How to Block Crochet: 3 Easy Methods for a Perfect Finish
When you spend hours creating a beautiful crochet project, you want it to look its best! Learning how to block crochet is a simple way to take your work from handmade to professional-looking. Blocking helps even out your stitches, straighten edges, and give your project the perfect final shape.
In this post, you will learn three easy methods for blocking crochet: wet blocking, steam blocking, and spray blocking. I’ll also explain which fiber types work best for each method, a helpful trick using conditioner as wool wash, and some bonus tips to get the best results.
Before we start, don't forget to save this tutorial for later by pinning it!
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Video Tutorial on Blocking Crochet
What is Blocking in Crochet?
Blocking is the process of shaping your finished crochet piece by wetting it and letting it dry in the desired dimensions. It helps projects like blankets, garments, and accessories lie flat and look crisp and polished. Whether you're working with natural fibers or acrylic yarns, blocking can make a huge difference.
1. Wet Blocking
If you are new to blocking, wet blocking is the best place to start. It’s the most popular method because it’s straightforward and works beautifully on many types of fibers.
How to Wet Block Crochet:
Fill a clean sink or bowl with lukewarm water.
Optional: Add a small amount of wool wash or a gentle conditioner (more on that below!).
Submerge your crochet piece completely and gently squeeze to get it fully soaked. Let soak for 15 - 30 minutes.
Remove your project and gently squeeze (Don’t wring! this can stretch the fibers) and remove excess water by pressing the project between two towels.
Lay your piece flat on a blocking mat or clean towel.
Gently stretch and pin it into shape using rustproof pins (they have to be rustproof! I’ve made this mistake before and ruined a project with ugly rust stains).
Allow it to dry completely.
Best Fiber Types for Wet Blocking:
Natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen, and alpaca respond very well to wet blocking.
Synthetic fibers like acrylic don’t respond as dramatically to wet blocking, but it will still work if you don’t want to invest in a steamer to steam block.
If you want to learn more about different yarn types and how they behave, check out my post: The Ultimate Guide to Yarn Fiber Types and the Best Yarn for Crochet Projects.
Can You Use Conditioner as Wool Wash?
When I first started crocheting, I’ll be honest — I was totally intimidated by wet blocking. I thought you needed fancy wool wash, and the ones I found were either hard to get or way out of my budget, especially the beautiful handmade ones from indie yarn sellers. Just using plain water wasn’t ideal either — some yarns, especially wool, ended up smelling like a wet dog (not exactly the vibe I was going for!).
But then I discovered a simple trick that changed everything: you can use a little hair conditioner instead of wool wash when wet blocking! It’s affordable, easy to find, and perfect for natural fibers like wool and alpaca that need a little extra love to feel soft and luxurious.
But not all conditioners are safe. Silicones and heavy oils can coat the yarn, make it sticky, and even change the texture permanently. A clean, simple conditioner will gently soften the fibers without damaging them.
✅ Use a conditioner that is:
Free from silicones (like dimethicone)
Free from heavy oils and waxes
Unscented or lightly scented
Gentle and designed for sensitive skin
❌ Avoid conditioners that are:
"Moisturizing" or "repairing" formulas packed with oils
Formulated for colored hair (often has added coatings)
Thick, heavy, or leave-in types
Here are some inexpensive, drugstore conditioners you can use for blocking:
1. Suave Essentials Daily Clarifying Conditioner
Why it works: This lightweight, silicone-free conditioner is free from heavy oils and waxes, making it ideal for wet blocking natural fibers like wool and alpaca.
Bonus: It's widely available and very affordable.
2. VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Conditioner
Why it works: VO5's clarifying conditioner is silicone-free and contains minimal additives, ensuring it won't coat your yarn fibers.
Bonus: It's gentle and has a light scent, suitable for sensitive projects.
3. Aussie Mega Moist Conditioner
Why it works: While slightly richer, this conditioner is free from silicones and provides extra softness to natural fibers without leaving residue.
Bonus: It's known for its pleasant scent and moisturizing properties.
How to use conditioner when blocking:
Add just a small squirt (about a teaspoon) of conditioner to your bowl of lukewarm water.
Mix it into the water thoroughly before adding your crochet piece (make sure it’s all dissolved to avoid clumps of conditioner on your project).
This little step can make natural fibers feel even more luxurious without needing specialty products!
2. Steam Blocking
If you’re working with stubborn stitches or synthetic fibers, steam blocking can really save the day. It uses heat and moisture to set your stitches without fully soaking your project.
Now, steam blocking does require a bit of an investment — a small handheld steamer usually costs around $30 — but it’s worth it. Plus, you can use it on your clothes, too! I find it way easier and more space-efficient than ironing, because who has time for ironing?
How to Steam Block Crochet:
Pin your crochet piece into the desired shape on a blocking mat (using rust proof pins).
Hover a steamer a few inches above your project.
Let the steam penetrate the fibers without pressing the iron directly onto the fabric (touching it can flatten or melt your stitches, especially with acrylic yarn).
Allow your project to dry completely on the blocking mat.
Best Fiber Types for Steam Blocking:
Acrylic yarns and other synthetic fibers respond better to steam blocking than to wet blocking.
Natural fibers like wool and cotton can also be steam blocked, but make sure not to over-steam and distort the fabric.
Tip: Always do a small test swatch first if you are using a steamer or iron on a synthetic yarn!
3. Spray Blocking
Spray blocking is a gentle method that’s perfect for lightweight projects or when you just need a quick and easy fix.
It’s not usually my go-to, but I did use it for my Camellia Sweater, which is made with super delicate lace-weight mohair yarn. It worked like a charm and saved me from the stress of either soaking or adding heat to that delicate mohair.
How to Spray Block Crochet:
Pin your project into shape on a blocking mat (using rust proof pins).
Fill a spray bottle with clean, lukewarm water.
Lightly mist the project until damp but not soaking.
Smooth and shape your piece as needed.
Let it dry fully before unpinning.
Best Fiber Types for Spray Blocking:
Great for cotton, linen, mohair and delicate lace projects.
Works best for projects that only need light shaping or adjustment.
Acrylics can be lightly spray blocked, but usually benefit more from steam.
Blocking Crochet Squares
I’ve given this its own heading because a lot of crocheters wonder about how to block crochet squares — like granny squares for blankets or motifs for clothing.
If you’ve made it this far in the post, you’ve probably already figured out that the best method really depends on your yarn type!
For wool or cotton squares, wet blocking will give the most polished result (and a little conditioner can make them even softer!).
For acrylic squares, steam blocking will help set the shape better.
Blocking your squares before joining them will make a huge difference in how even and clean your finished project looks!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Block Your Crochet Projects
No matter what method you use, taking the time to block your work is worth it. Your stitches will relax, edges will straighten, and the final piece will have a more professional, polished finish. Whether you try wet blocking, steam blocking, or spray blocking — and maybe add a little conditioner magic — you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!