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Writer's pictureShidonna Raven

Washing vs Blocking Wool

Updated: May 14, 2023


Washing vs Blocking - Knits & Crochets
Washing vs Blocking - Knits & Crochets

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May 18, 2020


As you probably know, one of my students completed a beautiful #babyblanket for a new addition to the family. She purchased beautiful wool yarn from #CascadeYarns. She asked me about #blocking the blanket and then told me she had washed it, which are too different things. Cascade Yarns has a beautiful selection of yarns. Some of their wools are even #washable: #superwash. So, I thought, let me give it a little more information. Before we get too far, there are a couple of ways to block:



If you would like to learn more about the differences, just ask or leave a comment and expect a reply. The important thing to remember whenever blocking or #WashingWool is”

- Be careful with the water. Just use as much water as you need. Less is more in this area.

- Be careful not to agitate the wool. Normally agitation is good in washing because that is how the dirt gets loosen. Again, in the case of wool, less of this is more.

- Be careful to keep the temperature as cool as possible.

All of the three proceeding things done too much will encourage felting, which is totally different than your traditional wool fabric as you know. This applies to both blocking and washing wool. So, what is the best way to wash wools:




- Fill a clean sink with lukewarm water

- Add wool detergent

- Squeeze your wool gently and allow to soak. Do not wring your wool as this will cause damage to your fabric.

- Once the wool is clean lay it out on top of a towel. Roll the wool up into the towel and press the water out into the towel.

- Lay your wool out on a new dry towel and allow to dry. Bobbles or pills will appear in small amounts on your wool due to agitation. This is natural. Use a shaver or comb to remove any bobbles or pills.




Would you like to learn more about blocking? Great, just ask or leave a comment. How long have you been crocheting or knitting? What is your favorite blocking method, why?



Share your answers with the community by posting them below. Share the wealth of information with your friends or family by sharing this article with 3 people today. As always you are the best part of what we do. Keep sharing.


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