Blocking a crocheted item gives it a finished, professional look. The process of blocking involves shaping and pinning the crocheted piece into the correct shape before completing an item. It is especially useful

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in taking various shapes such as squares and making them a consistent size before you join them together as in a granny or sampler square afghan.

First, you need a padded surface with a graph on it. A good choice would be a flat board you can stick pins in such as a cork bulletin board. I often use an ironing board for blocking small items. Cover your blocking surface with a clean pad such as thick cotton towels or cotton batting. To create a graph over the padding, the simple solution is to use gingham or some other fabric covered with one inch, half inch or quarter inch squares. (See pictures below.) Fasten the fabric over the padded surface.

Using metal rustproof pins (no plastic because they can melt if you are using heat), pin your item on the graph. Use plenty of straight pins to easy your item into the desired shape.

For blocking yarns made from acrylic and other synthetic yarns, after pinning the item into shape, use a spray bottle with clean water and mist over the item until it is moist, but not saturated. Pat the item so it is thoroughly damp. Allow the item to dry completely. Remove the pins.

For blocking wool, cotton or linen yarns, pin the item into the desired shape. Then take a damp, clean cloth and lay it over the crocheted item. Take a steam iron set to the correct temperature for the yarn, hold the iron about an inch over the item and move the iron above the item until the cloth is warm. Do NOT put the iron down on the cloth and “iron” the crocheted item. Remove the cloth and test the crocheted item. If the yarn is damp and warm, it is ready. Remove the cloth and allow the item to dry completely. Remove the pins. (I sometimes will block an acrylic yarn this way, but you must be very careful NOT to put the iron on top of the cloth covering.)

Video: How to Block a Crocheted Item

I live in a small town. While visiting a local sanctuary for abandoned animals, the tour guide (knowing I’m a crocheter), asked if I could refer her to any spinners. They had just sheared their alpacas, sheep and other yarn-producing animals and they wanted to sell the “wool” at a large discount to someone who could process it further. Our community has many artists, including a very active quilting organization; however, I personally didn’t know any other yarn crafters. So I decided it was time to change that.

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Recently the book store and the scrapbooking store have introduced yarn into their stocks. Since the scrapbooking store (www.pictureperfectandstamps.com) had a room for classes and parties, I decided to approach the owner with my idea. Kathi wanted to expand her yarn area and had already started to offer knitting and crochet classes. She liked my idea and we decided to name out gathering – Fiber Fun, to include all fiber enthusiasts – knitters, crocheters, spinners, needle crafters, etc. Her store is located in the center of the town, near various art galleries and antique stores. On the first Friday of each month from 5pm-8pm the gallery features different artists and holds a small reception. Other stores follow suit offering music and snacks to their visitors. We thought this would be the perfect time for our meeting also.

We added Fiber Fun to the local calendar and invited everyone we met. It has proved to be a very pleasant experience. Crafters bring their current projects, coming and going as they please. We even take a break to visit the other exhibits. Other guests stop by to see what is going on in our space.

Sharing projects and yarn knowledge has proved to be very beneficial for everyone involved. The more experienced crocheters help those that are learning, especially with reading patterns and then exchange ideas and techniques with each other.

At our last meeting, the knitters were making a ruffled boa-like scarf from a new-to-me Bernat’s mesh yarn. They were following the directions on the label. The crocheters wanted to make the same scarf, but there were no crochet instructions. As a result, I bought a few skeins and took them home. After some experimentation, I came up with three crocheted scarves using this yarn. (Two free patterns are available under Simple & Sensational™: Afghan Ruffle Scarf and Double Crochet Ruffle scarf.) If it wasn’t for meeting with this group, I probably would never have thought to do this.

To look for an established group in your area check out the Crochet Guild of American (www.crochet.org). If there is none, why not take the initiative and start your own? Find a location, pick a convenient time and start inviting people. You’ll find this artistic association not only fun, but educational as well.

Nothing adds a personal touch to your crocheted or knitted item than including a handmade edging. No matter the pattern or design, adding a beautiful edging will only enhance the beauty and uniqueness of any afghan, baby blanket, sweater, shawl, scarf or hat you make.

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The border can be as simple as picot stitches around the edge or as fancy as a special trim crocheted by following a more complex design. Below are several books by celebrated crochet authors, designers and teachers. Follow any design as written or add your personal touches by incorporating beads into the trim, including a border of fringe, using numerous colored yarns, layering several edgings together or just simply create your own.

Crocheting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein, provides a wide variety of over 200 crocheted edgings.

Around the Corner Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman, a beautifully illustrated collection of borders with detailed instructions and charts to help you around those sometimes difficult corners. 50 Crocheted Afghan Borders and 50 More Crocheted Afghan Borders by Rita Weiss Creative Partners, Jean Leihauser, both ladies pioneers in crochet design.