How To Wash and Block Crochet & Knitting Projects

[@ginaanderson6988]

I've been crocheting most of my life and never learned to block. But after making my daughter's bff a cotton crochet granny halter top for her birthday I HAD to learn. I watched this video and am now wondering why I was afraid. I followed your instructions and it's now drying. I can't thank you enough for making everything look so easy that I will at least try it. 💕

[@JaydaInStitches]

That is awesome! I'm so happy to hear this was helpful, Gina 😊

[@tikar8982]

It's been years since I crocheted anything and just made a huge blanket for my future daughter in law......thanks for jogging my memory on blocking..... you're awesome ♥️

[@JaydaInStitches]

You are so welcome!

[@Tinkerbell31326]

I never knew about blocking. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Patty, thank you for watching!

[@Teerae11]

Came to see after 8 yrs later !! After seeing Your Grandma ' s Cupboard Blanket !! So cool !! Thank You !! ❤ It !!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you!

[@torriepierce1051]

Just started crocheting and you are my FAVORITE to watch. Funny and very helpful. Keep the tutorials coming :)

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Torrie! Thank you :)

[@torriepierce1051]

Wondering if you could do tutorials on reading instructions having very hard time with the double asterisk inside a regular asterisk. I do better with seeing then reading the instructions. A newbie needs help! Thank you so much.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Torrie, We've done a few tutorials on this - there are some patterns up on our website jaydainstitches.com with corresponding tutorials and you can follow along with the tutorial while you read the pattern, it will help give you an idea of how most patterns are read. I hope that helps!

[@torriepierce1051]

Hi Jayda i found the instructions for reading instructions. As an idea for tutrorial is hexagons and mandalas. I'm am the type of person i learn by seeing not as much reading, besides i LOVE your tutorials, you are awesome to watch, I could watch all day :)

[@annasullivan4946]

Hi! Great tutorial on blocking and very clear and understandable instructions no one should goof this up even me!!! Did not realize I should be blocking...opps!! Have made several baby blankets and just washed on gentle and threw in dryer because wrapper on yarn said I could...oh well hope they still look good....

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Anna, blocking is definitely a nice finishing touch, but obviously not always necessary! I like to do it for things that I'm giving as gifts, just so they look extra 'crisp'! :)

[@myrnapapier7102]

Thank you! I admit I have never blocked a project. Been knitting and now some crochet since I'm in grade school. But I never learned how to do this. I really appreciate what you've shown us.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Happy New Year! We're happy we could help :) Thank you for watching Myrna!

[@madeleinejulianne]

Same!

[@pegalmeida7035]

Great tip on blocking. Thank you, it's been years since I made crochett projects and really needed that refresher.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you for watching Peg 😊

[@debrtx]

Super! Never knew about blocking a crochet item. Thank you so much for giving such clear audible & visual instructions. No misunderstanding.

[@marialiglesias1699]

You are simply awesome...love you. I realized I was smiling too while watching your video.Thank you so much.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Polly, we love to make people smile! Thank you for watching :)

[@jenniferwood8944]

Jayda, you are awesome! I always have a smile when there is a new video (I'm old lol) because I leave with a smile, every time!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@heba9973]

thanks for making stuff so easy for me.I have learnt so much from you.Keep the videos and tutorials coming.I will be waiting for them with all my patience.Bye.😘😘😘😘😘😘😘💕💕💕💕☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😉😉😉😉😉😉😮😮

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Heba! Thank you for watching :)

[@madeleinejulianne]

I’ve been crocheting for a while, but I’m starting on my first afghan and really appreciated your explanation and tutorial!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Wonderful! Thank you for watching Madeleine :)

[@ms.sunshine5236]

Thank you for making things so simple and easy to follow. I watched another YTuber last year show a "how to" blocking technique and I was so confused that I said forget it and threw in the towel. Now I will use your technique and see how things work out. At least it is not complicated to follow your instructions.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi there! We're so glad we could be helpful :) Thank you for watching!

[@kimlapchysnki485]

washing by hand was an awesome tip... because i have one of the kinda older washer with thing in the middle..... this very helpful...

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you Kim :) I tend to do most of my smaller projects by hand anyway, just my big blankets go in the machine!

[@gaylefynaut562]

I washed my 100% cotton baby blanket on warm and tumbled on low. Wish I had made it a bit bigger. It shrunk more then I thought it would . I did intend it to be for a summer stroller blanket and definitely is now. Not to big not to small. This was my very first baby blanket. I just love it. I hope my Daughter-in-law does too.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Gayle, you can gently block it back to size! Cotton is very forgivable :) Just get it damp, lay it on some towels and stretch it out, pin into place and let it dry :)

[@gaylefynaut562]

Jayda InStitches thank you Jayda

[@gingerkelly5146]

Hi Jayda! You are precious, fun, and so easy to follow! I am learning so much from you and smiling through it all! Thank you so much for all your hell!! Blessings to you! 🤗

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Ginger! Thank you so much for watching :)

[@geniab4]

Whew....wish I had your energy! lol Excellent instructions....thanks for the video.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Genia! Thank you for watching :)

[@אתירחמקין]

Such a learning show. thanks. Just on time for blooking my blanket baby.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! Thank you for watching :)

[@adithyabhilash8623]

In your craft room there are many things on display that are adorable! If you get time please do a tutorial on anything you haven't done!

[@ErosZoe]

As usual super handy!! (almost finished with a blanket for a special little person) :D

[@andrewg7878]

That intro brightened my day!

[@JaydaInStitches]

HI Andrew! Thank you for watching :)

[@TheDuckylove1]

Thanks for the directions. I really needed to know how to do this.

[@cannellechristy9605]

Thank you for sharing your blocking instructions. By the way, I absolutely love your 🐰 applique.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you!

[@jenniferrogers8993]

thank you for sharing another piece of your very useful information! I was wondering, if after the item has been washed and blocked, will the item look the same if the person receiving the gift washes and dries it using the machines? (assuming the yarn used can be washed and dried in machines) Or would the gift receiver have to wash and block it to keep it in the shape you block it in.

[@nakaluleelizabeth6116]

Fun to watch even when am dozing during a project!

[@dragonfly6908]

I have a Crochet Poncho and was wondering if I should put it into a mesh bag and then put it in the washing machine.

[@JaydaInStitches]

That depends on the washing instructions and/or the fiber. I don't like to put anything handmade in the washing machine (save for wash and dishcloths). Hand washing is safer. If you're concerned for the item's overall appearance, hand wash and lay flat to dry 😊

[@dragonfly6908]

@@JaydaInStitches Thank you for your reply.

[@sandraouaguena296]

Thankyou Jayda showing us how to block! I just finished the 12 point star, looks great btw!! Now to blocking 🤔

[@JaydaInStitches]

You’re welcome 😊 Thank you for watching!

[@lorriehornaday3916]

Jayda, thank you for this information. What I'd like to know is how do I block the sun appliqués? I've made 90 for an event I'm going to and would like to know how to make the "rays" stay straight out. Thank you for your help.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Lorrie, wow 90! You have a couple of choices, you can try steam blocking them (lay them on a towel, add some steam, and press/pull out the points and allow them to dry) or you can gently wet them, and pin them at the tips to a towel and allow them to dry :) That's going to be a lot of work for 90!

[@lorriehornaday3916]

Jayda InStitches If I knew how to send you a picture, I certainly would. I think they are going to be so cute!!! Thank you for your help and idea!!!

[@sweetmartyrdom]

New subscriber! Love your energy! Thanks for the very clear and informative video :)

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Samantha, welcome to the big, crafty family :) Thank you for watching!

[@smbeecrochetcreations4372]

Question: I have a dog and pet hair inevitably gets into my crochet projects. Can I put it into the dryer for a few minutes, before blocking it? Thanks!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Stefanie, always check the labels on your yarn, they will indicate whether or not you can use the dryer and on what heat! This if often represented by a hollow square image with a dot (or 2 or 3) in the middle of it. 1 dot means cool, 2 dots means warm and 3 dots means hot :)

[@comfortstarr5564]

Thank you! Very helpful tutorial. I love the baby blanket! Do you have a pattern available?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Sarah, we have a tutorial for the square I used in this blanket (and tutorials on joining and borders, links to those will be in the tutorial description box) we also have a pattern available for it in our Etsy shop (the link is always in our description boxes :) You can find the tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ61q5KmoKZgnrs

[@juliegoodemorris1528]

I have interlocking foam blocking squares. Can I use those or do I need the towels to absorb the extra water in the project?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Julie, If the blocking squares have been washed (and don't show signs of colour bleeding) and are absorbent and dry quickly (without getting mildew smell) then you don't need towels :)

[@trinibagostylin]

Hi Jayda. Love watching your channel! your positive attitude is infectious! I wanted to know would you recommend this approach (i.e. combining the granny squares first) if your granny squares are a bit off before joining them. My granny squares are a bit bent up and while they are the same size when I finger stretch them, they look a mess when I join. What would you recommend?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Rene, if your squares are all the same number of stitches then you can go ahead and attach them, then steam block the entire afghan and pull out and pin the bits that don't quite align properly. I have found that to work for me very well :)

[@elizabethlongcoy3680]

I'm doing a c2c baby blanket.The size I made it is 36 blocks ×50 blocks rectangular almost crib size.Have troubles put on a border.It starts with chain 2 single crochet all around to form base.The troubles I'm having is when I go to do the scalloped edges to get them even and on point in the corners.Have any ides tia.Love your show:

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Elizabeth, we did a little mini scalloped border on our C2C blanket, you might find that helpful. You can find that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJa7YnWff86ba9U

[@Lynnaraye]

Thank you so much for sharing Jayda ! I was wondering what "blocking" was ..Now I know :D ..Great explanation and direction !

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi LynaRay! We're happy we could be helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@vineelagubbala]

Just the video i wanted 🥰🥰 I made the 12 point star blanket from your tutorial video. How can we share our projects with you?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Vineela! You can share photos with us on Instagram, Twitter, Etsy and Pinterest (we're at Jayda InStitches in all 4 locations!) Just be sure to tag us so we are sure to see it :) Thank you for watching!

[@kayfarmer5664]

Hi Jayda completed triangles for a throw and have to join it now. Looking for a join method that will give me a smooth and neat back and front seam. Please help browsed other tutorials but don't find the stitch that suit my project. Thank you Kay SA

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Kay! My go to is usually the whip stitch (sewing) especially when fitting together motifs that aren't square, I feel it gives me more control over the shaping of the overall project :)

[@TheDuckylove1]

Just a thought. Does it only need to be blocked once ? Or every time it needs a wash ?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Denise, it depends on the project, some (like my little crochet doily placemats) need a little blocking at the points each time I wash them (which isn't a big deal, I just pull out the points and don't even need to pin them!). Other things like blankets may not require it at all once they've been washed and blocked once :)

[@fatfota8457]

We can this way for any kind of yarn ? Thank you so much 🌻

[@JaydaInStitches]

Yes 😊

[@ashleythekermit9543]

thank you for the super helpful tutorial!! ❤️

[@terrybean6639]

Hi Jayda I have a few crocheted blankets and I haven't washed them yet . I just watched your video on how to wash and how to block the blanket . I don't have any room to put my blankets to blocked them is there any other way to dry and block them do you have any other ways to dry and block them ? Do have to block your blanket every time you make a blanket ?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Terry, you shouldn't have to block your blanket every time you wash it, if you can lay it out (or hang it evenly) somewhere. If you're gong to hang it, try to make sure you've got as much water out of it as possible to relieve the weight. You can also put towels down on the table, bed or even outside on the grass if you haven't got the floor space :)

[@TheWendellMonster]

Thank you Jayda, I had a question do you have to wash. Your crochet items? Thank you your crochet friend Sue💕

[@cathyprusinski2420]

Great thank you. Your very fun to watch you.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thanks for watching Cathy!

[@cathyprusinski2420]

@@JaydaInStitches tried it and it worked beautifully. Thanks.

[@emephalvarado3380]

Great info! I just started crocheting micro preemie and preemie blankets for sale & donation so this will definitely come in handy!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you for watching!

[@annvince846]

Question. I am VERY limited on space and I have a dog. Lying a blanket on the floor to block is not an option. Can I use the interlocking foam pieces on my table and just fold the blanket and block it folded?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Ann, if you've got blocking foam and a table, that's a great option for blocking. Don't fold it though while wet as it will dry with the fold in it. In this case, you might want to use a spray bottle and block it in sections, letting each section fully dry before blocking the next section.

[@annvince846]

@@JaydaInStitches thank you very much. I will do that then. 👍

[@saye3902]

New subscriber. I have literally watched 10 different videos on blocking and this was the one that made the most sense and was the easiest to follow and it was the least complicated. Thank you so much. For 100% wool yarn what kind of soap should I use if I don’t have wool wash?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Sonya, Thank you for watching! I've hand washed 100% wool suits with a small amount of regular liquid washing soap, rinsed well and then repeated it, if needed, again, then hung or laid them flat to dry, hand blocking where necessary. Depending on the stiffness of the fabric, I might check on it a few times during it's drying process to make sure nothing needs reblocking.

[@saye3902]

You are amazing! Thank you!

[@dunzxoxo]

Hi Jayda, just came across your video and found it very helpful. could you please answer some questions? ;) I am busy knitting a top with a honeycomb stitch. Now.....was given the top and asked to knit one......so my problem is, the original top is very stretched out .....do I make the one smaller then block it to that size? I already had to pull it all out as the decrease on the one side all unraveled and the other side of neck was fine. So now I am a bit edgy to restart again. thank you so much for this video, regards Dunia :) :)

[@RueDistrict12]

I made a stripped blanket using weight 4 acrylic yarn and each strip is individual, I was wondering if i hand wash each strip or put them in the washer and dryer?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Daisy, I would recommend you assemble your entire blanket before you wash it or block it. If you still have a few labels around, double check what they say about washing and drying, just to be sure. Typically, acrylic can be washed in the machine on a gentle cycle and them tumbled dry on low or no heat. But if you're giving it away, I would recommend lightly hand washing it and laying it flat to dry so that it looks it's best before you give it away :)

[@RueDistrict12]

the strips aren't the same all the exact same length. what do you recommend I do ?

[@annalessandra591]

Are you using stainless steel pins I failed to do that and I had little rust spots on my blanket 😞

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Ann, oooh how upsetting! Yes, my pins are stainless steel!

[@FaerieStar]

Love the TARDIS bag! Do you have a pattern?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! Yes :) You'll find that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqqQaGCdbdysqqs

[@MyFungal]

With acrylic yarn I tried washing and blocking didn't seen to work steam blocking worked a little better

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Donna, acrylic reacts well to steam, but it also "sets" the yarn somewhat permanently. This isn't a problem most of the time, unless you're very new to blocking. Washing and blocking, I have found, works best on larger projects that can use it's own weight to keep the desired shape as it dries 😊

[@arpadelluna]

Dear Jayda, Help Please! For a pure-wool waffle stitch 1.4-meter-long scarf, would dry-cleaning also work? I am about to present the scarf to my father-in-law for his 90th birthday. My mother-in-law is, I'm afraid, totally capable of putting it in the washer and would not understand what all this blocking is about. If I ask them to let me wash the scarf, come that time, I could generate a major family fuss. -- Thanks so much. Love your videos with your scintillating self as the star. Have one-and-a-half of your projects in my plans to do.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Arpa, for wool, it's ok to dry-clean, but it's easier (and cheaper) to handwash in cool water and lay flat to dry (or in the case of it being a scarf, it can hang too). I can see how that might be an issue for your older mother-in-law, and no one wants to cause a fuss, but if it does go into the washing machine, there's a very strong chance it will felt and if the water is hot, shrink. The scarf sounds warm and lovely, so if dry-cleaning isn't something they're adverse to than it might be easiest to recommend that.

[@arpadelluna]

Jayda InStitches thank you sooo much!

[@TheDuckylove1]

I loved that intro!! So very cute !

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you Denise!

[@ameliamendoza4880]

Thank you! This was so helpful and easy to follow!♥️

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Amelia! Thank you for watching :)

[@kvids4767]

Hi I would RELLY appreciate if you could crochet a dog sweater because I have looked everywhere for a pattern but I'm rubbish at reading patterns so I would love you to show how to make one thankyou:)

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you for the suggestion :)

[@Mirilovesu]

I was looking for something like this but I still have a question unanswered, can we use softener for our crochet baby blankets?? Thank you for all you share.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Flores, it's a good idea to check the labels of your yarn, some yarn does not respond well to chemicals. Acrylic and cotton, however are generally fine with it :)

[@franburns5304]

Is it necessary to work in the tails of an afghan before washing/blocking it, or can I do it after?

[@JaydaInStitches]

HI Fran, it is recommended that you weave in all the tails as soon as you're finished the piece, before washing and blocking :)

[@MissBeeHavenGoddess]

Hi Jayda! I see a T.A.R.D.I.S. behind you and I must ask if you have a crochet tutorial for it? If not, can you pretty, pretty please do one so I can make one for my youngster? I appreciate you sharing your talents and passions with the world. ☺

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! Yes, we have a tutorial for that :) If you haven't found it yet you can get it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqqQaGCdbdysqqs

[@jajalarue]

Squeeeeeee!!!!!

[@nancyyankura5213]

hi Jayda, I love you and your site very much, you lift my spirits and make me smile all the time. My question is, after the blocking has been done the first time, does it need to be done after every wash there after ??

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Nancy, if you lay it flat to dry on a towel, and gently pat it down like I did in the video, it shouldn't require pinning :)

[@kimwilliams9097]

Hi, I have a old school washing machine (tub with spinner middle) I want to block a never ending granny square blanket. Should I use the hand washing method or can I use my washer?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Kim, if you can put it on a gentle cycle, and it's machine washable yarn (check the labels first!) then I would say yes. If it's not a huge blanket and you feel you can manage it by hand, you might prefer to use that method first, just to make sure it works out ok :)

[@aliyah2929]

is it okay to block and lay it under the sun for faster drying? or does the sun affect the fibers?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! Being out in the sun for just as long as it takes to dry shouldn't bother the fibers 😊

[@regenagroen4631]

THANK YOU Jayda!!! I just finished a king size blanket for my sister, & I made other blankets for my kids, & grandkids. & I wanted to wash them b4 I gave them to them..!! Love your vids!!! I've learned so much from you!!!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Regena, we're so glad we could help! Thank you for watching :)

[@irene_f.]

This is new to me. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@mirandadixon2816]

I love ur videos, they are so cheery and informative. Im new to blocking and was wondering if once u block, do they stay that way after ever wash from then on?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Miranda, thank you for watching :) Each time you wash your project, you'll probably want to lay it flat to dry, but you won't always have to pin the edges down, most fibers will have a little "memory" :)

[@mirandadixon2816]

Thanks, I will remind that :)

[@knitsewfancy8822]

Aw! Love that cute little blanket! Good tips for washing I would've wrung my out and ruin the blanket. O.o

[@JaydaInStitches]

ooh! That would have been upsetting! I like to treat my crochet projects like my most delicate clothes :)

[@101Powerlifting]

Hi Jayda, I saw where you have your squares already attached to one another, my question is is it better to sew my squares together before blocking or after? I have a steam iron but I would rather not have to use it as I am not comfortable with it yet.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Ericka, unless the squares are oddly sized and don't want to fit together easily, I generally recommend getting an entire project together before blocking. This way, the whole project will move as one piece and not a bunch of small ones :)

[@101Powerlifting]

Okay thank you Jayda InStitches

[@zoilaa9962]

Hello, thank you for your video., I was able to block my last project perfectly. I wanted to ask you about the TARDIS bag I see in the background of your video, do you maybe have a pattern for it?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Zoila, yes! We have a tutorial on our TARDIS bag (love that thing...it really is bigger on the inside...) you'll find that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqqQaGCdbdysqqs

[@twirlingbillywig6774]

Awesome video! (: I love your energy! One question: do items need to be re-blocked after every wash?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! If you're laying it flat to dry, just patting it into place is often enough and it dries in the right shape :)

[@madeleinejulianne]

Great question!

[@curlaque]

I have just begun knitting recently. I watched the blocking video . I made a few scarfs as gifts for Christmas. They were all curled up like cigars! I was not concerned because I planned to block them. I did everything as the video shows. After three days it was completely dry and when I unpinned it it rolled right back up! I am kind of devastated because I have no idea where I made a mistake. Did I knit them wrong? I just used a #4 acrylic yarn and just did all knitting. Do you have any advice please? Thankyou so much!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! They might have tight tension and may have required some heat to ease out the stitches. You might find that steam blocking would help better in this case: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fobPo3acbq53fKs This is my blocking style of choice 😊

[@rondamoomaw6814]

Thank you for sharing this video now I know what blocking is God bless you

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you for watching, Rhonda :)

[@Fishrulestheworld]

Can you do some crochet projects that are good for summer? Your videos are great!!

[@NicoleDesigns]

Would you recommend putting the items together first before blocking?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Nicole, normally yes. I would sew or crochet together all my motifs into a blanket, for example, first and then block the whole project as a single entity. The only exception I would make to this, is if I have a stubborn motif that wound up tighter than the rest, and it's giving me trouble as I attach it. Then I would block this single motif, loosen it up, attach it to the rest and then block the whole project as normal :)

[@reneedworkin2417]

Very effectively demonstrated. Thanks

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@emmywoods7031]

how you make that blanket

[@Ira.1]

You're super cute and adorable, Jayda 😘 I was smiling while watching you ☺️ Stay awesome!

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Ira! Thank you so much for watching :) We love to bring the smiles :)!!

[@FairyFellersMasterStroke]

Hi! I am new to crocheting, and I like your channel! I wanted to ask where in Canada I can buy some nice yarn (except the Michaell's and Walmart), online or in person?

[@rosenelson9462]

Will this solve waving in the blanket?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Rose, yes! If your waving is from tension, or even the odd missed or added stitch, blocking can ease out the ripples and pinches.

[@Patzi2447]

I don’t understand this ? After I give my blanket gift to a new mom she is going to wash it in the machine when it gets soiled so what’s the difference if she wash’s it or I wash & block it ? Doesn’t the stitches stay the same ? Using acrylic yarn Please reply

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! There are a few reasons to wash and block something before you gift it: 1. washing the item shakes out all the excess broken fibers and bits of fluff and dust that accumulate as you work. It also takes out any oils that have come out of your hands that contribute to collection dust and discolouration. 2. it makes it smell nice. 3. Blocking it makes it look "perfect". If you're giving something as a gift, you want it to look it's absolute best. Often when we crochet things, especially larger projects like blankets, the tension or sizing of different parts of it can be mismatched. Blocking evens out the stitches, straightens edges, even gets a garment to fall correctly. This is key in making sure it looks its best before you gift it. If your piece looks pretty perfect without blocking, that's great! But you might still want to wash it (see above reasoning) and then in order to have it dry in the correct shape, you can lay it out flat on towels. This keeps it from drying in a funny shape.

[@stenzaaugustine9768]

Hi Jayda, can you please show us how you knitted that pretty blanket ?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Stenza, these squares are the Mitered Granny Square: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ61q5KmoKZgnrs and we added a simple shell border: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6m6ZnyugKtjgpo :)

[@ashcut5350]

Do you have to do the blocking everytime you wash? Meaning if I give a blanket as a gift do need to explain to them how to do this?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Ashley, great question! No, you don't. If you're giving your project as a gift, it's a good idea to give them washing instructions (for example, cold water wash and rinse, and lay flat to dry) but they don't have to do any pinning, once blocked an item generally does not need it again :)

[@katie9703]

I have a project that’s a 78% acrylic and 22% wool, is it safe to go through a gentle cycle in the washer?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Katie, if you've combined different yarns together, I would recommend hand washing it. If the yarn is a acrylic/wool mix on it's own, then I would recommend checking the yarn label for information on washing instructions. Sometimes it's ok to use a gentle cycle with wool-infused yarn, but sometimes not. If you're concerned at all, then I would recommend erring on the side of care, and hand-washing it :)

[@vejetasmom24]

im in a wheelchair and cant get on the floor and also live with several other people and dogs so i cant really leave a blanket spread on the floor. what suggestions do you have?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Angie, that's a great question! If you don't have a large surface like a table or a counter, you can use your bed. I recommend putting down a plastic shower curtain first (to protect your bedding), then some towels and then you can lay your project flat out on top of that and pin it into place and let it dry. Just lock the dogs out of the bedroom ;)

[@suNRze]

How cute you are! Thank you for this video!! ❣️

[@JaydaInStitches]

Thank you for watching Yvette!

[@RainCheck797]

Also if you have a huge queen sized crochet bed spread what is the best method to wash that

[@JaydaInStitches]

Again this depends on the yarn type it's made with. If it's acrylic or cotton, it can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, lay it flat to dry. If the yarns are mixed types, and some of it is wool, hand wash GENTLY in cool water and lay it flat to dry. The trouble with mixed yarn sources is that they react differently to being washed and dried.

[@jhilldoss]

Love your intro.. My daughters flocked to my phone so fast

[@JaydaInStitches]

LOL! So Cute! :)

[@jhilldoss]

+Jayda InStitches love your tutorial

[@evekeeler9985]

J Hill-Dos

[@presnj01]

Stupid question, but does this need to be done once or every time it needs to be washed?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Judy, that's not a stupid question at all :) You typically only have to block a blanket once because with use, they tend to loosen up and lay properly :)

[@kayliepadron6513]

I have a question I have a balcony in my house would I be able to let it dry there in the sun

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Kaylie, if you wanted to drape it over your balcony railing, you might want to consider securing it with some ties or clips, just to ensure it doesn't accidentally get blown off :)

[@kayliepadron6513]

Jayda InStitches thank you soooo much ♡♡□□

[@carolinekyle746]

thank you. helped a lot to make my work look better x

[@joycew1862]

Thanks so much for the video! I love your personality 😄

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Joyce! Thank you for watching :)

[@nikkiberry9069]

your videos are so helpful. and help. me get though. rough days 😀

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Nikki! Thank you for watching :)

[@christyfuller1274]

But if you gift it and they wash would it not stay blocked? Wouldnt it get ruined.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Christy, not necessarily - that's why it's always a good idea to include wash and care instructions with the handmade gifts that you give :) Typically, once something has been washed and blocked once, it won't blocking again unless it's handled improperly. I made cotton placemats that Mr InStitches accidentally put in the dryer for too long. They shrunk up, BUT because it's cotton, I just got them damp and reblocked them and they are as good as new again :)

[@nazwairawan1540]

Can i sun drying the crochet project?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! Yes! You can certainly dry things outside 😊

[@jessicabis]

Hi Jayda I made a blanket scarf. Before I blocked it it was 5 feet long and after blocking its 9 feet long! I’m pretty new to crochet so I have no idea why this happened. Why did this happen?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Jess, wow!! There are a couple of things that could have happened; 1) your tension was loose to begin with, and once you blocked it, it just helped make the stitches looser, 2) the weight of the scarf plus the weight of the water pulled heavily on the stitches and helped stretch it out 3) the yarn itself might have had a lot of stretch or "give" to it. Depending on what kind of yarn it is, you could try putting it into the washing machine and washing it on a gentle cycle and then popping it into the dryer on low heat for a while, and that might shrink it back up again :)

[@lisacotts]

ps have you got any bride and groom crochet little dolls patterns on here xx

[@JaydaInStitches]

cute! no, but thank you for the suggestion :)

[@kailaniukulele6900]

Can i use fabric softener or does it have to be powder soap? Please tell me.

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi! Be sure to check the information on your yarn labels. Some yarn (like wool) should not be exposed to chemicals like fabric softener and might do best when washed with a soap made especially for wool. Other yarns (like acrylics) might not mind regular soap or fabric softener :)

[@sararose3185]

Is it possible to block crochet products such as a cowl or sweater, that has to lay on top of itself?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Sara, yes! You can lay your items out flat on a towel (often on the floor is fine) and arrange it in the shape you want it to dry in. They don't have to hang. This might take them a little longer to dry, but it will save them from stretching out :)

[@sadhanarajendrakumar9592]

Hi Jayda. Thanks for the very very informative video. Just one question. Do we need to iron out the project after it dries?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Sadhana, if you chose to block your project using this method, than it will dry as you placed it on the towel. You will not need to steam it later. And if you do use an iron, remember, do NOT touch the iron to your project! :)

[@marilynfreitas2507]

Should you or can you use fabric softener?

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Marilyn, it's always best to check the labels on your yarn, some of them have very specific directions about what sorts of chemicals you can use on your yarn :)

[@person232ifid]

would a tide pod be too much soap when washing a blanket for the first time? the blanket would fit a full bed

[@JaydaInStitches]

Hi Adriana, I'm not sure how big a load a pod is intended for, but you would want to compare your blanket to the size of whatever load the pod suggests for use. You don't need very much soap when washing a blanket before it's been used :)

[@person232ifid]

Jayda InStitches thank you so much :) love your bubbly personality by the way!!!