2019 Geek-A-Long: Blocking Your Squares

Hi guys! We’ve released two Geek-A-Long squares so far this year, and I thought this week would be a good opportunity to answer one of our frequently asked questions:

“What is the best way to block my Geek-A-Long Squares?”

While there isn’t an exact right way to do it, some methods will be easier and more consistent than others. Ultimately, whether or not to block is up to you. Adding the edging will functionally block your squares to shape. That said, the 2019 squares are more complex than prior years, and incorporate three color double knitting (don’t worry, we’ll release a tutorial on that in the future) and duplicate stitching in most of the squares. Becuase those methods can result in less even squares than standard two color double knitting, I strongly recommend blocking the 2019 squares before you join them.

You’ll want a blocking system that makes it easy to get uniform squares. So today I’m going to show you how I block my squares. You’ll need a few things:

1. A blocking surface that you don’t mind taking a Sharpie to. I use foam play mats. They are the same thing as more expensive name brand blocking mats, but usually about half the price. I’m not knocking the high end Knitter’s Pride mats, they are great, but they cost enough that I don’t want to draw on them with a Sharpie. For this project, cheap play mats work nicely.
2. A Sharpie
3. Blocking wires that you are willing to cut up. There are plenty of blocking wires on the market, I’ve been using the same set of Inspinknity Wires for years. The set I have came with 6 wires, and I have never in years of knitting needed all 6 at once. So cutting one up for the cause hasn’t been an issue, I still have 5 large ones to use for other blocking. Cut your wire using wire cutters into 4 equal pieces, you want each piece to be at least 14-16″ long.
4. A ruler or tape measure.
5. A Geek-A-Long Square to block, and a bowl of water to soak it in.
6. T-Pins. I’m not going to bother with a link on this, you can get those anywhere craft supplies are sold.

First, soak your finished square in a bowl of cool/cold water. You’ll want to let it soak for at least 20-30 minutes.

Next while your square soaks, gather your materials to prep your Geek-A-Long Blocking surface.

Based on your gauge, determine what the blocked size of your GAL squares should be. I’m blocking mine to 11″ on each side. Use your ruler to mark off the dimensions of your finished square and draw an outline on your blocking mat. This outline should be the exact size you want to block your squares to, so in my case, it’s a square with each side measuring 11″.

Once your square is done soaking, take it out of the bath and carefully squeeze the water out of it. I recommend wrapping it up in a towel and squeezing. You want it to still be quite damp, but not dripping wet when you block it. DO NOT wring it or twist it! It is not the neck of your enemies.

Lay it on your prepared surface and gently smooth it out to the dimensions of the square you drew.

On this next step, take your time. Yarn is delicate when it’s wet. It’s easy to split or snag stitches when you insert your blocking wires, so take your time. It’ll be worth it. Carefully insert the wires between the front and back layers of your squares, so that the wires are inside the square running between the outermost rows / stitch columns and poking out the corners.

Align your wires with the outline you drew and pin the square down. Place a few pins along the edge of each wire and one at each corner.

Now, just sit back and wait. Let the square sit and air dry until it is 100% dry, which usually takes about 24 hours. If you are in a hurry, place the square next to a running fan to speed up the drying, but don’t do anything crazy like taking a hair dryer to it. I don’t think you’d be so sadistic as to try to heat wet wool, but I’ve heard of it happening.

Repeat with each square you finish and you’ll have nice, uniform squares that will be super easy to join!

I’ll see you back here next week for a new square. Spoilers: next week we’re honoring an old school classic!

~Megan-Anne

If I’m being 100% honest, this is the first year I’ve consistently blocked my squares.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider making a donation to Child’s Play Charity. Here is a direct link to our official donation page benefiting the charity. Please help us raise $1,000 this year. No contribution is too small! Wanna make your donation go even further? Lattes & Llamas will donate $1 for every skein of Geek-A-Long Yarn purchased.