How to Block Your Blanket for a Perfect Finish

A blanket is such a special gift, and you’re putting so much time and love into it – these heirlooms deserve a perfect finish.

Whether your blanket is made with cotton, wool, or even acrylic, I recommend blocking your finished blanket. Blocking allows the yarn to soften and bloom, showing off your stitches. With most natural and animal fibers, blocking will also allow you to fine tune your blanket to just the right dimensions.

Wet blocking and steam blocking are the two main methods. Blankets made from cotton or wool benefit greatly from either method. If your blanket is made with acrylic yarn, steam blocking is usually the recommended choice (be careful not to get the iron too close though or you may melt the yarn), but I usually just give it a gentle wash to soften the yarn and lay it flat to dry.

TIP: Always read the care instructions on the yarn’s ball band (or the manufacturer’s website) and follow those recommendations.

Wet Blocking

To wet block your blanket, you will need a tub or basin, a clean towel, and a clean surface to lay your blanket on to dry (a bunch of towels or a comforter would do). Fill the tub or basin with water (you may add a small amount of delicate fiber wash if desired). Place your finished blanket in the water and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. Then let the water drain. Very gently, press excess water out of the fabric (but do not wring or twist it). Carefully scoop up the blanket and lay it out onto a clean towel. Roll the blanket up in the towel and press out as much excess water as you can. Then transfer the blanket to your clean surface. Unfold the blanket and gently shape it into the desired dimensions.

I often pin the edges of the blanket with rust-proof T-pins to get it into shape. It’s important to use rust-proof pins, especially if your blanket is light in color, to ensure that the pins won’t stain the wet fabric. Then, let the blanket dry completely before removing the pins. And you’re done!

The one concern about wet blocking is that you must be careful not to twist or stretch the fabric too much when moving the wet blanket from the tub to the towel and in all the attempts to press out extra water. This is especially important if your blanket is made of cotton, which has a tendency to stretch. Once it’s stretched, it might not be possible to get it back to its original shape.

Steam Blocking

Many people find steam blocking to be easier, but it can also be more time-consuming for big projects like a blanket. To steam block your blanket, you will need a steam iron (or garment steamer), and a clean, wet towel or pillowcase. Spread your blanket on a clean comforter or a thick, heat-resistant surface. Place the towel over one section of your blanket. Set your iron to the steam setting and slowly move it over the towel, approximately an inch above. The heat and steam will penetrate through the towel, lightly dampening and heating the yarn. Be sure not to press the iron directly onto the fabric, which may flatten out any raised stitches, like the interlocking rings in the Wedding Ring Blanket. Gently shape your work as needed while it’s still warm. Move to the next section of the blanket and repeat until the whole blanket is slightly damp. Allow your blanket to fully cool and dry in place.

The nice thing about steam blocking is that you don’t have to worry as much about stretching the fabric out of shape. But with steam, it does take a bit longer to saturate the fabric.

Whichever method you choose, take your time and enjoy this final step. The recipient will be overjoyed to see the blanket you’ve made with such love and care.