Blocking is the finishing step that separates a handmade knitted or crocheted piece from a truly polished one — and the right board makes it considerably easier to do well. The Milward Blocking Board is a solid, well-made wooden board specifically designed for blocking knitting and crochet, providing a firm, flat surface to pin out and shape finished pieces to their correct dimensions while they dry.
The 30 x 30cm square format is particularly well suited to blocking granny squares and other motifs, where an equal-sided surface and the ability to pin to exact measurements is essential for achieving consistent results across a project. It is equally practical for blocking triangular and square shawlettes, small accessories, swatches, and any piece small enough to fit within the board's working area. For larger pieces — full-sized shawls, garments, and blankets — multiple boards can be used side by side to provide an extended blocking surface.
The surface is flat, smooth, and firm enough to accept pins without resistance, and the board lies completely flat during use and for storage. A recessed channel runs around the board and provides a neat, built-in storage solution for the 12 wooden pins included — keeping them organised and preventing the familiar experience of blocking pins disappearing into the bottom of a project bag. The board is laser-etched with the Milward logo. Dimensions: 30 x 30cm, 2cm deep.
What is blocking and why does it matter? Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming a finished knitted or crocheted piece and pinning it to its correct dimensions while it dries. It opens up stitches, sets the shape, evens out tension, and allows the full character of the pattern — particularly lace, cables, and textured stitches — to emerge properly. Most hand knitters and crocheters regard blocking as an essential finishing step for any piece they want to look its best.
What projects is the Milward Blocking Board suitable for? It is particularly well suited to granny squares, motifs, small shawls and shawlettes, cowls, hats, mittens, and small accessories. For larger items such as full-sized shawls, garments, and blankets, multiple boards can be used side by side to extend the working area.
What are the wooden pins used for? The 12 included wooden pins are used to secure the piece to the board while it dries, holding it at the correct dimensions and shape. The recessed channel around the board stores the pins neatly when not in use.
Can it be used with wet blocking and steam blocking? Yes — the board is suitable for both wet blocking, where the piece is fully soaked before pinning out, and steam blocking, where steam is applied with an iron held above the surface. Always check the care instructions for your specific yarn before choosing a blocking method — some fibres respond better to one method than the other.
Can multiple boards be used together? Yes — for larger pieces, multiple boards can be placed side by side to create a larger continuous blocking surface.
