These are my go-to blocking supplies for knitting—plus free patterns to try them on! See them all on my free pattern page.
Let’s talk about blocking supplies for knitting. I’ll be the first to admit—when I first started knitting, I thought blocking was optional. (Spoiler: It’s not.) Whether you’re making textured sweaters, socks, or even acrylic garments, blocking makes your stitches sing. Over the years, I’ve collected my favorite go-to tools, and I’m sharing them all right here in one place so you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase figuring it out.
This isn’t just a roundup of blocking supplies for knitting—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the exact tools I use on my own designs. From the Damask Cardigan’s gorgeous texture to the ribbed Judah Socks and the bouncy Ocean Skirt, these are my tried-and-true picks.
What Are Blocking Supplies for Knitting?
If you’re new to finishing knits, blocking might sound like something fancy for perfectionists. Nope. Blocking supplies for knitting help even out your stitches, open up lace, stretch ribbing, and shape garments so they actually fit the way they’re supposed to. A few key tools can totally change the final look of your work—for the better.
Let me walk you through my favorite tools, how I use them, and which free patterns from my blog they pair best with.
1. Blocking Mats: Your Essential Foundation
When it comes to blocking supplies for knitting, blocking mats are where everything begins. I’ve tried towels on the floor, I’ve tried yoga mats—and trust me, a good set of interlocking blocking mats makes a world of difference. They give you a clean, flat surface to pin your pieces into the right shape and size.
Where I use them: On pretty much everything but I always reach for my blocking mats when I block out the texture on the Damask Cardigan. This cardigan has a gorgeous texture that needs to be flattened and set just right. Without a firm surface to pin it to, the stitch definition gets lost. These mats are sturdy enough to hold pins well without distorting the fabric.
You’ll find blocking mats at a few different price points, but the ones with a grid printed on them are my favorite. They make lining up sleeves, hemlines, and necklines so much easier.
👉 Check out my favorite blocking mats (affiliate link)
2. KnitPro Blocking Combs: My Secret Weapon for Straight Edges
The second must-have on my list of blocking supplies for knitting is my set of KnitPro Blocking Combs. Oh, how I love these little gadgets. Instead of pinning every inch by hand, you just slide the combs in and go. They’re ideal for straight edges, ribbed hems, and cable panels that need to hold their shape.
Where I use them: I use these blocking combs every single time I finish a Peter Vest. The vest has a handsome central cable that deserves to lay flat and proud—not curl up at the edges. Blocking combs let me pin the whole piece in place with a few quick presses, making the process faster and more consistent.
These are a game-changer if you knit a lot of baby and children’s garments that need to be blocked quickly (without poking yourself a dozen times with T-pins).
👉 Grab KnitPro Blocking comes here (affiliate link)
3. Sock Blockers: Never Skip Blocking Your Socks
Let’s talk socks. Sock blockers absolutely deserve a place on this list of blocking supplies for knitting. They help open up ribbing, shape the heel and toe, and give that crisp, store-bought look.
Where I use them: My Judah Socks are ribbed and stretchy—but once they’re off the needles, the fabric can look a little scrunched. When I pop them onto my sock blockers and give them a light spritz of water or steam, they bloom beautifully.
Sock blockers are especially great if you’re giving your socks as gifts or photographing them for your Ravelry project page. There’s just something satisfying about seeing those socks hang in a perfectly shaped pair, ready to wear.
👉 Check out my favorite set of sock blockers you see in all my photos here (affiliate link)
4. Wool Wash: A Must for Gentle Soaking
No list of blocking supplies for knitting would be complete without wool wash. Whether your project is delicate lace or hearty worsted weight, a gentle wool wash will clean your fibers and prep them for blocking.
Where I use it: The Chain Bonnet is a luxurious hat made with KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link)—a super soft, luxe fiber that needs extra care. I use a wool wash to soak the bonnet before blocking. It softens the yarn and gets rid of any oils or residue from handling the yarn during knitting. The gentleness of wool wash means I don’t have to disturb the fibers with excessive squeezing or rinsing, and the result is always heavenly.
You don’t need to use a lot of wool wash. A small bottle goes a long way (I’ve had the same one for YEARS!) — and it makes your knits smell like a little piece of calm if you choose the scented version.
👉 Check out my favorite wool wash here (affiliate link)
5. A Steamer: The Best Tool for Acrylic and Blends
Last but not least in my list of blocking supplies for knitting is my handheld steamer. I know not everyone thinks of a steamer as a knitting tool—but once you try it, you’ll never go back.
Where I use it: The Ocean Skirt (available in both child and adult sizes) is knit in a mostly acrylic blend, and water alone just doesn’t do the trick. Steaming the skirt after it’s pinned in place helps relax the stitches and lock in the shape.
It’s perfect for acrylic and blended yarns that don’t hold wet-blocking as well as wool. Just hover the steamer over the pinned piece—don’t touch it directly—and watch the fabric settle into place like it was meant to be there all along.
I love using the steamer on hems and pleats too. It really sets the fabric and brings polish to any knit garment.
👉 Check out my favorite steamer here (affiliate link)
Do I Use Every Tool Every Time?
Nope—and that’s the beauty of having a collection of blocking supplies for knitting. You don’t need every single tool for every single project. But having the right one on hand when you do need it? That’s the difference between a finished object that looks “homemade” and one that looks professionally knit.
For lace or sweaters, I go all in with mats, combs, and a soak. For socks, I grab my blockers and a quick rinse. For acrylic, steam is my best friend. It all depends on the pattern and fiber.
Patterns to Try with These Blocking Supplies
Want to try these blocking supplies for knitting on a real project? Here are the free patterns I mentioned:
👉 Damask Cardigan Free Pattern – shows off the magic of blocking texture
👉 Peter Vest Free Pattern – makes cable panels pop with blocking combs
👉 Judah Socks Free Pattern – benefits from sock blockers to open ribbing
👉 Chain Bonnet Free Pattern – shines after a wool wash soak
👉 Adult Ocean Skirt Free Pattern – transformed by a quick steam block
👉 Child Ocean Skirt Free Pattern – Shaped perfectly with a gentle steam block
You can find all of these patterns and more on my free knitting pattern page here.
Final Thoughts on Blocking Supplies for Knitting
Blocking supplies for knitting might not be as exciting as a fresh skein of hand-dyed yarn or a shiny new pair of needles—but they’re just as important. These are the tools that take your knitting from good to amazing. Whether you’re knitting a chunky cardigan or a delicate lace wrap, blocking is the finishing touch that makes all the difference.
So if you’ve been skipping this step—or working with tools that make it feel like a chore—give these a try. You’ll love the results, and your knits will thank you.
What Are Your Must-Have Blocking Tools?
I’d love to know! Are you a fan of combs or do you still use T-pins? Do you steam your knits or go old-school with wet blocking? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking to try new ideas and hear from fellow knitters.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me keep all my patterns free!