Instructions for Blocking: How to Block Your Granny Squares

What is block？

Common Ways to Block Crochet Projects

1. Wet Blocking
   Soak the crochet piece in lukewarm water until it is fully saturated. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist). Lay the piece flat on a blocking mat or a clean towel, shaping it to the desired dimensions. Pin it in place using rust-proof pins or blocking wires. Allow it to dry completely.
   
   
2. Steam Blocking 
   Pin the crochet piece to a blocking mat or clean towel, shaping it to the desired dimensions. Use a steam iron or steamer to apply steam to the piece without touching the iron directly to the fabric. Gently pat and shape the piece as you go. Allow it to cool and dry completely before unpinning.
   
   
3. Spray Blocking
   Pin the crochet piece to a blocking mat or clean towel, shaping it to the desired dimensions. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the piece with water until it is damp. Allow it to dry completely.

For lace patterns, garments, and projects with intricate designs, blocking is particularly beneficial because proper shaping and styling can greatly enhance their appearance. Additionally, if you're planning to make a blanket from granny squares or other motifs, the best way to maintain their shape is to block all the squares before joining them together. This ensures that the stitches align more easily during assembly, resulting in a neater finished product. So, let's dive into the specific blocking techniques using one of the most classic crochet projects — the granny square.

Steps to Block a Granny Square

1. Prepare the Square
   Ensure your granny square is clean. If it’s been used or handled a lot, you might want to wash it according to the yarn's care instructions.
   
   

2. Set Up the Blocking Surface
   Lay out a blocking mat or foam board on a flat surface. You can also use a clean towel if you don't have a blocking mat.
   
   

3. Shape the Square

• Lay your granny square on the blocking surface. Gently stretch and shape it to the desired dimensions, making sure all corners are at right angles and the edges are straight.
• Use a measuring tape or ruler to ensure the sides are equal and the square is symmetrical.
  
  

4. Pin the Square

• Starting at one corner, pin the square in place. Insert a pin through the corner and into the blocking surface.
• Move to the opposite corner and pin it, gently stretching the square to the correct size.
• Pin the remaining two corners, adjusting as necessary to ensure the square is even and straight.
• Place additional pins along the edges, spacing them evenly to keep the sides straight and smooth.
  
  

5. Dampen the Square
   

• Fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist the square until it is damp but not soaking wet.
• Alternatively, use a steamer to steam the square, being careful not to touch the fabric directly with the steamer to avoid damaging it.
  
  

6. Allow to Dry Leave the square pinned in place until it is completely dry. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the thickness of the yarn and the humidity in the room.
   
   

7. Remove Pins Once the square is dry, carefully remove the pins.
   
   
   
   

Tips for Blocking Granny Squares

• Consistency 
  If you are blocking multiple squares, make sure to block each one to the same dimensions for a uniform appearance when joining.
• Gentle Handling
  Handle the squares gently when pinning and unpinning to avoid stretching or distorting the stitches.
• Rust-Proof Pins
  Use rust-proof pins to prevent any discoloration or damage to the yarn.