How to Block a Crochet Sweater

To block a crochet sweater, wet it by soaking in water or misting it, then gently squeeze out excess water. Next, shape the sweater to your desired dimensions by pinning it flat on a blocking mat or towels, and let it air dry completely. For acrylic yarns, steam blocking is often recommended, which involves using a steamer or iron with steam to gently shape the garment, being careful not to touch the fabric with the iron. 

Before you begin

• Identify your yarn type: The best method depends on your yarn. Read your yarn label to check if it is superwash wool, non-superwash wool, or acrylic.
• Test a swatch: It's best to test a swatch with your chosen blocking method to understand how much your specific yarn will stretch and grow, say YouTube creators.
• Gather supplies: You will need a tub or sink, lukewarm water, wool wash (optional), towels, pins or knit blockers, and a flat surface like a blocking mat or even a yoga mat. 

Wet blocking (best for natural fibers like wool) 

1. Soak: Submerge your sweater in lukewarm, soapy water (use a wool-specific wash if you have one) for about 20-30 minutes. Ensure the entire piece is saturated.
2. Gently squeeze: Carefully remove the sweater from the water. Do not wring it out. Gently squeeze out as much water as you can.
3. Roll: Lay the sweater on a large, dry towel and roll it up, pressing to absorb more moisture.
4. Shape and pin: Unroll the sweater and lay it flat on your blocking mats or towels. Use pins or knit blockers to shape it to your desired dimensions, gently stretching stitches where needed.
5. Dry: Leave the sweater to air dry completely. This may take 24 hours or longer. Change the towels underneath if they become saturated. 

Steam blocking (best for acrylics and a light touch-up) 

1. Lay flat: Lay your dry sweater on a blocking mat or thick towels. Pin it into place if needed.
2. Steam: Using a steamer or an iron on the steam setting, hover the steamer or iron above the fabric, allowing the steam to penetrate without the heat touching the yarn. For acrylic, this is crucial to prevent melting.
3. Shape: While the sweater is still damp from the steam, gently stretch it with your hands to the desired shape and dimensions.
4. Dry: Allow it to cool and dry completely.

Spray blocking (for minimal shaping) 

1. Lay flat: Lay your dry sweater on a flat surface. You can use pins to hold it in the desired shape if needed.
2. Mist: Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the sweater with water until it is damp.
3. Shape: Gently shape the garment with your hands.
4. Dry: Let the sweater air dry completely, then remove pins.