All glossary terms
Blocking
Blocking is the finishing step of wetting or steaming a completed piece and pinning it to shape as it dries. It evens out stitches, opens up lace, and sets the final measurements, giving handmade projects a polished, professional look.
Lace shawls especially depend on blocking — the fabric looks crumpled off the needles and only reveals its pattern once stretched and pinned. Wet blocking (soaking then pinning) and steam blocking are the two common methods.