How to Block Crochet - 3 DIFFERENT METHODS! 🧶

[@HookedbyRobin]

What's your preferred method of blocking? 🤔

[@noyabayna]

I am a lazy crocheter so third method is good for me! 😂

[@impunitythebagpuss]

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!

[@forest_maiden]

@@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!

[@JohnWaddell-pv5ky]

❤😂​😅😮@@impunitythebagpuss

[@JohnWaddell-pv5ky]

🎉😊

[@dawnthomasrhodes8915]

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!

[@anabsolutetrashfire1312]

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.

[@rosygutierrez-m6z]

2 years later, I hope you're both doing fine. 💙

[@forest_maiden]

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! 😊

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re so welcome, I’m glad it helps!😃🧶

[@wendyriley4947]

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.

[@mosaicgirl4002]

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!❤

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re welcome and 50 years of crochet sounds like the dream!😃🥰

[@beccamcguinness518]

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 🥰

[@robinhill9602]

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 😊

[@HookedbyRobin]

A fellow female "i" spelling! Do you know how rare we are? 😂 LOL do you get people thinking you are a man too? Haha!

[@Cape33914]

I’m also spell my name that way. Thanks for the video.

[@micayla8799]

I’m teaching myself to crochet, and this tutorial was so well-spoken and easy to understand! Thank you so much! 🥰

[@cynthiaclark875]

I was completely baffled by blocking, but you have explained it beautifully! Thank you!

[@wooly_thyme]

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.

[@pattiweller4553]

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

[@HookedbyRobin]

Awwh yes Patti! 😃🤗 I am so glad my video helped.x

[@maryjobush9431]

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!!

[@LVXMagick]

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!🥰🙏

[@HookedbyRobin]

Great idea! 😃 I’m pleased my video helped.x

[@JanCummings]

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’ !

[@triciagossmann3580]

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.

[@HookedbyRobin]

The lightweight shawl is the perfect candidate to block with! It will make such a difference to the finished look of it 😀👍

[@highcotton63664]

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.

[@KB-fl3yl]

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. 💝

[@HookedbyRobin]

You're so welcome, I am glad the video helped.😀🤗

[@fernfiberdesigns-joan478]

Thank you Thank you so much. Not many you tubers go into this so nicely!!!!! You are wonderful!

[@purplealmondwellness8903]

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.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re so welcome, I’m glad it helps!😃🥰

[@winyfigaroa8652]

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.

[@ericabrown77]

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

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re so welcome Erica, I’m glad they help.😃🧶

[@milzdechnik846]

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 😊

[@HookedbyRobin]

I am so pleased my video helps Milz! 😃🧶

[@lisafields767]

Just truly enjoy your channel and voice. It is soothing which is what crochet is about to me.

[@evettesamuel]

Thank you so much for the beautiful explanation of the blocking methods I was looking for a way to block my crochet I think the best and safest method is spray and leave it to air-dry

[@melio_ghost]

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!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Ah no!🤗 But I am glad this helps for your future crochet projects.

[@brookeoscarson2520]

I'll be blocking granny squares all week now. Thanks for the video. Great info.

[@KimberlyAn73]

What an awesome video giving such details! I love the time stamps you mentioned as well!! What beautiful nails too 💞

[@barbarah9741]

Thank you for an excellent video --- I've always wondered how to block an item. Thanks to your explanations, I now know!

[@elyzabeth5671]

Made a huge blanket-scarf, and it's the biggest project I've made so far. Never tried blocking before, and I'm really nervous afraid to mess it up, but I think I shoud. Have to buy pins and those foam puzzle things first though. Thank you for the video, it's really helpful!

[@ginamaclean4733]

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.

[@the_musical_penguin]

Thank you! I'll have to check my local wm!

[@joyousjoy4ever]

Still teaching, 4 years later! Thanks bunches Robin! 😊❤

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re so welcome!😃🧶

[@laurathiele9509]

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.

[@HookedbyRobin]

Hope the county fair goes well Laura.😀

[@patriciadolphin4161]

Thank you for this easy to follow blocking tutorial i now know what blocking is and how to block a finished item

[@HookedbyRobin]

I’m really glad it helps Patricia!😃🧶

[@hawklon]

Great info! I was so confused about blocking when I first started crocheting and knitting, thank you

[@ronnipassmore8717]

Thank you because when you look up the question if you need to block everytime it does not exist! ❤️

[@maryannbryant8775]

I just finished your simple lightweight summer shawl, first time steaming a crochet item. Looks so much better when it’s steamed

[@marielvanhees9531]

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.

[@kellys5731]

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. 😂

[@HookedbyRobin]

Opppps Kelly! 😂

[@rheldawilkinson3790]

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.

[@angelsbuffy927]

I too prefer the steam method.. I am impatient as well.. thank you for a great tutorial.

[@pamhazen6820]

I have never blocked anything, but am a beginner. I am crocheting some squares to use to protect the wood floor under portable baby cribs (my spouse does child care) and they are not lying flat so thought I would find out about this blocking thing. Thanks for another great video.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re very welcome Pam, I’m glad it helps!😃

[@yingleong7236]

I'm new to crocheting granny squares and I've not heard of blocking until recently. I saw a DIY blocking board that someone made out of a paper box and some chopsticks (LOL!!) I made one myself and used it to block my squares and it worked!! 😀 I was contemplating on buying a proper blocking board but I might have to wait and see now.. 🤔

[@HookedbyRobin]

Ooooo, that is genius!😀

[@simonemaffey5845]

Yay Finally a great video about 'blocking' Thank you Thank you Thank you 💙

[@andrewball5512]

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]

what are blocking wires?

[@andrewball5512]

@@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.

[@aworldofsong]

This is such a useful video! Thank you ☺️ I’ve not dared to block any of my projects since beginning to crochet a few years ago. I thought you had to properly wash your projects to do it! Now I think I can give it a go 🙂

[@rosesperfumelace]

Excellent vid. If someone is putting their project in a show this is a good idea. Thank you for making all this info clear. ❤

[@juliasykes7917]

I am new to crocheting and this great information

[@mfg2324]

Nice to watch it while blocking some lace collars :) Blocking gives so much definition!

[@luciaahumada]

thank you!! I'm going to use the iron method 💗

[@HookedbyRobin]

I am glad it helps and that is a good one! 😃🧶

[@LauraE.9897]

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.🥰💜

[@carletaschwontkowski7350]

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

[@shortgiraffe6311]

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.

[@carletaschwontkowski7350]

@@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.

[@camillefoote5678]

Thank you for this lovely video! I make blankets for donation with 100% acrylic, and prefer not to block, but if I have to for some reason, I a) block individual squares with a blocking board that has drilled holes & pegs, spraying each block with distilled water as I add to the board. And b) If I have to block a finished blanket that has come out of my usual machine wash/dry, which is rare, I steam block with my iron on my ironing board. I do want to get a garment steamer for those rare times, I keep forgetting to do that, because steaming a blanket with a steam iron is a real pain.

[@HookedbyRobin]

I use my garment steamer more for getting creases out of my clothes if I'm staying in a hotel (which doesn't happen very often) so it's super handy just for those rare occasions! I actually originally bought it for steaming out the creases from the artificial silk flowers I used for my wedding 😅 I've used it a couple of times for actually blocking (but then again, I very VERY rarely bother blocking!) X

[@DaysOfSodaAndLantana]

I’m glad I read your comment. My goal is to learn to crochet blankets to donate to Project Linus. If I make one and don’t block it, will it turn out wonky after it is washed and dried?

[@connierobuck4000]

Thank you! Although I knew pretty much all this info I did catch a few ideas from watching your video!

[@janicebrown9171]

I've not blocked any of my items. Thank for sharing.

[@annac7590]

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!!

[@tracycaldwell7679]

Learning to block.i made a cardigan that needs the collar blocked.love the blue nail polish

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you Tracy!🥰

[@theaakacrochetbeast]

oh my gosh you made my heart jump out of my chest when you first pick up the iron talking away and touched the bottom!!!! :-P thank goodness you knew it wasn't turned on ;-P thank you for your video i have found this very helpful :)

[@lorelebeverland5585]

Thank you. I usually don't block except for lacey items. I use steam and put them in the window to sun dry.

[@KittyCat-2023]

I don't know whether you have ever heard about pouring hot water over a laid out project. My late mom used to practice this method of permanently blocking her work. The method's still widely used, especially on to acrylic materials by some. Another is to have the finished work soak in a lukewarm water mixed with a little bit of starch for a minute or two. Once it's dry, the work will have to be ironed on - covered with another material to control the temperature. The project would be stiff or crispy (like you said) but I don't quite like this method because the starch will give some sort of dull complexion and also leaving its residue on the work (if care isn't taken of - too much starch flour). Anyway, i'm glad to know more about the other ways of blocking method through your sharing. So, thank you so much. God bless.

[@tristanstorm3228]

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 ☺️

[@HaliPuppeh]

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.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re welcome Hali, I’m glad it helps.😃

[@hc9661]

thank you Robin, very comprehensive. I have learnt a lot.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You are so welcome, I am so glad to read that.😀

[@carollynnhall1705]

Great video! You were very clear and informative. Thanks for taking the time to explain this so well!

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you so much Carol!😃🧶

[@gobabe2396]

Hello, I only blocked one tiny item and I killed it. But, I just learned from you why and how. I need to block a scarf. I’m just Terrified it’s going to be flat and no longer look new. I am a Amigurumist ®™️ (Term created by me) , that’s all I do. But in the fall to winter I take a break to from this intense form of counting & stitchery to give my RA hands R&R and allow time for healing. During the rest period I just regular crochet. I’ve been at this this on and off for decades and I absolutely ❤Love this and knitting. I Just finished a fairly long scarf for my tall husband’s BD; (It’s Steel Grey, 7.5X96) And it’s also in honor of our Beloved 11.5 y/o GreyC, Grace 😢😢. I had to pause. Every time I say her name I hear the “Annie” Dog Song. As I always sung this to her. Our GreyC was our beautiful 11y/o Cane Corso. Her Grey Coat would take your breath away. And I dont know why I’m Prattling on about this. Sorry guys. I’m gong to quickly buy a steamer. Now that I see exactly how I killed that little Dress. Thanks for excellent tutorial. My Dream Project. It’s my dream to make some tremendous huge long crochet swatch that is created by millions for whatever reason they want and it spans around the world? Idk. Maybe we could hang it somewhere around the statue of Liberties Neck.

[@cyndymoelter1198]

I was using the damp way but now I think I'm going to do streaming. Thanks

[@geedubwall2153]

I don't have much floor space where I live and I started blocking my items with push pins in the wall...it works great!! I have only used the spray and wet method and so far I prefer wet. I knit more than i crochet and knit stitches lovveee wet blocking for loosening up. I use a little bit of baby shampoo in my wet blocking to soften the yarn and also have a 2 in 1 wash and block!

[@debmorgaina2458]

I didn’t know you had to block acrylic I thought only wool. Thanks. I prefer steam.

[@janedc5ch319]

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

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you so much Jane, I am glad to hear your son helps and that my videos are helping your crochet.🤗

[@jessicadraws5619]

Thanks so much!! I’m making my first jumper I’m so excited

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re so welcome Jessica!😃

[@ImagineUniqueName]

So glad that you mentioned you had used your carpet, because I was already determined to disregard the advice about using foam and use my carpet 😂

[@HookedbyRobin]

😂🫣

[@maryb386]

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?

[@kerry4640]

Great tutorial. Very well done. Thank you

[@EpicYarnGems]

You have answered my questions and I always wondered why and how. Thanks

[@sherriek4617]

Great video. You answered all my questions so far. I think my fave would be steam.

[@johnreuschlein9265]

I've never blocked anything but was told it might just be a good idea.

[@pokerbabe2741]

Thank you for this very informative video. I've never tried blocking, but I'm certainly eager to give it a try. Thanks again.

[@Br1ckeat3rr]

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 😂😂

[@HookedbyRobin]

Thank you for watching and I am glad it was interesting! 😃🧶

[@deborahcomrie6671]

Thank you for the very clear tutorial.

[@charliehazbin7793]

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

[@alishawilliams4194]

Great video! Very informative and well explained. Regarding the decision to block for me it's a line drawn between the type of fiber used: Cotton I usually block to straighten out curls in more lacy and/or intricate patterns as in doilies and Christmas ornaments (as you mentioned "crochet snowflakes" I looked over at two I had just completed, lol). I love working with acrylic but usually do not block because as you mentioned, it's pretty good at righting itself, lol. I haven't worked with too many other types of fibers so really can't speak about them. Most of them are very costly so I would likely research before buying to ensure it was the most practical fiber for my particular project.

[@ScottishClaire]

Thank you - easy to understand. Think I prefer steam 😊

[@JuanaIsaac]

THANK YOU! for the video and explaining the blocking process.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You are so welcome!

[@JuanaIsaac]

@@HookedbyRobin I am sorry but how do you block Sensy Premium 2mm 251 Yards Sparkle Polyester Rope 90% Polypropylene 10% Polyester Cord Macrame Cord 2mm? I making some nice Christmas shiny doilies for the holidays. Should I block, and If I do, how do I do so with macrame cord?

[@andreaschiavino5444]

Thank you for the great video and for showing me a beautiful new nail polish color! Love it!

[@forest_maiden]

She sure has the most gorgeous hands!

[@dawnthomasrhodes8915]

TY for all your help from the videos

[@HookedbyRobin]

You are very welcome Dawn! 😊

[@charmurry3585]

Mom mom used starch to block dollies.I almost never block thanks for information 👍

[@Rona_Davis]

Thanks for this fab video also love the Beecham's pill box I live in St Helens not far from the old beecham's factory in fact I volunteer at a café that is on the site of the very 1st beecham's factory x

[@biblio.sophia]

That was very helpful. Thank you!

[@HookedbyRobin]

I am so pleased to read that Sophia, thank you!🥰

[@rdp3holm]

Great informative post thanks Robin - love the way you talk with your hands hahaha

[@gabriela4862]

I was about to buy a blocking board but then I decided to watch this video and after hearing no blocking is permanent and the fact that most of the items I crochet aren't for me to keep, I'm not gonna but it anymore and instead use the same thing u used in the video lol tysm

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re welcome Gabriela and I am glad it helps.😃🧶

[@leamorioka7248]

Thanks for the clarity.

[@HookedbyRobin]

I hope it helps Lea.😃🧶

[@dragonbcrochet445]

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 😆

[@shreyapraveen4366]

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! ❤

[@JaneSmith0709]

Great information, thank you, Robin! I love your "Robin's Egg" fingernails too! Beautiful.

[@leannepar6]

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!

[@imanebenchekroun6247]

I don't block my work personally but when I wash I live it to dry on the table and I never have a problem one time a use steamer for a cardigan and it come to large maby I don't do it in a good distance thanks for your tutorials imane from France

[@denisem8957]

Im so happy to have found your turorials! They are by far better then any i have come across over the years. Very nicely done!! ❤❤ I have crocheted for years, but just now picking up tunisian. Am i correct in thinking there is no way to block a tunisian afghan?

[@HookedbyRobin]

hmm now there is a question! I don't see why you couldn't block tunisian crochet? I know that putting a crochet border around helps with the curling (if that is any use? haha!)

[@amberdavies3178]

Thank you, to the point and informative.

[@HookedbyRobin]

You’re so welcome Amber!😃

[@katekovach4821]

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?

[@crystalb9312]

Thank you so much for this, I found this to be super helpful!

[@impunitythebagpuss]

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 KZbin 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!

[@HookedbyRobin]

I get the same sometimes too, you’re not alone! I don’t always block my items these days because I get lazy too.🫣😅