To Block or not to block?

[Abby123]

Unless the knitting distorts the fabric, I never block. At that point in the game, I'm anxious to get on to the seaming, so I can wear & enjoy my project. But I know other knitters do prefer to block. And I'm wondering how it improves the garment.

[suzeeq]

I don't generally block, but I knit mostly in acrylic. The only thing I blocked beyond a wash and dry flat was an entrelac scarf in wool. That flattened out the puffy blocks nicely. I mostly don't care for a flattened or stretched out knitting; I just use larger needles for knitting lace instead.

[newamy]

I always block and it always improves the look. Somethings are tricky. With acrylics you don't block, but washing straightens things out and makes the stitches look better. And letting them lay flat a bit damp to dry the rest of the way makes things better looking.

Lace never looks right until it is blocked. Some fibers grow so if my swatch grew I take that into consideration while knitting. Somethings shrink, like cottons, so if my swatch shrunk I take that into consideration.

Cotton or linen actually responds well to an iron after washing.

And all wool/animal fibers look way better after blocking.

Okay, I don't block socks, wearing them seems to take care of it, but I would if I was giving them away so they would look nice.

[Jan in CA]

You don't have the choice rarely, but that's what I'd say. I knit mostly with acrylic or blends so I haven't done a whole lot of blocking.

[ArtLady1981]

I block everything except huge knitted blankets and hats. They remain AS IS!

[fluffybunny]

I work almost exclusively in natural fibers, and my work would be a mess if I didn't block. I block everything from the gauge swatch to the final pieces, including any bands, etc. Makes a world of difference, taking my work from "home made" looking to professional looking. Just my 2¢ worth

[dustinac]

I usually always block too. The real difference is in color work and lace knitting. Those items can look (to me) not so good when you finish them, until they have had a nice block...the difference is amazing

[Crycket]

Most ppl would not block socks, but I do...I gives the socks life IMO, and they don't come out of the dryer looking like some weird contorted sock monster...*smiles*

I am with the other...not acrylic, but anything with a natural fibre should be blocked!

[cajunlady208]

I'm new to knitting, so please excuse my ignorance!!

How does one block a piece when finished?

So far I've only mastered scarves and hats in the round. Is there a good way to block a scarf? What about a beanie hat?

I suppose somewhere there may be a learning video showing us how??

Thanks in advance for any follow-up!

[Mike]

No answer for me. I block when it needs blocked.
That may be to size, it may be distorted, it may be to uncurl pieces before stitching together (acrylic or not), it may be to soften Super Saver.
Most everything I make is acrylic.