Wet blocking means soaking a finished crochet piece in cool water, squeezing out the excess, then pinning it to exact measurements to dry. This is the method I use for almost everything I make in wool or cotton, since those fibers hold a new shape well once dry.
Step by step
Soak the piece in cool water for about fifteen to twenty minutes, then lift it out and press out excess water with a towel, never wringing or twisting. Pin it to your target measurements on a board or towel-covered surface, and let it air dry completely before removing the pins.
What can go wrong
I’ve rushed the drying step before and unpinned a piece too early, only to watch it relax back out of shape within a day. Give it the full drying time, usually twelve to twenty four hours, before touching the pins.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I soak crochet before blocking?
Fifteen to twenty minutes is usually enough for the fibers to fully absorb water, which is what I use for most wool and cotton pieces.
Does wet blocking work on acrylic?
Barely. Acrylic doesn’t hold a moisture-set shape well, so I switch to careful steam blocking for that fiber instead.
Need a surface to pin your piece to?
See our full buying guide to crochet blocking boards.