Blocking crochet with an iron typically refers to using the steam produced by the iron to relax stitches, shape the fabric, and even out tension. This method is often called steam blocking. It's a fast and effective way to finish your crochet projects.
What is Steam Blocking?
Steam blocking uses moisture and heat (in the form of steam) to manipulate the fibers in your crochet fabric. Unlike wet blocking where you soak the item, steam blocking involves applying steam directly to the fabric while it's pinned into the desired shape. The heat and moisture from the steam encourage the fibers to relax and hold the new shape once dry.
Why Use Steam Blocking?
- Shapes: Helps square up corners, straighten edges, and open up lace patterns.
- Evens Stitches: Relaxed fibers often lead to a more consistent stitch pattern.
- Improves Drape: Makes the fabric softer and gives it a better feel.
- Speeds Drying: Dries much faster than wet blocking.
Materials You'll Need
To steam block your crochet with an iron, gather these items:
- Your finished crochet project
- An iron that produces steam
- An ironing board or a heat-resistant surface (like blocking mats or a thick towel)
- Rust-proof pins
- Measuring tape
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to steam block your crochet piece:
- Prepare Your Surface: Lay your ironing board or blocking mat flat. Cover it with a clean towel if using an ironing board or if you want to protect your mats.
- Pin Your Project: Carefully lay your crochet piece on the prepared surface. Use your hands to gently shape it to the desired dimensions. Use rust-proof pins to secure the edges, corners, or lace points to the surface. Make sure your measurements are accurate.
- Prepare the Iron: Fill your iron with water and turn it on to the steam setting. Choose a heat setting appropriate for your yarn type (low for acrylics, medium for cotton/wool). Never touch the iron directly to the fabric, especially with acrylic or synthetic yarns, as this can melt or damage the fibers.
- Apply Steam: Hold the iron a few inches above your pinned project. Press the steam button or allow the iron to release steam over the fabric. As shown in the reference, you should see steam rising.
- Avoid Direct Pressure: Do not put the full weight down on the iron at all. Gently move the iron over the entire surface of the pinned project, letting the steam penetrate the fibers. This is especially important with acrylic yarn, as pressing can flatten and ruin the texture, or even melt the fibers.
- Let it Cool and Dry: Once you've steamed the entire piece, turn off the iron. Leave the project pinned in place until it is completely cool and dry. This is crucial for the fibers to set in their new shape.
- Unpin: Once cool and dry, carefully remove the pins.
Important Considerations
- Yarn Type: Steam blocking works best on natural fibers like wool, cotton, and linen. It can also be effective on acrylic, but requires extreme caution. Synthetics like polyester may not respond well to steam and can be easily damaged by heat.
- Acrylic Caution: Be very careful when steam blocking acrylic. Always use a low heat setting and keep the iron a few inches above the fabric. Never touch the iron to the yarn or press down. Excessive heat or pressure will melt acrylic, resulting in a stiff, shiny, and irreversible effect called "killing" the acrylic.
- Test Swatch: If unsure, always test steam blocking on a small swatch of the same yarn used in your project first.
- Ventilation: Ensure you have good ventilation as you'll be producing a lot of steam.
Using an iron for steam blocking is a great way to give your crochet projects a professional finish, provided you use the steam correctly and avoid direct contact and pressure, particularly with sensitive fibers like acrylic.
