Blocking is a technique for getting your block to 'square up' and hold it's shape nicely. It's also a good way of getting a block to the desired size if it's a bit out. There's always a little stretch in your work, but it's best not to try and use blocking to overcome a massive shortfall! There are a few different methods for doing this, which one you use depends on what kind of yarn you're using. As a rule of thumb, it's best to use wet blocking for acrylic yarns and steam blocking for natural fibres (wool, cotton, bamboo, alpaca, mohair etc etc!). Although it might sound very technical, blocking is probably the least complicated bit of any project. It can be done with things you probably already have in the house, but you can get some other bits of kit to help. 

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What you need-wet blocking:

• Something to which to pin your blocks- ironing board with towel on top, foam exercise tiles, blocking board. Any of these will be suitable for your purpose.

• Long pins with good sized pin heads. These are sometimes called quilting pins as well. They're like standard dressmaking pins, but much longer. See here for an example of a basic blocking pin. It's also worth keeping an eye out for the free gifts on crochet magazines. There's been quite a few given away before.

• Spray bottle. The best ones are often the kind you get in garden centres or, intended for misting orchids and other tropical plants. They give a nice even coverage of water, as do ones designed to be used for hair, see here for a good example.  (I've used an empty detangler spray bottle thoroughly cleaned, but not everyone has these kicking about! -Mairi)

• Tape measure. Some blocking boards have these conveniently marked on but if you're using something else you'll need to measure the block out yourself.

• Patience! The wet blocking method means you have to wait for things to dry, so you have to be prepared to wait for results!

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Method

Depending on the size of your blocking board/work area, pin out as many blocks as you can to the desired size. It's best to pin out the corners first, the pin the edges. You quite literally cannot use too many pins. You're aiming to get the edges as straight at possible so use as many as you like to achieve this. Now you spritz your crochet liberally with water, if in doubt, spray it some more. It's sometimes worth giving it a pat down after as you end up with a lot of tiny water droplets sitting on the surface of the fibres, looking very pretty but you want them to soak in. Now leave it to dry! How long this takes will depend on the temperature of where you leave it to dry, but somewhere with good ventilation is best. Once they're completely dry, carefully unpin and they should hold their shape and size. 

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Not everyone bothers with blocking, and as you get more experienced about your crochet you'll get in tune with your tension so you'll start to find your work is more even. Blocking is handy for neatening things up in preparation for joining. Some people also prefer to join their blocks together, then block by washing their work as advised in the machine then laying out on a towel and leaving to dry. This method is also used when making one large piece.

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What you need- steam blocking

• Blocking board

• Blocking pins

• Iron with steam setting

• Time- unlike wet blocking, this is a bit more labour intensive if you want to block lots of things at once. It's not difficult but each piece needs to be pinned out, blocked, unpinned, then the next piece. But the results are instant!

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Method

As above, pin out as many blocks as you can, then using your iron on it's steamiest setting (!) blast the blocks with steam, but don't let the iron touch the crochet, especially if you're using a yarn that is a mix of acrylic and natural fibre, we don't want any tears. Please mind your fingers! Let the blocks dry, which will be very quick, then unpin. Now repeat for the rest. 

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Aftercare

For all your blocked pieces you can press them, using a very cool and dry iron setting and putting a clean tea towel over them. With the hot iron gently press down. It's best leave very textured work unpressed as it may spoil the lovely effect of bobbles or popcorns or fun things!

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As ever there are simple hundreds of blog posts advising you on blocking, many with brilliant picture tutorials, and everyone has a preferred method. Have a look around and see what seems best for you!