Steam blocking is particularly useful on a work in progress to see how it will shape up when finished, or when you are short on time. Different to wet blocking where you wash your garment first and leave it to dry when blocked, steam blocking simply steams your project into shape which speeds up the process of blocking.

Here's how to do it:

1. 1. You can use KnitIQ Blocking Mats or an alternative blocking surface, for example your ironing board, to pin your knitting or crochet into the desired dimension and shape. Insert each pin at an angle so that it won’t prevent the iron from getting too close to your work. If using an alternative brand of blocking boards, check beforehand whether they are suitable for steaming, and if in doubt use an ironing board instead.
2. 2. Hold your iron slightly above the fabric and apply steam, never letting the iron touch your work. Move slowly over the work, until you are confident that all of it has been exposed to the steam. Then leave it pinned in place to cool and dry completely before removing it.

NOTE: Don't use hot steam on silk fibres! Silk doesn't manage heat well and can get damaged by it. Your better option here is Spray Blocking. Also, beware of using steam blocking on acrylic yarn: Never touch the surface of acrylic or synthetic yarn as it will permanently change the fibres' structure and thus the texture of the fabric, unless this is what you're aiming for.

Back to KnitIQ Guide to Blocking