Does blocking really matter?

Does Blocking Really Matter?

We’ve all gotten to the end of the knitting pattern and read those dreaded words: Block to measurements

It can be so tempting to just revel in the excitement of a project fresh off the needles, and wear it proudly without blocking it. Hey, I’ve done that so many times. All those hours spent with the project in your lap, of course it’s a rush to hold the finished piece in your hands and be able to put it to use.

I am definitely a lazy knitter, or shall we say maximum efficiency minimal effort? With that in mind, here’s what I think about when it comes to blocking:

1. What kind of yarn did I use?

If I used a synthetic yarn (sorry, yarn snobs, I am not ashamed) then out comes the hair dryer. Rather than wet blocking, I’ve found this to be the best blocking method for me with synthetic yarn. Just keep it moving and press the piece into position with your free hand as you go.

Otherwise, you can soak & dry or spray & dry. If the pattern says to “lightly block” the piece, you can get away with spraying it with water so that it’s damp, then pressing/stretching it into shape, and leaving it to dry.

2. Should it drape?

If the project is something that will have some drape to it (a sweater, a blanket, a shawl, etc.) then absolutely block it! You can of course try it on for fit and maybe take a pic to celebrate, but please please please block it and see how much better it will look and feel on you.

Especially with animal fibers, blocking your project will help it go from loops of yarn to a nice, drapey fabric.

3. I need at least two identical pieces for this project

Let’s say you’re working on a blanket that is made up of squares that will be stitched together at the end. It would be super helpful to block them all to the same measurement before seaming them together.

Or maybe you’re working on a cardigan, and you have the left front and the right front. Having them blocked to the same size before sewing the panels together can make a huge difference. While you’re at it, of course block the back panel to the finished dimensions.

4. I tried it on but it doesn’t look quite as polished as I’d hoped

If that’s the case, we’re going to assume that:

• You’ve used yarn that is a good fit for the garment
• Your gauge matches the pattern or you’ve done the math to make it work
• Any seams were done correctly

If that’s all true and the piece still looks a little less-than polished, definitely block it! That finishing touch will usually take the garment to the next level, helping the fabric to drape more naturally.

5. It looks fine, and I’m happy with it

By all means, you do you! If you don’t feel like blocking your knitting, you don’t ever need to. I’m sure some knitter out there is clutching their pearls at this, but seriously. You’re the one who spent all that time on your project. At the end of the day, you’re the one who gets to decide if or how you’ll block it. I will not tell you how many of my projects have never been blocked!