When I first started knitting I kept hearing about the term "blocking" your hand knit and I had no idea what this meant. Did I have to do this? What is blocking? How do I block a hand-knit?
These are all questions I'll be answering for you in this blog and Youtube video coming soon. In my video, I'll be showing you all the steps on how to wet block your finished garment. This method can be used for any project you've knit, from sweaters, socks, shawls to mittens. There are two main blocking methods, steam blocking, and wet blocking. In this blog, I'll be going over the wet blocking technique, which is my favorite and go-to blocking method.
This post was sponsored by Knit Picks/WeCrochet. Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
What is wet blocking:
Wet blocking is when you immerse your hand-knit item in soapy water and let it soak for 20-30 mins which allows the stitches to relax and rinse off any residue in your knitting.
In my tutorial, I used the blocking kit from Knit Picks, here's a link in case you'd love to grab one for yourself. Large Blocking Kit from Knit Picks
To do wet blocking, you'll need the following items:
Wool Wash (I recommend either Kookaburra Delicate Wool Wash or Eucalan)
A sink or a container large enough to fit your handknit
T-pins
Blocking mats
Measuring tape
Water
First, you'll be filling up your sink or container with lukewarm water and some wool wash. Gently place your handknit in the water and push down to make sure your items absorb as much water as possible and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Also, make sure if your wool wash is not the no-rinse variety or you will need to re-submerge the piece in clean water once or twice to remove the soap from your handknit item. You will be gently removing the item out of the water all at once. Make sure you are not stretching out your item as this will affect the finished dimensions. Gently press out as much water as possible before placing it on a towel. Now, roll up the towel and step on it to get even more water out. Gently remove the item from the towel, place flat on blocking mats, and pin in place. You'll want to let it fully dry! Depending on the size of your knitted piece it could take a day or two.
Careful notes on wet blocking: Hot water and rubbing will agitate the fibers and they will felt together, you do not want this! Make sure your water is lukewarm and touch your knitted item as little as possible. Never place any wool knitted item under running water as this could cause friction and may felt the finished piece.
PRO TIP: If this is your first time trying out this technique of blocking, why not try it out on a swatch first. Since I always recommend blocking out your swatch, you can use this as a perfect time to practice before the finished item.
So why do we block?
Blocking evens out your tension and re-knits your wool: When you knit, your tension changes, and blocking your piece can help smooth out any stitches and make it all look even. Depending on how you received your yarn (hank, re-skeined, or ball) it's wrapped and twisted in ways that will actually curl the fiber due to the fact of how long it's been in that position. Wet blocking will even out all the stitches, creating a smoother overall look.
It helps the final look of the garment: Wet blocking will remove any of the puckered looks, helps even out any stitches, and make your final garment look all that much better. It also helps, depending on the knit, to get the dimensions needed within a pattern as it can help stretch out the stitches. It especially helps lace knitting because it opens up the work and showcases the shape/design perfectly.
It needs to be washed: Okay, this one is a given, you need to wash your handknits and wet blocking is perfect to remove any oils, or dirt that gets accumulated by either wearing or during the knitting process. Just think of all the places you've brought that knitted item, to the park? local knit group? around the house?
How did you like this tutorial? Do you wet block your hand knits? Let me know if you have any questions below this blog.