How to block knitting - The ultimate tutorial [+tips and tricks]

(apparently, the Philips steamer is not available in the U.S.; it has a rather small tank anyway)

*Note: As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases

In this video, I want to show you the exact finishing project I use for almost all my projects. Blocking knitting can help to create a neater stitch definition and prevent curling. The basic idea behind it is the same one behind any hair curling (or straightening) techniques. You can wet block almost all animal fibers (sheep wool, cashmere, yak, camel, alpaka, etc). But you can also block cotton, linen, nettle, or artificial fibers like arylic or nylon. In these cases, you have to adapt the technique slightly and revert to some form of heat (mostly through steam) application.

0:00 Introduction
0:59 Why blocking works - the chemistry behind it
5:04 How to block knitting (animal fibers)
13:45 Blocking tips and tricks
19:37 Blocking projects knit in the round (sweaters, hats, socks)
22:52 blocking cotton
25:27 Blocking acrylic and nylon
27:06 Blocking linen, nettle, etc
33:44 Last thoughts

[NimbleNeedles]

And feel free to comment any time if you have a question. No need to be shy! :)

[carolynwatling]

Thank you for giving so much detail regarding plant and artificial fibers! I'm not able to knit with animal fibers and find it difficult to find info sometimes regarding alternatives. I will be blocking differently and more confidently now thanks to you :)

[kellyfazekas]

Norman, this is probably the best video on blocking I've seen, and I've seen many. You explain things very well with enough detail but not so much it becomes boring. Thanks for another informative video.

[claire-aimeelabelle]

Hi Norman, thank you for all your interesting videos. I still learn from you even at 82 years old. I started teaching knitting in 1985 in North Africa and still do despite a few pauses. In Burda knitting book, I read that wool is 30% waterproof. To identify yarn where there is no label, I burn a little piece to find out if it is animal, vegetable or synthetic yarn. The animal yarn will smell and feel like ash. The vegetable yarn will become ash as well. If it is synthetic, it will feel like melted plastic. Once I found alpaca? yarn from the thrift store to knit mittens for a refugee family of 5. Knitting has given me the opportunity to connect with people of different nationalities and I feel fortunate to have lived in different places of the world.

[tonipidsadnick]

Thanks so much for all the information - especially about how to work with the different fibre contents. Wow!
I'll mention something : My Mum used to knit Christening shawls for grandkids and babies of special friends. I remember one large particularly complex shawl which she lay out to block. Sadly, the next day she found rust stains from the one hundred or so pins she blocked it with. Nothing we tried would get the stains out of this otherwise snow-white creation. She did send it to the wool company for consultation. That was in the 1970s and I don't remember if there ever was a solution. What a heartbreak! It had never occurred to her that the pins might rust. Ever since then, I make sure that any pins I buy are rust proof, and I always test them first.

[jessigreer]

Your videos are always so incredibly thoughtful and well-explained. I’ve learned so much from you-thank you!

[BadgerandBee]

Norman, as always, your attention to detail in the process AND in the demonstrating is greatly appreciated. This is the best blocking video I have seen.

[etainne]

for Americans who don't know Celsius, that linen temperature was 140 F -210 F. Thanks A Ton Norman, this video was helpful since i have two wool sweaters to deal with in the next few weeks that I was wondering if i needed to block before they go to their forever homes. Now I know they need it for Sure!

[JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Thank you, Norman, for putting together this comprehensive blocking tutorial. ♥️

[cheyennestorey]

Thank you so much for all your excellent videos. Even though I have been knitting for over 40 years, I have learned so much from you. Bright Blessings.

[robinallison]

As always such good information! I have been overwhelmed with blocking techniques. Your video was just what I needed for full understanding❤

[mwmvwxq]

Thank you for this video, Norman, it was just what I needed. I'm no stranger to blocking, particularly lace shawls and pieced sweaters, but I needed some tips on blocking a whole garment. I've been putting off finishing a cabled jacket for far too long because the idea of blocking it and getting it wrong terrified me. Your tips will give me the confidence to tackle this project now, and I'll be buying some foam cording to help with the sleeves. Many thanks again.

[roseosterndorf]

I love the chemistry lesson. I use the same explanation for curly versus straight hair.

[justbarb]

I was wondering if blocking was in the works. Wondered about the different fibres. Thank you. Thank you for boosting my knitting skills. I was able to make a hat with a triskele. Love it ❤

[MetroStitcher]

The best blocking video on YouTube. Thank you!

[edithpoulin]

I am so glad I watched your presentation. You are a natural teacher, informative and entertaining all at the same time. I am gladly susbcribing to your channel, sir! Your thoughful, step-by-step demonstration has made it so clear for me while and how one should block their work. As a beginner knitter who lives on one's own, I am so grateful for the high quality tutorials and content that skilled, passionate people such as yourself are offering the world. I get to learn from home from a variety of teachers and I am excited I was led to you today! May you find continuous joy and purpose in your NimbleNeedles business! <3 Cheers!

[kasi.crafts]

Omg. How has it never occurred to me to use my blow dryer on a cold setting before to speed up the drying process?!? Thank you for the tip!

[dragonsareamszing]

This was really helpful. I appreciate that you went through the methods for more than one type of fiber, especially since I'm going to have to block a scarf with a mix of fibers soon. This definitely helped make things a lot clearer.

[ownashare]

Thank you Norman your videos are so interesting, clear and informative.

[cristinanauta]

Started knitting bigger projects and you encouraged me to improve mij technique and the way to handle product afterwards. Thank you, Danke dir!