To Block or Not to Block?
Kate Fox(Why I Do It Even as a Busy Mum)
Blocking is one of those crochet things that people either swear by or completely ignore.
And honestly, I get why it feels optional. When you finally finish a project, the last thing you want is another step before you can use it, gift it, or tick it off your list.
But here’s the truth from someone short on time and patience:
Blocking usually saves me time in the long run.
Let me explain why.
(Scroll to the bottom for the TL/DR version ;) )
What Blocking Actually Is (In Plain English)
Blocking is simply reshaping your finished crochet project so it sits the way it is meant to.
You lightly wet your item, gently stretch or shape it to size, pin it in place, and let it dry flat.
That’s it.
No magic. No special skills. No need to overthink it.
Blocking helps:
- even out stitches
- straighten edges
- improve drape
- and make projects look finished, not rushed
Why Blocking Is Worth It as a Busy Mum
I do not block everything. I’m realistic.
But when I do block, it’s because it solves a problem.
1. It Can Make Things Fit Better
This is a big one.
We have all finished a project and thought:
“I don’t think this is going to fit”
or
“I definitely didn’t have enough yarn for this”
Blocking often fixes that.
By gently stretching the fabric while it dries, you can gain just enough length or width for:
- hats that feel a bit snug
- garments that look slightly short
- granny squares that don’t quite line up
It does not create yarn out of thin air, but it can absolutely help a project relax into the size it was meant to be.
2. It Makes Joining Faster
Uneven pieces take longer to join.
Blocked pieces:
- line up more easily
- sit flatter
- need less fiddling
Spending a bit of time blocking can save a lot of time later.
3. It Makes Handmade Look Intentional
Blocking is often the difference between:
“This is cute”
and
“Wow, did you make that?”
Edges are straighter. Shapes are clearer. Textures pop more.
If I am gifting something or donating it, I block it every time.
The Cons of Blocking (Let’s Be Honest)
Blocking does take:
- a bit of space
- some drying time
- a little extra effort
And if you are:
- making something very small
- working with a super forgiving yarn
- or producing items quickly for everyday use
you might decide it’s not worth it.
That’s completely fine.
Blocking is a tool, not a rule.
How I Started Blocking on a Budget
When I first started blocking, I did not buy fancy equipment.
I used:
-
camping foam mats from Kmart
-
regular sewing pins
The foam mats worked perfectly. They were cheap, easy to store, and did the job.
Over time, once I knew blocking was something I would keep doing, I upgraded to KnitPro blocking pins because they were faster and easier on my hands. But that was an upgrade, not a requirement.
More Crafty Mum Hacks (Cheap and Practical)
I’ve put together a list of crafty mum hacks and affordable tools I actually use, including budget blocking options and other time-saving bits and pieces.
You can find that list here: Crafty Mum Hacks Benable List
For full transparency, if you choose to purchase something from that list by clicking through, I receive a small percentage from the sale. It helps support what I share here, so thank you in advance if you do.
Other Budget Blocking Options That Work
If you are just starting out or want to keep costs low, these options genuinely work:
- towels on the floor or bed
- yoga mats
- kids foam play mats
- cardboard layered with towels
- cork boards
For pins:
- regular sewing pins
- T pins
- stainless steel pins if you already have them
You do not need a perfect setup. You just need something flat and pin-friendly.
What I Always Block and What I Usually Don’t
I usually block:
- granny squares
- garments
- hats when fit matters
- items being gifted or donated
I usually do not block:
- scrunchies
- plushies or toys
- heavily textured items
- very forgiving yarn projects
- everyday items that will be washed straight away
Again, there are no rules here. Just choices that make life easier.
The Busy Mum Takeaway
Blocking is not about perfection.
It is about:
- making your project fit properly
- making your work easier to assemble
- and getting a better result without starting over
If blocking helps you avoid ripping back rows or remaking something, it is worth the extra step.
And if today is not the day for blocking, that is okay too.
Craft should fit into life, not compete with it.
TL/DR
Blocking is reshaping your finished crochet so it sits properly.
It can fix sizing issues, improve fit, and make projects easier to join. You can start blocking cheaply with foam mats and sewing pins, then upgrade later if you want to.
It is not required for everything, but when it helps, it really helps.