Wet blocking in knitting is the crucial finishing step to a project. A transformative process that allows your project to become softer and smoother.
What is wet blocking in knitting?
It is a process of soaking the finished project in soapy water, removing excess water, pinning it in the perfect shape, and letting it dry.
Wet blocking is simple as it is! Just get the project wet, block it, and let it dry.
Why do we use wet blocking in knitting?
We use wet blocking as a tool if you want your project to maintain a particular shape. Because for some finished objects, the shape is not perfect straight off the needles.
Blocking helps to achieve crisp lines along the edges, and theyโll stay that way wear after wear due to the memory of the fiber.
We use wet blocking because the process allows the fiber to relax. When yarn is manufactured, the strand is wound very tightly and compressed in a ball or skein. Wet blocking enables the stitches to open up and the fiber to relax.
When to use the wet blocking method
This blocking method is best for yarns made with animal fibers or animal fiber blends like wool, alpaca, camel, yak, angora, cashmere, and mohair.
How long does wet blocking take to dry?
Wet blocking requires a bit of time. You have to soak your project for no less than 30 minutes, pin it out to dry, and then let it sit there.
Depending on the climate, your knitting should dry in a day or two.
Do you need to wet-block every project?
Not! Some projects do much better with steam blocking (like acrylic and natural fibers).
Or, if you want a project to maintain its rigidity, like a basket, skip blocking may be a good idea.
As a rule of thumb:
Need to be wet blocked: garments and wearable accessories.
Can be wet-blocked: blankets and pillows.
Can skip wet-blocking: home decor and bags.