It may seem like a lot of trouble to block a knitted dishcloth or washcloth, but I do block mine and here’s why.
Tidy up the work
Dishcloths and washcloths are best when knitted with 100% cotton yarn, If you have a few stitches that are looser than others, your piece will look messy. Blocking will tighten up those stitches and give a uniform look to the knitted cloth. Just because it is handmade doesn’t mean it has to look homemade. Blocking will take your handmade item from dowdy to sensational so it is worth the little extra time it takes to block.
Folding and Storage
All Knit So Easy knitted cloths are designed to be 9 inches x 9 inches. Blocking will assure that they all come out the same size. We have all had knitted items that were a little wonky, wider at the top than the bottom, or appearing stretched out of shape. Blocking will eliminate wonkiness.
Being all the same size makes folding and storage a breeze.
Pride and Joy
Whether you are making a batch of knitted cloths for your kitchen or bath or making them for a gift, you put effort into making beautiful handmade items. Take pride in your amazing work by doing the final step of blocking. The finished project will bring you joy.
Quick blocking tip
Just as there is more than one way to knit, there is more than one way to block your knits. Do a Google or YouTube search for blocking and you will find different methods.
Here is my quick & easy way to block dishcloths and washcloths.
- Use the rinse only cycle of your washing machine and toss your newly knitted dishcloth(s) in. No soap, just use the shortest rinse cycle your machine will do.
- Blocking mats are 12″ by 12″ so one block will hold your 9″ x 9″ knitted cloth. Gently lay out the cloth on the blocking mat.
- Use the one inch grids on the mat to count nine inches in all directions and pin all four corners, then smooth out along the grid lines pinning every inch or so.
- Unpin after completely dry and your knitted cloth is ready to use!
The patterns featured in this blog post are: 1st photo – Flintlock, Newton, Drexel & Boomer. 2nd photo – Sawmills, Stony Point, Sutton Place and Ferguson. They can all be found in the Knit So Easy Etsy store and Ravelry.
