Using Crochet Blocking Boards

Is your crochet square curling or are your edges not square? Using crochet blocking boards is a great way to 'fix' the shape of your crochet pieces and eliminate curling.

Using a blocking board will also ensure that all of your square (assuming you are crochet squares) are the same size.

A blocking board is basically a board of some kind - mine is made out of timber, not the best choice mind you - with a series of holes across the board.  If you purchase a similar board, you will have some metal pins that fit into the holes on your board.  You place the pins into the board in the shape that you want for your squares and fit the squares over the pins. The squares should be slightly stretched to make sure the sides are square.

Then you spritz the squares with a little water and leave it to dry. I use a little spray bottle to do the spritzing.  You don't need to drench the squares, just making them a little damp is enough.  As they dry the square will retain the shape that you have them pinned out in.

The blocking board work reasonably well for smaller squares but you are limited in relation to size.  Larger squares will not fit on this type of board but they still need to be blocked. There is also the risk that the water that you spritz the crochet square with can cause the board to warp - mine did when I was a bit heavy handed with the spritzing!

But there is an alternative.

An Alternative to Using Crochet Blocking Boards

I use foam tiles for blocking larger pieces.  I had these foam tiles and t pins on hand for when I block my lace knitting.  I purchased these interlocking foam tiles from my local hardware store, they are normally used on the floor to create a cushioned surface for people who are standing for long periods while working or for workout spaces. You can get a pack of 4 for around $10.

To use this type of blocking board you will also need some pins.  Any type of sewing pins will do but I find it easier to use t pins.  The pin itself is in the shape of a T which makes it easy to see or find the pins when you are done while the round headed sewing pins might get lost in the fabric of your crocheted piece.  Another name for the t pins is wig pins, you might not be able to find them in your local craft store but they are definitely available on eBay, ETSY or Temu.

When I need to block my larger squares, I lay the foam squares on a flat surface (usually the floor) and pin the out to the shape I want and them spritz them.  I also have long Aluminium blocking rods/pins that I use when blocking my knitted shawls.  They can be used to make sure your edges are straight.  They work better than relying on the individual pins, but not everyone will have access to them.   Mine are welding rods that I bought online and they are a half a metre long.

The long pins on the wooden blocking board makes it easier to get the sizing consistent so you have to be more careful with the foam tiles. They are textured so you can line up your edges with the pattern on the tile, or you can use a text to draw the outline on the tile and then pin to that outline.