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 go-to method for almost anything 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
Unpinning a piece before it’s fully dry is a common mistake, and the piece can 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 for most wool and cotton pieces.
Does wet blocking work on acrylic?
Barely. Acrylic doesn’t hold a moisture-set shape well, so 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.