Is it your first time blocking and you aren't quite sure what method to use? Then spray blocking is a good start to get a feel for the blocking process and the fibres you are working with.

Because spray blocking is the most gentle way of blocking your knitting and crochet garments. Especially very delicate pieces that are fragile in texture benefit from it, because it prevents the texture of your piece from agitation through the washing process. Fibres such as angora and mohair, but also very fine silk lace pieces benefit from this method. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't block more robust fibre garments. Spray blocking really is the perfect method for beginners to gently learn how the fibres in your project respond to moisture and the blocking process itself.

Here's how to do it:

1. If the fabric you are blocking is very tight and needs too much force to pull into shape, we recommend spraying it first.- because this relaxes the fibres - before shaping and pinning it onto your blocking surface or your blocking boards. If your piece is easily shaped while dry, you can pin it into place first before spraying.

2. For spraying, all you need is a regular spray bottle and fill it with cold water. Then spray your garment very lightly, just so that your garment feels moist, but not soaking wet.

3. From here, gently spray your way forward and feel into how wet your garment needs to be in order for its fibres to relax and ease into the pinned shape. This varies from fibre to fibre and texture of the fabric.

TIP: If you want to freshen up and moisturise the natural fibres in your garment with lanolin while spray blocking it, use a 1:10 solution of our KnitIQ No Rinse Delicate Wash in your spray bottle, which is 50ml of KnitIQ Delicate Wash in 500ml of water. Idea: @knittingmagpie on Instagram

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