BLOCKS & PINS

Blocks & Pins at Hooks & Needles

When it comes to achieving professional-quality results in your knitting and crochet projects, blocking is a crucial step that many crafters overlook. At Hooks & Needles, our Blocks & Pins collection provides all the tools you need to properly shape, finish, and present your handmade creations. Whether you're working on garments, blankets, or accessories, blocking helps even out stitches, improve drape, and give your projects that polished, professional look.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential tools in our Blocks & Pins collection and how they can enhance the finish of your knit and crochet projects.

What is Blocking?

Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your finished project and pinning it into shape as it dries. This technique is particularly useful for items like sweaters, shawls, scarves, and blankets. Blocking helps open up intricate lace patterns, smooth out uneven stitches, and allow your project to maintain its intended size and shape. Whether you prefer wet blocking or steam blocking, the right tools can make all the difference in the final result.

Why You Need Blocking Tools

If you’ve ever finished a project only to find that the edges curl or the stitches look uneven, blocking is your answer. Using the right blocking tools ensures that your fabric lies flat, maintains the correct dimensions, and has an overall polished appearance. Blocking is especially important for lacework, cables, or projects with complex stitch patterns, where the design really shines after the fabric has been properly blocked.

Blocking Mats: A Flat Surface for Your Projects

One of the most important tools for blocking is a blocking mat. These mats provide a flat, cushioned surface where you can pin your project into the desired shape. Our blocking mats are made from durable materials that can withstand repeated pinning and unpinning, ensuring that your projects stay secure while they dry.

Key Features of Blocking Mats:

• Interlocking design: Our mats can be connected to create a larger surface, perfect for blocking everything from small accessories to large blankets.
• Grid patterns: Some mats include grid lines, helping you measure and block your projects to precise dimensions.
• Thick padding: The thick foam design allows for easy pinning without damaging your surface underneath.

Perfect for: Blocking large projects like blankets, shawls, or sweaters, where maintaining shape and size is critical.

Blocking Pins: Secure Your Projects in Place

No blocking session is complete without blocking pins. These specialized pins are used to hold your project in place on the blocking mat as it dries. Unlike regular sewing pins, blocking pins are designed to be rust-resistant and strong enough to withstand the tension of wet yarn being stretched and secured.

Types of Blocking Pins:

• T-Pins: One of the most popular options, T-pins are sturdy, easy to handle, and have a large top that prevents them from slipping out of the fabric.
• Rust-proof pins: Made from stainless steel or nickel-plated materials, these pins won’t rust or leave marks on your projects, even when used for wet blocking.
• U-shaped pins: Ideal for heavy or thick yarns, U-pins provide extra support and stability for your project, ensuring that larger pieces stay securely in place.

Perfect for: Ensuring your project maintains its shape and measurements during the blocking process.

Blocking Combs: Precision and Efficiency

For crafters who want extra precision and efficiency, blocking combs are an excellent alternative to individual pins. Blocking combs are designed to pin multiple sections of your project at once, helping you achieve straight, even edges without the hassle of placing individual pins. These combs are perfect for projects with long edges, such as scarves, shawls, or blankets.

Key Benefits:

• Even tension: Blocking combs distribute the tension evenly across a section of fabric, ensuring smooth, straight edges.
• Time-saving: Instead of placing dozens of pins along the edge of a project, blocking combs allow you to secure larger sections at once, speeding up the blocking process.
• Multiple sizes: Available in various lengths, blocking combs give you the flexibility to block projects of any size.

Perfect for: Long projects like scarves, shawls, or blankets where even edges are essential.

Lace Blocking Wires: Achieve Crisp, Defined Edges

If you frequently work with lace patterns or projects that require a lot of precision, blocking wires are a must-have. Lace blocking wires are thin, flexible wires that can be threaded through the edges of your project, allowing you to block it with greater accuracy. The wires help you achieve crisp, clean edges and open up intricate lace patterns that might otherwise look cramped or uneven.

Key Benefits of Blocking Wires:

• Flexible yet strong: These wires are flexible enough to shape around curves while still providing the support needed to keep your project in place.
• Ideal for lacework: Lace projects benefit greatly from blocking wires, as they allow the patterns to be fully opened up and displayed.
• Reduces pinning time: With blocking wires, you can thread the wire through the edges and use fewer pins to hold the project in place.

Perfect for: Lace shawls, doilies, or any project where crisp edges and precise blocking are important.

Foam Blocking Boards: Portable and Versatile

For crafters who need a portable and versatile blocking solution, foam blocking boards are a great choice. These boards provide a lightweight and easily transportable surface for blocking your projects. They are often used for small to medium-sized projects and can be easily moved from one location to another, making them perfect for crafters with limited space.

Why Choose Foam Blocking Boards:

• Portable: Lightweight and easy to carry, these boards can be set up anywhere, whether at home or while traveling.
• Durable: Foam construction ensures that the board will withstand repeated use and pinning.
• Versatile: Suitable for blocking smaller projects like socks, hats, or mittens, as well as sections of larger items.

Perfect for: Smaller projects or those who need a portable blocking solution.

Blocking Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to blocking, the process may seem intimidating at first, but it’s quite simple with the right tools. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Use the right blocking method for your yarn: Natural fibers like wool benefit from wet blocking, while synthetic fibers may respond better to steam blocking. Always check your yarn’s care instructions before blocking.
2. Measure your project before blocking: Use a tape measure or the grid lines on your blocking mat to ensure that your project is pinned to the correct size.
3. Pin evenly: Whether you’re using pins, combs, or wires, make sure to pin your project evenly to avoid any distortions or uneven tension.

Professional Finishing with Blocks & Pins

Blocking is an essential step in finishing your knitting and crochet projects, giving them a polished, professional look. At Hooks & Needles, our Blocks & Pins collection provides all the tools you need to block your projects with ease and precision. Whether you’re looking for blocking mats, pins, wires, or combs, we have everything you need to bring out the best in your handmade creations.

Explore our Blocks & Pins collection today and take the final step towards crafting perfection!