How to block knitting - The ultimate tutorial [+tips and tricks]

A step-by-step tutorial on blocking in knitting. How it works and what you need to be aware. ► Link to my Patreon account: / nimbleneedlez
Blocking mats: amzn.to/3lUppi4
Blocking combs: amzn.to/3IinsE1
Sock blocking boards: amzn.to/3kcMZX6
Steamer: amzn.to/41dfEvV
(apparently, the Philips steamer is not available in the U.S.; it has a rather small tank anyway)
*Note: As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases
Step-by-step tutorial on my blog: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/...
In this video, I want to show you the exact finishing project I use for almost all my projects. Blocking knitting can help to create a neater stitch definition and prevent curling. The basic idea behind it is the same one behind any hair curling (or straightening) techniques. You can wet block almost all animal fibers (sheep wool, cashmere, yak, camel, alpaka, etc). But you can also block cotton, linen, nettle, or artificial fibers like arylic or nylon. In these cases, you have to adapt the technique slightly and revert to some form of heat (mostly through steam) application.
0:00 Introduction
0:59 Why blocking works - the chemistry behind it
5:04 How to block knitting (animal fibers)
13:45 Blocking tips and tricks
19:37 Blocking projects knit in the round (sweaters, hats, socks)
22:52 blocking cotton
25:27 Blocking acrylic and nylon
27:06 Blocking linen, nettle, etc
33:44 Last thoughts
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[@NimbleNeedles]

☕ Support my work and become a patron: www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez 🧑‍🎓Free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-knit-for-beginners/ 🧶 My knitting tools: nimble-needles.com/wool-and-tools/my-knitting-toolkit-essential-items-i-need-for-every-project/ 👕 My patterns: nimble-needles.com/free-knitting-patterns/ 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nimbleneedlez/ And feel free to comment any time if you have a question. No need to be shy! :)

[@carolynwatling4626]

Thank you for giving so much detail regarding plant and artificial fibers! I'm not able to knit with animal fibers and find it difficult to find info sometimes regarding alternatives. I will be blocking differently and more confidently now thanks to you :)

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad my video made a difference. And sure give these other methods a try. Maybe it will help you to bring your projects to the next level :)

[@kendiejace4131]

Why can't you use animal? Jw

[@kellyfazekas7831]

Norman, this is probably the best video on blocking I've seen, and I've seen many. You explain things very well with enough detail but not so much it becomes boring. Thanks for another informative video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thanks, Kelly! I appreciate that

[@claire-aimeelabelle5502]

Hi Norman, thank you for all your interesting videos. I still learn from you even at 82 years old. I started teaching knitting in 1985 in North Africa and still do despite a few pauses. In Burda knitting book, I read that wool is 30% waterproof. To identify yarn where there is no label, I burn a little piece to find out if it is animal, vegetable or synthetic yarn. The animal yarn will smell and feel like ash. The vegetable yarn will become ash as well. If it is synthetic, it will feel like melted plastic. Once I found alpaca? yarn from the thrift store to knit mittens for a refugee family of 5. Knitting has given me the opportunity to connect with people of different nationalities and I feel fortunate to have lived in different places of the world.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, the burning tip is a great one and, as you say, with some experience it can work quite great!

[@claire-aimeelabelle5502]

Thank you Norman for your reply.

[@jessigreer]

Your videos are always so incredibly thoughtful and well-explained. I’ve learned so much from you-thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

always glad to hear my videos can make a difference. As a creator, you are in constant self-doubt :P

[@tonipidsadnick5149]

Thanks so much for all the information - especially about how to work with the different fibre contents. Wow! I'll mention something : My Mum used to knit Christening shawls for grandkids and babies of special friends. I remember one large particularly complex shawl which she lay out to block. Sadly, the next day she found rust stains from the one hundred or so pins she blocked it with. Nothing we tried would get the stains out of this otherwise snow-white creation. She did send it to the wool company for consultation. That was in the 1970s and I don't remember if there ever was a solution. What a heartbreak! It had never occurred to her that the pins might rust. Ever since then, I make sure that any pins I buy are rust proof, and I always test them first.

[@NimbleNeedles]

something that might work in such a circumstance is overdyeing it. Will be a different color but might be able to selvage that. Well, it's 50 years ago now. still maybe someone else reads this :)

[@BadgerandBee]

Norman, as always, your attention to detail in the process AND in the demonstrating is greatly appreciated. This is the best blocking video I have seen.

[@etainne2001]

for Americans who don't know Celsius , that linen temperature was 140 F -210 F. Thanks A Ton Norman, this video was helpful since i have two wool sweaters to deal with in the next few weeks that I was wondering if i needed to block before they go to their forever homes. Now I know they need it for Sure!

[@ownashare]

Thank you Norman your videos are so interesting, clear and informative.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Thank you, Norman, for putting together this comprehensive blocking tutorial. ♥️

[@cheyennestorey7591]

Thank you so much for all your excellent videos. Even though I have been knitting for over 40 years, I have learned so much from you. Bright Blessings.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Aww..thank you 🥰

[@carolsstone]

I appreciate your attention to detail

[@lindacraven5085]

I have been knitting for many years but I always learn something new when I watch your videos. You are the best teacher ❤

[@vestaalvesta786]

Thank you soooooo much! I learnt so much from you! As an absolute newbie, these resources are much appreciated.

[@cristinanauta]

Started knitting bigger projects and you encouraged me to improve mij technique and the way to handle product afterwards. Thank you, Danke dir!

[@22MsRue]

This video was so helpful! Thanks :) I've never tried blocking before, and your explanations helped a ton! 😊

[@Sunchybunch]

Two of my favorite things are yarn and science. I loved hearing them together!

[@krislind7094]

Great information... and I LOVE your sweater!!!

[@melissaalmeida7808]

Thank you for yet another informative and easy to understand video! Your channel is my go to for any knitting questions I run across.

[@annettefranklin158]

I am so glad I found you ❤my ribbing sucked!! I am about to frog it and use your method. I also watched video on changing yarns. So so good ❤

[@user-mw8mv8wx3q]

Thank you for this video, Norman, it was just what I needed. I'm no stranger to blocking, particularly lace shawls and pieced sweaters, but I needed some tips on blocking a whole garment. I've been putting off finishing a cabled jacket for far too long because the idea of blocking it and getting it wrong terrified me. Your tips will give me the confidence to tackle this project now, and I'll be buying some foam cording to help with the sleeves. Many thanks again.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awesome! Would be a shame if you never wore it after all that hard work!

[@thizizliz]

Norman, this was super helpful as always. Using your advice practicing new skills on face cloths, my sample was horribly wonky so I steamed it and am so proud of the results! (Cotton)

[@hasnat2002]

Norman, you are such a great teacher. Patient and informative, and not just on knitting. Love it. Thank you also for teaching me to knit. I found the Continental style very hard initially, but once my fingers understood, it was wonderful, and fast!. You are the best. Looking forward to more knitting tips and tricks, and of course, the chemistry lessons😊😊😊😊

[@sandrasilvestri1418]

As always, very educational and useful information. Thank you for explaining this so well.

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@sabinebauerle7655]

Thanks for this tutorial, for me it was a real eye opener

[@catherinecarter8987]

Thank you dear Norman. This is a great tutorial and is giving me so much confidence for my first block. You are very special x

[@pernillep9049]

Again, and as always and brilliant tutorial!!!

[@helenefransz3613]

Just awesome! So helpful. Thank you!!

[@AmyWitschger]

Your videos are so thorough and I always walk away learning something new. Thank you! 🧶☺️

[@NimbleNeedles]

I always try to do my best

[@Countrycabin]

This is a wonderfully detailed description and so helpful!!! You are so talented, thank you!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@leylamoossavi]

Very well done as usual!! Thank you.

[@MAS1111tube]

The only video you'll ever need on blocking - fabulous! Just about to block my first project - a scarf. Thank you Norman! :)

[@Jennie8684]

Fabulous, informative video. As a Fountain Pen Fanatic I especially loved the appearance of your Lamy Safari. 😊

[@yarnmotivated-joyceswensso9744]

Excellent as always

[@DianneSullivan-bu3pk]

I have been knitting for years...never knew how to block properly. Thanks and I will be revisiting!!

[@PoikiloblastMel]

💛 Thanks for this vid, I learnt so many tips and tricks 💛

[@donnadalelio5625]

I love your videos. You are an encyclopedia of information! Thank you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! well...lots of thorough research goes into each video. I don't know everything either

[@edithpoulin4797]

I am so glad I watched your presentation. You are a natural teacher, informative and entertaining all at the same time. I am gladly susbcribing to your channel, sir! Your thoughful, step-by-step demonstration has made it so clear for me while and how one should block their work. As a beginner knitter who lives on one's own, I am so grateful for the high quality tutorials and content that skilled, passionate people such as yourself are offering the world. I get to learn from home from a variety of teachers and I am excited I was led to you today! May you find continuous joy and purpose in your NimbleNeedles business!

[@dragonsareamszing286]

This was really helpful. I appreciate that you went through the methods for more than one type of fiber, especially since I'm going to have to block a scarf with a mix of fibers soon. This definitely helped make things a lot clearer.

[@joeybreidi730]

I love your content they are helpful and funny the perfect mix to learn

[@trinciacakewalk]

Super! I learned so much new facts.

[@yolandecollins9952]

Thankyou so much for all the information

[@dorym8045]

Wow! This was such a thorough covering of this topic. I never knew even half of the biology behind fibers. Thank you. ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

there is so much more. but not sure if such a video would be boring..or rather if I would be able to present it in an entertaining way, lol :P

[@dee4174]

This is the best viideo on blocking inn existence!

[@kaysimpson4865]

Thank you so much for this very in-depth video Norman. I’m fairly new to knitting and this will be an invaluable resource.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Kay!

[@janisstrohl5712]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much!! 🧶

[@marcbarrette5043]

Thanks so much! Your videos are always excellent.

[@NimbleNeedles]

So nice of you

[@marysmith9109]

Once again, a very clear thorough lesson. Thank you

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you liked it!

[@martynabaziak5650]

Norman, you did a really great job! I'm so thankful for your explanation, especially for that chemistry part

[@NimbleNeedles]

can you tell I once studied chemistry? :P :P

[@phoener]

Wonderful, detailed tutorial!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thizizliz]

As always, you give great information & help us learn. Thank you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

very happy to hear that

[@michelleemeneger6559]

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to explain 👍🏼

[@NimbleNeedles]

it's my pleasure, Michelle!

[@Kelleykrafts]

Thank you for reviewing many fibers!!

[@MetroStitcher]

The best blocking video on KZbin. Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thank you!

[@susanr2312]

Thank you. So helpful!

[@yolyrom7233]

Excellent video tutorial!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you liked it!

[@roseosterndorf1265]

I love the chemistry lesson. I use the same explanation for curly versus straight hair.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh, indeed. it's the same thing! hair is hair..even tho the one is spun into a different form!

[@Samia_19]

Thank you so much for the video, your channel is the best!

[@NimbleNeedles]

wow. so nice of you

[@robinallison2862]

As always such good information! I have been overwhelmed with blocking techniques. Your video was just what I needed for full understanding❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Robin!

[@user-gx7et7wv7r]

What a wonderfully thorough and helpful video on blocking! I'm going to share it with all my knitting friends and protégés. I'm also going to check out your other videos. Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

feel free to share my videos anytime :)

[@meenha1976]

Perfect video to watch today. I've almost finished a project but will need to block it. Thanks Norman

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome!

[@jonnyw4548]

Thank you so much for this video, and all your others! I understand the reason for blocking now. And your videos are so detailed, so I can tell you are helping us to become professional knitters! I appreciate it and you! Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Jonny

[@theastewart6721]

AWESOME LATVIAN BIND OFF TUTORIAL ON Nimble Needles - Two , today! Awesome! Don’t miss it! So Cool!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Eh? 😎

[@justbarb7474]

I was wondering if blocking was in the works. Wondered about the different fibres. Thank you. Thank you for boosting my knitting skills. I was able to make a hat with a triskele. Love it ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

I am very glad I can be part of your knitting journey

[@kemkelton9030]

This video is so helpful. Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

I sure hoped it would be :)

[@cb6699]

Hello from Ontario, Canada! Thanks for thoroughly explaining the blocking process and tips for blocking hats and socks! You are very kind 🤗💕

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@cksqult]

Thanks a lot for this thorough explanation. It will help a lot when blocking the next project, especially if it’s not animal fibre. 👍🏻

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're very welcome!

[@marylambert990]

Thank you for this very informative tutorial.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thanks for watching!

[@elsebethvonannedors8825]

Super tutorial- thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it, Elsebeth!

[@madzreads]

I am new to knitting and your videos have helped me so much and make me so much more confident in my knitting.

[@NimbleNeedles]

❤️❤️

[@luzamart2]

Norman, this was such a good video! You totally answered many of the questions I had. Love your videos.

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome. And if there are any questions left, feel free to come back to this video again and ask away.

[@luzamart2]

@@NimbleNeedles The only question I had (and you may have covered this) can I re-block a shawl? I definitely did not use enough pins and have some “waves” on the edge. TIA

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@luzamart2 sure..tho if you overstretched things, it won't contract after washing..but you definitely should be able to get rid of thr spikes

[@ArwenNanya]

Thank you. I was thinking about whether I should or shouldn't buy a blocking mat because I didn't have enough knowledge about it ( this is why I follow you). Can't thank you enough ❤❤❤.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I hope my video was able to show you that the process is pretty easy and straightforward :D

[@lenaraullo5263]

Thank you for the detailed information.❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

as always, a pleasure, Len!

[@EvieO1950]

I appreciate that you give us the why!!! It definitely helps my understanding of the process. The foam tubes are a brilliant tip and I’ve had great results. Thanks!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

they sure are! These fold lines always anoyed me and one day I saw some bigger foam tube (which i needed for some crafting project) and I was like...wait a moment!

[@valeriehowden471]

Thanks Norman. I hope this will inspire me to block my projects that are waiting patiently for me.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i sure hope it will. Would be a shame to let them waiting :P

[@denglerclaudia]

So helpful!! Vielen Danke!

[@NimbleNeedles]

gern geschehen CLaudi

[@banjoroo1515]

Brilliant. Thanks

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're welcome!

[@moiradrennan7521]

You’re a star 💕

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww..thank you!

[@kasi.crafts]

Omg. How has it never occurred to me to use my blow dryer on a cold setting before to speed up the drying process?!? Thank you for the tip!

[@MsVideoWatcher100]

Thank you so much. I have always been so intimidated with the concept of blocking. I actually took notes while watching your video because it was so clear and detailed! I am not scared anymore. One question, can you please post a video and pattern for that sweater you blocked in this video. It was absolutely stunning!

[@NimbleNeedles]

well...i did record a video of me knitting it..but never published it..i dunno lol^^

[@Miha.mihaela605]

Thank you! Good to know!

[@NimbleNeedles]

No problem!

[@estherdigianvittorio5279]

Thank you so much for the blocking tutorial. I especially liked the plant fibre section. It is also important to be certain that your pins are good quality and rustproof! I ruined a sweater blocking it with pins that rusted. I tried everything to remove the stains but was unsuccessful.😢

[@NimbleNeedles]

that is a good addition. I included it in the tutorial on my blog but somehow failed to mention it here! :(

[@manus21]

Thanks for the very detailed Video 👍 I usually use a very brutal Method I guess 😂 arne & Carlos once showed how they block their sweaters and everything else - they use a wet towel and a hot Iron to steam it - and that's how I usually block my sweaters too 😂 it works well but of course you can be much more detailed with a proper blocking board and if you soak it in water. And yeah, it's definitely a lot cleaner if you soak it

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well, do keep in mind that they typically do Norwegian patterns and stranded knitting can benefit from some ironing.

[@CricketsMa]

Artificial fibers have always been hit or miss, for me. Thank you for the definitive guide!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah they can be tricky and there are just sooo many of them. Couldn't possibly cover them all here, tho :(

[@helenwentz8646]

Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh wow. Thank you so much for supporting my work so generously, Helen!

[@catnapper3923]

Such a great video, thank you. Blocking is HALF the project. So important. The problem with using a blow dryer on animal fiber is you don’t want to roughen the cuticle. When you blow dry your hair, you point the dryer down (from scalp to end) to smooth the cuticle and make your hair shine. It’d be difficult to do that with a knitted wool fabric. Just my opinion. I’m neither a hairdresser nor a master knitter - I’m always learning.

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, point taken (even tho I am personally not sure if it really does make a difference). That being said, that's why I showed the blow-dryer in the linen section. Still, thank you for pointing out possible issues

[@izzyeis5752]

this was so informative as usual! a friend is knitting her first sweater (has been knitting scarves, hats and mittens so far) and i'm technically newer to knitting (properly) than her i just started right on with sweater instead of scarves so i can't help her that much,,,,,, sadly i can't just send this to her since she doesn't understand english well (we speak german) but i'll try to tell her what i can 😅

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well, I do speak German as well 😅

[@marianneknapp4846]

Thanks you Norman so very much with expensive yarns like Quivet Cashmere am I able to block those I get nervous with pins and high grade Fibers Thanks Marianne 😊💗

[@MaesRuth]

I learned a trick for linen material (i do a fair amount of garment sewing) to help with the softening process. Take a small box of baking soda and dissolve it in a gallon of water. Place the linen material in it and let it sit for several hours. The material is drastically softer and you only have to do it the one time. Then just wash as normal. I would think it would work the same with 100% linen yarn. Not sure how a mix of fibers would react to it though, I've only done thos on 100% linen material.

[@giedre8921]

I can recognize a perfectionist when i see one.😅 Love this!

[@NimbleNeedles]

guilty as charged!

[@80sgma10]

I always learn so much from your videos! Thank you!! My wool washes say no rinse needed. Do you still rinse yours?

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, that kind of depends. Sure, if you are comfortable with it, you might not need to rinse the wool wash. However, if there's debris (like traces of sheep dung, hay, or whatnot) only rinsing it will get rid of that. And of course, if there are spinning oils in it, these will form bonds with the soap and these macro-molecules might still be trapped in the fabric. So yes, I always rinse my projects.

[@theastewart6721]

Hi Norman. Great video! First may I say that I just love your sweater! It is stunning! I love the pattern and yarn colors! Thank you for such a thorough video on blocking. All your tips are so helpful. I do have a question for you. Do you use blocking wires to block shawls? Thanks again and have a great week!❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

thx

[@theastewart6721]

I’ve never used them myself. I was just curious. Thanks!🤗😊

[@maireadbolger4625]

Hi Norman Wonderful video as always. Just wondered if the technique you used for wool blocking would also be ok for wool and other fibre mixed yarn. Many thanks for your help. Mairéad

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, I guess that depends on the mix and there is no general answer there. But if it's wool +20 nylon or so...sure. if it's wool and say...40% of a super fuzzy fiber that sheds and felts like crazy...well that's a different story!

[@MariaMendoza-ps8nr]

Another awesome and informative video. Thank-you Norman. I like saying that blocking is where the “magic” happens in a knitted project. You have just shown how true that is. I always learn something new from your work. Thanks for that as well. I have recently moved to a warm climate and have had to change my knitting from wools to more plant based fibers. I have been using cotton with silk or linen with silk and have been getting reasonable results. Sadly, I have been wet blocking my cottons. It has worked out well enough but I have been experiencing the over stretching you mentioned and was not aware as to why. I will try just steaming going forward. Currently, I am mostly knitting lacy shawls or summer tops with the previously mentioned cotton or linen with some percentage of silk. Would you still recommend the steaming for the cotton/silk and the wet blocking for the linen/silk? Thanks again for your time and advice.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I would probably steam block silk as well. if you really want to knit with a lot of cotton, I would definitely do some extensive swatching and probably stick to one brand. Because at one point you will want to wash your garments and then they typically will do...something. Stretch, shrink. And I feel you have to factor that in right from the start, even if it means knitting a size smaller and maybe with a smaller needle than you typically would. At least, that's my experience.

[@MariaMendoza-ps8nr]

Thank-you for your reply. Appreciate your time and input.

[@dianeharcourt9518]

This was both very interesting and helpful. Do you have any advice on blocking a cotton/silk mix. It stretches with ways like crazy! 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

well...my advice would be swatching first and see how the yarn reacts..then adapt the pattern/design accordingly so you don't end up with a drapey mess that ends up looking weird in all the wrong places. And secondly, I would steam block it, I guess. I mean, with cotton, you can also try to starch things to achieve a certain effect.

[@shaynaformity1384]

Norman, thank you for this detailed video. I especially appreciated learning the deeper science of felting. I thought you might find it interesting that acrylic yarn doesn't melt unless it gets up to 160 degrees C (320 F), but steaming it does something called, in English, "killing the yarn." I never liked that phrase, so I looked up the etymology of it today, and it turns out that "kill" has been used since 1610 to mean "to nullify or neutralize the qualities of" something. Who knew? The other phrase that I've seen a lot is that steaming acrylic "relaxes the fibers," but I haven't seen any description of what is happening during that process. I know yarn can be tightly wound, but tense? I don't get it. I thought you might find it a fun question to look into sometime.

[@NimbleNeedles]

160° is the melting point not to be confused with the point when it starts to get softer and more maleable.

[@gemmabaldwin8644]

This video is fantastic. Thank you very much for all the wonderfully in-depth info. I have just finished a shawl using a blended yarn consisting of 50% sheep wool and 50% acrylic. Which method would you recommend I use or would I do both, wet block for the wool element then steam block to set the acrylic?

[@NimbleNeedles]

the answer is always, knit a swatch. But with that much acrylic, I'd probably lean more towards steam blocking.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

That sure is a much needed tuto. Thanks ! I love my knit blockers, but I also like to use wires for shawls. I love the tip of using flexible foam for sides, I often block my hats on baloons I blow to 10% less of the needed size and rest the baloon on a bowl. I like the dryer tip, great idea before Christams when everything is a bit rush. 😉 Have you ever blocked tencel ? What a lovely sock pattern, Norman, is it yours ?

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, this was requested by many patrons!

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@NimbleNeedles where do we get it ?

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@nicolelafontaine1720 ah...seems like you edited your comment there. The pattern has not been released yet, Nicole.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@NimbleNeedles When it is make sure you tell us on youtube, I am not on Instagram.

[@Anji2866]

Very informative Norman! Thank you How should we treat silk yarn? And do you block animal yarn projects every time you wash them?

[@NimbleNeedles]

Silk is also a protein-based fiber. So water works. However, it can be a bit more on the delicate side. So misting or steaming is typically the better option. And typically you don't need to re-block every time. With wear, the stitches felt slightly into place. So it's the first blocking that matters most. A lot of the stretching is also permanent as well. But if you notice things are getting out of shape, start curling, etc you will have to.

[@peggytraeg]

Thank you for your in depth video on blocking! Do you recommend steaming for wool projects or the wash method?

[@NimbleNeedles]

wool, I personally typically wash...tho steaming will work as well. Generally I try to wash whenever possible as it will remove excess dye, spinning oils, debris, etc.