Crochet blocking pins hold a wet or steamed piece in place against a board or mat while it dries into shape. Choose rust-resistant stainless pins, since cheap pins can leave small orange marks on a damp piece, especially white or light yarn.
T-pins versus straight pins
T-pins have a wide head that’s easy to grip and push into thick foam, which makes pinning a lot of edges faster. Straight pins with a small round head work fine too but are easier to lose in a stack of pinned fabric.
What to check before buying
- Rust resistance: stainless steel avoids the staining risk on light-colored yarn.
- Length: longer pins hold better in thick foam boards or mats.
- Quantity: a large blanket can use fifty or more pins at once.
Frequently asked questions
Do blocking pins rust?
Cheap pins can, especially left in damp wool for a full drying cycle. Stainless steel pins are worth the small extra cost, since cheaper pins can leave rust marks on light-colored pieces.
How many pins do I need for a blanket?
Fifty or more for a full-size blanket blocked in sections.
See our full blocking tools comparison
Compare boards, mats, and pins in one guide.