Crafting A Custom Blocking Board For Crochet Squares

Blocking is the process of manipulating the fibres of a finished crochet piece to shape and size it. It can help to straighten edges and smooth out uneven stitch tension. There are three main types of blocking: wet blocking, steam blocking, and spray blocking. All three methods involve adding moisture to the crochet project and letting it dry.

If you're looking to make your own blocking board, you can use a variety of materials, including wooden planks, foam exercise mats, and even a cutting board. You'll also need tools such as a drill, knitting needles or wooden skewers, and T-pins or blocking wires.

There are many tutorials available online that can guide you through the process of making a blocking board.

Choosing the right wood

Wood Type

The type of wood you choose will impact the overall quality and aesthetics of your blocking board. Hardwoods, such as maple, walnut, cherry, and beech, are generally recommended for their durability and resistance to scratches and dents. These woods also tend to have closed grains, which prevent liquids and bacteria from seeping in, reducing the risk of warping and staining. Softwoods, like pine or cedar, are more prone to scratches and may not be ideal for a long-lasting blocking board.

Thickness and Weight

A thicker blocking board, around 0.5 inches or more, is preferable as it provides stability and reduces the likelihood of warping or splitting. Additionally, a heavier board can offer more stability and durability. However, if portability is a priority, a lighter board may be more suitable.

Grain Pattern

The grain pattern of the wood can affect the appearance and functionality of your blocking board. End-grain and edge-grain patterns are the most common. End-grain boards are created by cutting the wood across the growth rings, resulting in a softer surface that is gentler on your crochet projects and offers better grip. Edge-grain boards are made by cutting the wood along the length of the trunk, providing a heavier and more stable surface but may dull your crochet needles over time.

Toxicity and Food Safety

It is essential to choose wood that is safe for use with crochet projects. Opt for woods that produce edible fruits, nuts, leaves, or sap, as these are considered food-safe. Avoid exotic woods, as they may contain toxins that can leach into your crochet work.

Workability and Finishing

Consider the ease of working with the wood and the desired finish. Some woods, like maple, have a neutral colour and subtle grain pattern that can complement various kitchen styles. Woods like teak have natural oils that resist moisture and bacteria, reducing the need for frequent conditioning.

When choosing the right wood for your crochet blocking board, consider factors such as wood type, thickness, weight, grain pattern, toxicity, workability, and finishing options. Hardwoods with closed grains, such as maple or beech, are often recommended for their durability and resistance to moisture and bacteria. Thicker and heavier boards tend to provide more stability, but portability may be a factor to consider. End-grain patterns offer a softer surface, while edge-grain patterns provide stability. Always opt for food-safe woods and consider the desired finish and workability of the wood.

Using a cutting board

Once you have your cutting board, you will need to purchase some metal rods. You can find 3mm metal rods on Amazon as well. You will also need a drill and a 1/8-inch drill bit. If you don't have a drill, you can use a drill guide instead.

Step 1: Mark your board for where you want to drill. Measure from the edge and draw lines in both directions to create 1-inch squares.

Step 2: Use an awl to puncture holes where the lines intersect. You can also make diagonal holes in an "X" pattern from the center hole.

Step 3: Place tape on your drill bit to mark how far you want to drill. Drill your holes, stopping when the tape touches the wood.

Step 4: Sand the surface of the board to smooth it out and remove any pencil marks. You can use a dishwashing sponge wrapped in sandpaper for this step.

Step 5: Apply mineral oil to the board to protect it.

Step 6: Reinforce the holes with an awl to make them slightly bigger and remove any remaining dust.

Now you have your very own DIY blocking board using a cutting board!

Drilling holes

Firstly, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a wooden plank that is at least 1/2" thick and larger than the size of your crochet squares, a drill such as a Black & Decker Drill, and a drill bit that is slightly bigger than the needles or sticks you will use as pegs. You will also need some duct tape and, optionally, paraffin wax if you are using wooden skewers.

Before you start drilling, decide on the layout of your holes. If you plan to block different sizes of squares, mark a grid of 1" squares on your wooden plank using a ruler and pencil, and drill holes accordingly. Alternatively, if you are only blocking one size of squares, draw your desired square size in the centre of the plank and divide each side into quarters to guide your drilling.

To ensure you don't drill all the way through the wood, wrap a piece of duct tape around your drill bit at the depth you want to stop drilling. This will create a visual marker so you know when to stop. Drill your pilot holes, and then your remaining holes, stopping when the duct tape touches the wood.

Once you have drilled all your holes, it's time to add your pegs of choice. Metal knitting needles or wooden skewers can be used, but keep in mind that wooden skewers may create splinters and are less sturdy, so consider coating them in melted paraffin wax to prevent splintering. Insert your chosen pegs into the holes, ensuring the sharp ends are pointing upwards.

Now your blocking board is ready for use! Simply slide your wet crochet squares onto the pegs, ensuring the pegs go into the spaces between the stitches. You can stack multiple squares on the board and let them dry. Remember to always exercise caution when working with sharp tools and needles, and keep them out of the reach of children.

Inserting knitting needles

• Use a drill to make pilot holes in the board. The holes should be slightly bigger than the knitting needles.
• Drill the holes deep enough so that the knitting needles fit snugly, but not so deep that they fall through.
• If you're using wooden kebab sticks or skewers instead of knitting needles, coat them in melted paraffin wax to prevent splintering.
• Make sure the knitting needles are sharp and pointed at the top. If using double-pointed knitting needles, both sides will be pointy.
• Slide the crochet squares onto the knitting needles, ensuring that the needles go into the spaces between the stitches, not into the stitches themselves.
• Stack the crochet squares on the knitting needles, leaving enough space between them for ventilation.
• Once all the squares are on the board, place the board somewhere warm and windy so that the squares can dry.
• When the squares are dry, carefully remove the knitting needles from the board and store them safely until your next project.

Stacking squares

To stack squares, you will need a wooden plank, knitting needles or wooden kebab skewers, a drill, and duct tape. You can also use paraffin wax if you're using wooden kebab skewers.

First, decide how large you want your finished crochet object to be. Draw your desired measurements on the wooden plank. If you want to be able to block different sizes, you can mark a grid of 1" squares using a ruler and pencil, and drill holes accordingly.

Next, fit your drill with a drill bit that is slightly bigger than the kebab stick/knitting needles you will be using as pegs. Drill a pilot hole for each hole you wish to make, stopping before you drill all the way through the plank. Once you know how deep you want to drill your holes, take a piece of duct tape and wrap it around your drill bit at that level so you know when to stop drilling.

After drilling your holes, stick your knitting needles or kebab skewers into the holes, ensuring the sharp end is pointing up. Make sure your crochet square is good and wet, then slide it onto the pegs, ensuring the pegs go into the spaces between the stitches, not the stitches themselves.

You can keep adding squares to your stack until you have added all your squares. Once all the squares have been added, put them somewhere warm and preferably windy. As the top squares dry, remove them from the stack to allow the squares below to dry.

When you've finished blocking, pull out the pegs and store everything until you need to use it again.

Frequently asked questions