Arrrgh, you’ve knitted or crocheted something beautiful, but it’s not taking the shape you had in mind at all. It’s curling up or it’s lopsided—so frustrating. Does this sound familiar? Experienced knitters and Haaksters know the perfect solution to this problem: steaming! How can you properly steam or block your knitting or crochet project? Read and watch the description below and the clear video so you’ll know exactly how to get your projects into perfect shape!
What is setting up, and why do you need to set up projects?
Steaming, also known as blocking, is the process of stretching out your knitted or crocheted piece to give it the desired shape. Sometimes it’s enough to simply dampen your work and hang it outside on the clothesline, or steam it briefly with your iron, placing a tea towel between the fabric and the iron. If this doesn’t give you the desired result and you’d like to improve the shape of your project—for example, by making it straighter or larger—then stretching it works best.
Video Tutorial on Vaporizing and Stretching: Here's How to Do It
In the video below, Monique shows you step by step how to vaporize a project. Want to watch?
What do you need to set up your projects?
To cast on your crochet or knitting project, you'll need a few items.
- Plant Sprayer
- KnitPro Knit Blockers or Pins
- KnitPro Blocking Mats (or a soft surface such as carpet)
- Prym centimeter
Did you know that we also have a handy set that includes blocking mats and knit blockers? That way, you'll have exactly the tools you need for blocking right at home.
Choose from a variety of blocking mats
Choose your preferred pins or knit blockers
Step-by-Step Guide to Vaporizing and Stretching
Step 1: Shape your work into the desired form
Use blocking mats as a base to stretch out your project. If you know how big your projects need to be, you can lay them out to the desired length and width. Use a tape measure or ruler to check that the dimensions are correct, then stretch the work. Do this by inserting pins or blockers in the right places. Secure it firmly. Start by stretching your work loosely. That way, you can always make adjustments if the shape isn’t quite right.
Step 2: Make sure to secure the edges firmly with pins or knit blockers
If you're happy with the shape of the piece as it's stretched, add a few more pins. You do this because the edge needs to be perfectly straight. If you don't, you'll see the curves where you placed your pins.
Step 3: Moisten your work with the plant sprayer
Is your work securely fastened and does it hold its shape well? Then use the plant sprayer to moisten your work. Make sure your project is well moistened (not soaking wet).
TIP: Do you have a large project you want to stretch out? If so, you can wash it in cold water in the washing machine and spin it on the lowest setting. If the project isn’t too large, you could also put it in a pillowcase or laundry bag first before placing it in the washing machine.
Step 4: Let your work dry thoroughly
Now it's just a matter of patience. Your project needs to dry! It might take a while for it to dry completely. Then you can take it apart. And you're done!
Setting Up Special Projects
Stretching Socks
Have you knitted a pair of socks and want to shape them nicely? Sock stretchers are designed specifically for stretching socks. Choose from 3 sizes.
Stretching a Granny Square
There are special Granny Square blockers designed specifically for Granny Squares. Using metal pins on this wooden block, you can shape your crocheted Granny Square perfectly. This allows you to block multiple Granny Squares at the same time, all in the same pattern.
Do you have any helpful tips on steaming and blocking your knitted or crocheted projects? If so, please share them with us!
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