These finishing touches not only clean your project but also help it settle into its final shape, smooth out uneven stitches, and give it a professional look. Whether you knit, crochet, or sew, understanding how to wash and block your creations can completely transform the finished product.
Why Washing and Blocking Matters
Many fiber artists are tempted to skip washing and blocking because it feels like an optional step. After all, your scarf or sweater already looks fine, right? But here’s why this stage is worth the extra effort:
- Relaxed Fibers – Blocking helps yarn and thread relax, making stitches even and fabric drape beautifully.
- True Size and Shape – Washing and blocking allow you to set your project to its intended dimensions, especially important for garments and fitted items.
- Cleaner and Softer Finish – Even if you’ve kept your project clean, yarns and fabrics can collect dust, oils from your hands, and sometimes even spinning mill residue. Washing refreshes everything.
- Professional Polish – A blocked shawl will lie flat, a crochet lace pattern will open up, and a quilt will look crisp and tailored.
Choosing the Right Method
Not all projects should be washed and blocked in the same way. The right method depends on the materials you’ve used.
1. Knitting Projects
- Wool and natural fibers: Respond beautifully to wet blocking (fully soaking the item, then shaping and pinning).
- Cotton and linen: May stretch when wet, so careful shaping is key.
- Acrylic yarns: Often benefit from “steam blocking” instead of soaking, since wet blocking may not hold the shape.
2. Crochet Projects
- Lace patterns and motifs often require blocking to open up the design. Pin each point carefully to reveal the full detail.
- Heavier crochet fabrics, like blankets, may need only a gentle wash and lay-flat dry.
3. Sewing and Quilting Projects
- Pre-washed fabrics may not need heavy blocking, but a final press and gentle wash make seams sit neatly.
- Quilts often benefit from a light wash after completion to remove markings, soften batting, and give them that cozy, crinkled look.
How to Wash Your Handmade Projects
Step 1: Check Fiber Content
Always read the yarn label or fabric instructions. Some fibers shrink dramatically (wool), while others resist water changes (acrylic, polyester).
Step 2: Choose the Right Cleanser
- Delicate washes like Eucalan or Soak are made specifically for wool and handmade items.
- For quilting cottons, a mild detergent works well.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or fabric softeners, which can damage fibers.
Step 3: Washing Methods
- Hand wash: Fill a basin with lukewarm water, add cleanser, and gently submerge your project. Don’t agitate—it can felt wool.
- Machine wash: Use only if your fiber is machine safe (like superwash wool or cotton). Always pick a delicate cycle and cold water.
- Quick rinse: For acrylic yarns, sometimes a rinse is enough, since they don’t absorb much.
Step 4: Drying
Never wring out your handmade piece. Instead:
- Roll it gently in a towel to remove excess water.
- Lay it flat on a dry towel or blocking mats to begin shaping.
How to Block Your Project
Blocking can feel intimidating, but once you understand the process, it becomes second nature.
Wet Blocking
- After washing, gently press out excess water.
- Lay the project on a flat surface (foam mats, a bed covered with towels, or specialized blocking boards).
- Stretch it to the desired measurements.
- Pin edges, corners, or lace points into place using rust-proof pins.
- Allow to dry completely, which may take 24–48 hours.
Steam Blocking
- Pin the dry project into shape.
- Hover a steam iron above the fabric (never press down directly unless the fiber can handle it).
- Allow the steam to relax fibers, then leave to dry in place.
Spray Blocking
- Pin the project dry.
- Use a spray bottle to mist with water until damp.
- Let it dry naturally in the pinned shape.
Tips for Success
- Invest in tools: Blocking mats, T-pins, and a spray bottle make the process easier.
- Always test first: Especially with unknown fibers—block a small swatch before doing the whole project.
- Re-block when needed: Garments may need touch-up blocking after washing or with long wear.
- Don’t rush the dry time: Removing pins too early can cause your project to lose its shape.
Special Considerations
- Lace Shawls and Doilies – These often transform the most dramatically after blocking. What looks crumpled on your needles can open into delicate, airy designs.
- Garments – Blocking ensures sleeves, hems, and necklines fall as intended. It can also help fix small size discrepancies.
- Blankets and Quilts – Light blocking can keep edges straight and prevent corners from curling.
The Payoff: A Project You’ll Be Proud Of
Taking the time to wash and block your finished projects isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about giving your work the best possible presentation. Handmade items deserve the same attention to finishing details as store-bought ones.
When you see your stitches even out, lace open, and edges straighten, you’ll realize just how powerful this step can be. The difference between an unblocked and a blocked project is like night and day.
So next time you bind off or clip your final thread, don’t stop there. Wash, block, and admire the beauty of your handiwork in its truest, most polished form.
