What is wet blocking? Wet blocking simply means washing your knitted or crochet wool project with soap and water, then framing it to the desired size. Wet blocking will improve the overall appearance, helps fibres to relax, and get rid of excess dye and dirt.
I do not block all my knitted pieces. However, the Woolly Winter Infinity Scarf is a perfect example of when to wet block. I designed this scarf pattern using the Bamboo stitch and Malabrigo Caracol yarn. I just love the look of this scarf but needed to fix the curling edges. (photo left below)
Blocking this scarf resolved the issue, making it sit nice and flat.
(photo right below)
I always wet block before weaving all the yarn ends into the work.
BEFORE 
AFTER
Right Tools For The Job
Is it so easy to do, once you know what to do! So let’s get to it!
There are four items that you will need to wet block properly: T-Pins, foam play mats, Soak Wash, and a clean bath/beach towel.
- T-Pins – These are used to secure the knitted/crochet piece to the drying mat. Nickel-plated stainless steel pins are best as they are rust-resistant.
- Foam play mats – Used for drying. To save on costs, ask your friend with kids if they have a couple of playing mats that they are willing to borrow. (wash them with soap and water before using!)
- Soak Wash – This rinse-free, plant-based soap has an eco-friendly formulation.
- A clean bath/beach towel.
STEP ONE:
Decide how many mats you will need for your knitted piece and lay them out on a table, where it can stay for a few days. Have your pins nearby.
STEP TWO:
Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a cap full of Soak Wash. Submerge your piece completely and gently swish. Make sure not to agitate too much! Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
STEP THREE:
If you are using Soak Wash, no rinsing is required! Drain the sink or basin and gently squeeze as much water out of the piece as you can. Do not wring or twist!
STEP FOUR:
Place piece flat on top of a clean towel. Roll one end of the towel to the other end, squeezing as much water out as possible. Do not wring or twist! The towel will soak up the excess water.
Set wet piece on a towel 
Roll towel and squeeze!
STEP FIVE:
Lay piece on top of the mat and use pins to secure. This is where I stretched out the scarf to the ideal size and used a lot of pins along those curling edges.
STEP SIX:
Let this dry for a day or two. Once completely dry, remove pins, and voila you are done with wet blocking! Make sure to weave your yarn ends, if you have any.
I hope you found these easy steps helpful and that you will feel confident to wet block your next project!
LEARN.KNIT.LOVE
