Blocking is the process of using steam or water on a knitted fabric and then pinning into shape. It gives knitting a smooth, professional finish. Blocking also presents the opportunity to adjust the fabric to the desired dimensions.
I like to think of blocking in these terms: Would you want to wear a carefully pressed shirt or one that was rumpled in the dryer? Answer: There is nothing wrong with an unpressed shirt or unblocked knitted garment. However, an ironed shirt and a blocked knitted garment are infinitely more impressive. You spent countless hours knitting your work of art so take the extra time to give it the professional finish it deserves! As a bonus, blocking can smooth seams, adjust the size and erase irregularities.
Like mom always said, “A job worth doing is worth doing well.”
Watch this blocking demonstration and take your knitting to the next level.