WASH & BLOCK

When you wash and block your knitted and crocheted project, the pattern and stitches come into their own. This creates an even mesh structure, where any small unevenness can be corrected and the wool gets the right fullness.

TIP: Instead of washing your knitwear and crochet in wool, you can advantageously air it instead. As long as it's not dirty, a good airing can be enough to remove bad odors. It is easier and wears less on the wool fibers.

Good tools

Wool soap
Always remember to use wool soap as regular detergents contain enzymes that destroy the natural fibers and lanolin content of wool.

Measuring tape
A measuring tape can help get your finished knitting and crochet to the right measurements.

Block needles
T-needles and pins are great for stretching out your work and holding it in place until it has completely dried. 

Soft backing
Block mats are a great surface for easily inserting needles, but a quilt and towels can handle most blocking tasks. For small projects that need to be held in place with needles, such as granny squares, a cork board with a towel on it can also be a good tool. 

You can find our range of accessories HERE.

Washing guide

• Fill a tub with lukewarm water (approx. 30 degrees) and add a little wool detergent. Soak your knitted/crocheted garment for 10-30 minutes.
  AVOID Rummaging and flipping around too much in the tub. When your knitting/crochet is wet, it will be very heavy. Therefore, be extremely careful when pulling it up so that the work does not stretch far and out of shape.
  
  
• Carefully pick it up in a clump. Change the water in the tub to clean water without soap and put your knitting/crochet back to rinse the soap out of your work. Do this a few times to make sure all the soap comes out.
  
  
• When the soap is rinsed out, pick it up in a clump and gently squeeze out the water.
  AVOID twisting and stretching the work. Instead, squeeze it between your hands until there is as much water out as possible. 
  
  
• If necessary, squeeze or roll the work carefully between two dry towels to get the last of the water out. Larger projects can optionally be spun (without rinsing) at low speeds in the washing machine. Use a laundry bag for this.

Blocking

The block part itself is about getting the finished project in just the right shape. It is also in this phase that bubble patterns, hole patterns and rolling edges can be straightened out and completely in place.

Blocking also has the advantage that it can correct some misalignment, as you can push and shape your knitting and crochet when it is wet.

Block guide

• Lay the piece flat on block mats or, for example, a blanket with towels on top.
  
  
• Gently push or pull the piece into shape with your hands. Check the length and width with a tape measure and if necessary, secure the piece with T-pins or pins to keep it in shape. This is also the time to straighten lace patterns, bubble patterns, rolled edges, etc. to show off the pattern to its best advantage. 
  
  
• Leave the work in this shape with pins or T-pins to hold it in place until it is completely dry for a nice, crisp result. Feel free to turn the work a few times while drying to avoid creases.