needed 😊
what are blocking wires?
@@conniestone6251 u can put them through the stitches of ur work to straighten out edges and hold them in place with the tpins. I bought mine off eBay.
Hello! I recently finished a cardigan with what I think is acrylic yarn but it is waaaay too stiff and I ended up hating how it fitted on me and I was told that blocking could help with that. Any tips you have on which method I should use or even if blocking will salvage the project? Thank you very much in advance I hope you have a great day!
You may find that simply washing it will loosen the fibers enough that your cardigan isn't stiff any longer. Acrylic yarn comes treated to keep the fibers stiff to make it easier to work with and washing should remove that once your project is completed. If you find it is still stiff after washing, a soak in a cheap hair conditioner can help. But all of that said, blocking would most certainly not hurt, so why not try?
Yay! I have been waiting for this one. Thanks soooooo much Robin 🤗🤗🥰 I have a blanket of squares that I want to block and wanted to see how you do it ☺️
Yay Finally a great video about 'blocking' Thank you Thank you Thank you 💙
Good morning Robin, I have just wet blocked my crochet blanket, it’s almost dry.Can I then put in dryer to fluff up
Very informative easy-to-follow video! You're sense of humour is channeling Julia Child vibes :)
Is there a particular type of blocking you recommend for cotton yarn? Is steaming not a good idea because it mat cause it to shrink?
Thanks!
I'll be blocking granny squares all week now. Thanks for the video. Great info.
Do you have a preference of pins over combs? I'm just starting out and the pins I got went too far through my mats and scratched my table.
Ah no Patti! 🤗 It is personal preference really but if you’re not getting on with the pins, definitely try something different.x
I don’t but if I did it would be steam .
Thank you 😊 xxx 🇮🇲
Thank you so much. I just finished a solid granny baby blanket and it was in desperate need of blocking. I've never, ever blocked anything. Your video gave me the courage to try and conquer
Awwh yes Patti! 😃🤗 I am so glad my video helped.x
I saw this very pretty blanket on Pinterest...It’s called Lace Baby Blanket with beautiful crocheted lace border ..
Could you how us how to make this beautiful Lace Baby Blanket?
50 years of crocheting and the only thing I have ever heard of is starching a doily . I have never blocked anything. I had no clue how to block anything, like where in the heck would you block a queen size afghan? Learning new things is great, but sometimes it makes my head hurt! LOL 😆
wow so if i have 50 squares, I gotta block each one! that sounds so time consuming lol
I don’t always block things, as I get lazy!😅🫣
I've not blocked any of my items. Thank for sharing.
Thanks for the video. I use a flour towel to cover the project in the area I am steaming. It adds a layer of protection for the yarn. It does help. Walmart has blocking boards that have a grid in 1 inch sections. Around $12-13 per package of 4. There are great.
Thank you! I'll have to check my local wm!
Thank you very much for this! I just got to the end of making a shawl and the instructions said to block and I’d never heard of it before, so your video was exactly what I needed 😊
I am so pleased my video helps Milz! 😃🧶
Thank you for this video! I had never heard about blocking until yesterday I was watching a tutorial on a crochet sweater and then I found you. This was very helpful. I'm still a little unclear on what killing the fabric is and why you would want to do that? In what situations would that be necessary?
Just truly enjoy your channel and voice. It is soothing which is what crochet is about to me.
This is very clear. Thanks for this tutorial. I just finished a graph project in crochet thread and it curls around the corners, so I'm looking to block it before framing so it sits square.
You’re welcome Hali, I’m glad it helps.😃
thank you for making it clear to me, I have never heard of blocking till now. I am a beginner, so thanks again for your explanation.
I like to wet block. If I'm giving the finished item away I like to wash it before it goes so wet blocking is a cheats way to was a blanket, one square at a time. The only time I have tried steam blocking I killed the square and was not happy. However, several years later I've accepted that there are times when killing the fabric is what you want to do.
Killing the fabric frightens me because I'm so slap dash with my pinning out 😅 I'm nowhere near neat enough to risk permanently setting my dubious shaping 🤣
i've only been crocheting for a year and I've been too scared to do this. my aunty had to wash a blanket for me but for small projects I will try the spray method
Hi Robin, I’ve just watched your blocking video. I’ve never done it before and I’m really nervous. I have finished a blanket using Tunisian Simple Stitch and the top and bottom is curled. My question is can I just pin the top and bottom and spray the top and bottom with water. I used Caron Blossom Cakes yarn 61% cotton and 39% acrylic?
I block with steam. that is what I was taught and didn't know there was any other method until recently. I find that when using cheep yarn like red heart that is a bit rough, steam will soften it up quite a bit. thanks for explaining the other methods
Thank you Carleta! I was working on a blanket with the Red Heart but I got discouraged and stopped. I thought the yarn was way too rough and I was wondering if it ever softened. I'm so happy to hear that it can be done.
@@shortgiraffe6311 it is discouraging when this happens. I have found that dyes play a lot to do with it. to me red is the worst and it will always give you a different gauge than say green or yellow. so glad I could help.
I have never blocked an item, but am looking into it as I am going to put a couple of pieces in the county fair. I think blocking will make it look much better, especially for the edges.
Hope the county fair goes well Laura.😀
Thanks for this video. I’ve only blocked one project, and after seeing this informative video, I will block more of my pieces. I’m currently working on a poncho, and it will definitely need to be blocked. I have subscribed! Can’t wait to see more of your videos.
Great video! I'm making a poncho with an acrylic blend yarn and I want to block it because the ends are curling up. I'm wondering if the square you blocked in the video killed after you steamed it?
Hey! I have a question, im makong a granny squeare bag, and should I block the granny squares before connecting them or i block the whole bag later? Or i just dont block anything😅
Is it obligated to block a granny square for a bag ?
I don't always block everything but I do get lazy!😂x
Its milk cotton yarn so how shall i block it(single crochet)
I had no idea that’s what those t shaped pins were for I have a whole box I got from my grandmas old sewing stuff 🤣 I can do this!!
I don't generally block my crochet items because I'm too lazy mostly. BUT, I've recently had a brainfa*t about 3-D granny motifs...leaves, flowers ,etc. I swore years ago I'd never sew knitted or crocheted items ever again...I hate sewing! Sunflower grannies got me going again. Thankfully you UA-cam people now have crochet techniques to join squares! NOW I have to learn to block the darn things! Lol! Oh well, it's all for charity auctions anyways!
I get the same sometimes too, you’re not alone! I don’t always block my items these days because I get lazy too.🫣😅
thank you!! I'm going to use the iron method 💗
I am glad it helps and that is a good one! 😃🧶
I didn’t know you had to block acrylic I thought only wool. Thanks. I prefer steam.
Hello and thank you for the video, my question is: I have to block a cotton crochet item, 100% cotton, can I steam it closer and hotter? Since cotton usually can be steamed at hot temperatures. Thank you in advance, have a good day!
Hi. I’m making a baby blanket for a friend and I want to wash it before I gift it to her. Could I just wash all the squares and then pin them to block them?
Yes absolutely! Personally I would wash the blanket once it was fully complete THEN block the blanket itself as that will save you work in the long run but it is totally personal preference 😀
Hooked by Robin thank you. Thinking about it, it’s probably best to wash after I’ve finished then block so I know it’s clean etc
Excellent vid. If someone is putting their project in a show this is a good idea. Thank you for making all this info clear. ❤
I've really and truly killed a shawl once with steam 😨 it looked bad afterwards. If I block at all now, I use the spray bottle method.
oh no! It is so easy to do by accident!
I like to steam block.
Not everything needs blocking . But as you said
The stitch definition for a lacy item ,needs to be blocked. I make a butterfly shawl. You must block or it dosent show the butterfly's.
My son helps me block my squares. I pin and he steams. I dont get around good anymore.
Thank you for all your information. I want to make the Unicorn dreams blanket. I have only done applique once. Dident look that good. The way you show ,helps and looks much better. Also I have done your joining on my granny squares. Thank you so much
Thank you so much Jane, I am glad to hear your son helps and that my videos are helping your crochet.🤗
If it’s only wet for a short time why is it important for the pins to be stainless? And how does 100% poly react? Different? Thx so much!
Thank you! Although I knew pretty much all this info I did catch a few ideas from watching your video!
Thankyou thats a great help unfortunately l don't have a blocking board so help please what can l use instead please many thanks x
Thank you so much! Im making a somewhat lacy shawl (chains & sc) for a gift and although I've never made anything else that i cared to block, i can see by stretching out my stitches on this shawl that it would totally be worth it for this shawl. I have a garment steamer so yay BUT my yarn is polyester (Lion Brand Feels Like Butta) so I'm wondering if steam blocking might kill the fiber which is pretty much what i want to do. Do you know? And confirm that "Killing" the fiber IS what I want to do?
I'd be tempted to kill it as it's a gift (and those chains will want to scrunch back up EVER DARN TIME) - the only thing I'm unsure of is how polyester would react and whether it is killable like acrylic 🤔
@@HookedbyRobin This yarn feels like soft suede or thin chenille. It's really amazing so I searched the internet and couldn't find any mention of anyone else steam blocking any polyester yarn so I might be the first. Maybe I'll do it now while I'm about 1/4 done. If it ruins it won't be too bad starting over. I'll re-post and let you know in case anyone ever asks you again. If you want.
@@southerngirlhandmadeknit yes please! I'd be fascinated to know how it works out! I'd imagine it will probably work as it's a man made fibre but I'm no scientist, merely guessing 😂🤷♀️
@@HookedbyRobin I did it! Well I did a 6x6 inch corner of it with my garment steamer. I don't know if I "killed" it. I don't think I did because I wasn't too sure how long to hold the steam near it or if I should actually touch the steamer part to it. I held it about an inch or so above it and steamed it just until it was a bit damp (20 seconds?) then I let it cool and dry for about 2 minutes. I had a fan to help cool it so it was cool and dry that fast.. So it's MUCH better and for the most part it's keeping the improvement. The chains still fall a tiny bit but the openings are still good. Remember this yarn is extremely extremely soft.. So when i finish the other 3/4's of the shawl I'll wash it then I'll block the whole thing and reply to this post one more time to let you know if the original block stayed good and how the fully blocked shawl looks. Just for scientific reasons lol 😄🤞
so is killing the acrylic yarn the best thing to do? in the video, you provided lots of extra things that killing it provides, but is it bad in any way? and how do you know if you’ve killed it?
So I’m making a beanie and I messed up kinda a lot on the stitches at the top and bottom will this help and could I still make the beanie? Also for the spray bottle what will happen if I use hot or cold water?
I just wanted to know how long does it take for the form of your granny square break like start shriveling up again after it has been blocked?
Please let us know where we can find the pattern for your square, I love it! 💜
The square is the Cloud Square (without the cloud applique!) - the video is here :-) ua-cam.com/video/WtrZOdExKWc/v-deo.html
Honest question...Why would you NOT kill the fabric, if you are blocking?
Thank you for this easy to follow blocking tutorial i now know what blocking is and how to block a finished item
I’m really glad it helps Patricia!😃🧶
Can you do multiple squares at once? How do people do that?
Have a bigger blocking board so you can pin as many pieces into place as desired.
I am working on a square blanket that should be blocked and I'm thinking I will need a five to six foot square of blocking pads/space to block it. The interlocking blocks will be so useful because I can reconfigure them for different shaped projects. Btw, I've crocheted for decades and never blocked a thing, though it would have made so many items much more beautiful.
Great tutorial. Very well done. Thank you
I am new to crocheting and this great information
Thank you because when you look up the question if you need to block everytime it does not exist! ❤️
Does polyester need to be blocked after going through the laundry.
Hi. If your project comes out a bit wonkey. Will blocking fix the problem?
An acrylic baby blanket, would you still recommend blocking and which method?
I’ve been crocheting for many years but only recently learned of blocking through social media. I’m enjoying the explanation and am tempted to block my first project as it’s a gift and made of 20 squares.
Thanks for the video! =)
I have a steamer...but only use if necessary 🧶🧶🧶😊
Should i tilt the blocking board? Or must it be flat on the ground
Just watched this for the first time. Can you use a hair dryer as a heat source on sprayed or wet items?
Great video. I'm working on a blanket with individual hexagons surrounded by little squares and triangles. Because the squares and triangles are only 2 rounds of stitches in size and I don't have a steamer/iron, I am very glad the spray bottle method can work.
There is no way I want to mess up rolling those little pieces in a towel after soaking them.
Great info. I had no clue about blocking. I remember as a teen, I made a afghan stitch coaster and I definitely killed it with an iron. 😂
Opppps Kelly! 😂
I crochet a cardigan for my first time , do I have to block each piece ?
Mom mom used starch to block dollies.I almost never block thanks for information 👍
I wanted to block my skirt..but they have lots of ruffles at the end of the skirt. I wanted to ignore the ruffles and only block the straight skirt part, is that okay?
Yes of course! 😀
What is this foam sheet called?
Hi Simmi, here you go: Foam play mats amzn.to/2WrsAgK
😃
Yarn is so flimsy There is no way to get it perfect when you crochet it is an absolute must that you have to block the item I pin mine to a cork sheet which is water resistant and use a spray bottle that I got from beauty supply Then I use a hot hair dryer over it Works for me
Great tip Mary, thank you so much!😀
I’m trying to learn how to block to attempt to compensate for my inconsistent stitch tension :s I’m also quite impatient and lazy could I steam then use a hair dryer to dry it faster?
100% yes 😅 I am exactly the same and regularly use a hair dryer to speed up the process lol
How do I block a project made of mandala yarn or do I block it.