Lavender Playtime Buddies by Doodle Bug Designs Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Lavender C210 Pretty Pink C603 Baby Pink C818 Banana Yellow C745

Zoom Zoom Baby by Doodle Bug Designs Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Blue C799 Sky Blue C800 Banana Yellow C745 White B5200 Matching Yarn Cherry DB034

Farmer Dell Baby by Doodle Bug Designs Matching Colors Blue C799 Sky Blue C800 Banana Yellow C745 White B5200 Matching Yarn Cuddle SUB02

Playtime Buddies by Doodle Bug Designs Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Sky Blue C800 Banana Yellow C745 White B5200 Matching Yarn Lemon DB041 Ocean DB032

Zoo Baby by Doodle Bug Designs Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Blue C799 Tan C842 Banana Yellow C745 White B5200 Matching Yarn Lemon DB041 Ocean DB032

Green Sweet Divinity by Riley Blake Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Pink Salmon C3326 White B5200 Matching Yarn Lemon DB041 Pea Green DB047

Berry Damask by Riley Blake Matching Colors Crochet Cotton White B5200 Baby Pink C818

Sweet Divinity by Riley Blake Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Aqua C747 Pink Salmon C3326 White B5200 Matching Yarn Cherry DB034 SeaFoam DB026

Christening Divinity by Riley Blake Matching Colors White B5200 Water Lily SUB05 Vanilla SUB03

Hooty Hoot By Riley Blake Matching Colors Crochet Cotton White B5200 Fudge Brown AL0131 Matching Yarn Red DB700 Chocolate DB011

Love Birds by Riley Blake Matching Colors Crochet Cotton   Pink Salmon C3326 White B5200 Matching Yarn Lemon DB041 Pea Green DB047 Cherry DB034

Star Light Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Lavender C210 Banana Yellow C745 Pretty Pink C603 White B5200 Matching Yarn Pink DB06 Fuschia DB029

Star Bright Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Blue C799 Sky Blue C800 Banana Yellow C745 White B5200 Matching Yarn Bathtub SUB125 Cuddle SUB02

Hot Cars Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Blue C799 Sky Blue C800 White B5200 Matching Yarn Cherry DB034

Sweet Divinity by Riley Blake Cotton Car Seat Canopy Set Matching Colors Crochet Cotton Pretty Pink C603 Baby Pink C818 Pink Salmon C3326 White B5200

What a great sense of accomplishment there is when a crochet project is finally completed! Though a relatively simple technique, blocking is what gives many projects a polished appearance. The process shapes and sets the design and smooths the stitches into place. Here are some handy tips we've learned over the years about blocking:

First: You should always check the yarn label for any special care instructions. Lots of natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, and wool respond well to steam blocking. However, you shouldn't use steam or heat on mohair or angora. There are also many acrylics and some blends that shouldn't be blocked at all, especially with steam, because they might melt! 

Second: You will need a fluffy hand towel or handkerchief, and a padded ironing board. If you prefer, you can substitute a table, or any flat surface that you have padded adequately.  

Steam Blocking is great for lots of crochet projects, our crochet thread is a natural fiber, so this method works well for it.  Holding a steam iron or steamer just above your project, steam the piece thoroughly. Take the dampened fluffy towel or handkerchief, place if over the edge of the project and steam, lift towel and repeat with another section all the way around.  Finally, leave the item in place until it's dry.