Don't heat block fibers because they can melt, thereby ruining your design.
Ironing it out
The ironing method of heat blocking works well for flat items, such as doilies, that have no three-dimensional stitches. To block your design with the ironing method, follow these steps:- Set your iron to the correct temperature as indicated on the yarn label. If the label doesn't recommend a temperature, be cautious and set the iron on a medium-low setting (the steam function should be off as well). You can always make the iron warmer, but burns are irreversible.
- Lay out your design on a heat-resistant blocking surface and pin it out to the proper dimensions.
- Cover your crocheted design with a clean cotton towel or a pressing cloth. Then, using a spray bottle, spray it with water to slightly dampen the cloth. If you prefer to dry press, cover the crocheted design with the cloth and omit the spraying step.
- Iron the item through the cloth by gently pressing and then lifting the iron and moving it to a new section.
Running the iron over the design while pressing down flattens your stitches and may harm the yarn fibers.
- Allow your design to cool and then remove it from the blocking surface. If necessary, repeat the process on the other side.
Steaming your fabric's pores
Steaming works especially well for correcting curling edges. It's also quite useful when you have to shape just a small section, such as a cuff or collar that won't behave. All you need to steam press your work is a normal steam iron, which you probably have in your laundry room. To steam block your design, follow these steps:- Set your iron to the correct temperature indicated on the yarn label. If the label doesn't recommend a temperature, be cautious and set the iron on a medium-low setting.
- Lay out your design on a heat-resistant blocking surface and pin it out to the proper dimensions.
- Holding your steam iron about an inch above the fabric, steam separate sections of the design, being careful not to let the iron touch the fabric.
- Give your design time to cool and dry before removing it from the blocking surface.