Tip Tuesday: A 5-Minute Guide to Sock Blocking

Congratulations, you’ve bound off a pair of socks! Before you start wearing them out and about there is one final step you need to take to give your socks the perfect fit. But because of their unique shape and small size, attempting to block socks can be a tricky process.

In this quick guide, we'll walk you through the easy steps to begin blocking your socks like a pro, ensuring they look and feel their best. Plus, we’ll introduce you to two must-have tools that will make stitching up your socks a breeze.

Why Blocking Matters

Blocking isn’t just about making your socks look neat—it’s about helping them retain their shape and fit. 

A blocked sock will not only look better but will also feel more comfortable to wear. And with the right tools, like the Sock Sizing Ruler and Argyle Sock Blockers the process is quick, easy, and effective. 

The Blocking Challenge 

Unlike larger garments, socks are notoriously difficult to block due to their small, intricate shape. Laying them flat can cause water to get trapped between the layers, making the drying process painfully slow. And without the proper tools, it’s easy to end up with socks that don’t fit quite right.

The Solution: Tools & Process

1. Use a Sock Ruler Mid-Project

Before you even reach the blocking stage, it’s crucial to measure your sock’s depth correctly as you knit. 
It’s important to remember, some fibers expand and others can shrink in the blocking process. Making sure that you are matching the correct gauge for your project is especially important with sock knitting. 
Measuring your project as you stitch ensures a perfect fit, preventing any surprises once your sock is off the needles. We recommend the Sock Sizing Ruler. This handy tool allows you to measure your sock’s depth accurately while you’re still working on it, helping you achieve the ideal length and fit.

2. The Blocking Process

Once your socks are off the needles and you’re ready to block, follow these simple steps:

• Soak: Begin by soaking your socks in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash. Make sure that the one you use works well with your selected fiber. Allow your socks to soak thoroughly for about 30 minutes, ensuring the fibers are fully saturated.

• Pat Dry: After soaking, gently press out excess water. Be careful not to wring or twist the socks, as this can distort the shape. Instead, lay them flat on a clean towel and roll them up to absorb the remaining moisture. 

• Place on Sock Blockers: Next, place your damp socks on a pair of Argyle Sock Blockers. Pick a pair of  blockers that match your typical sock size or grab all three sizes so that you’re ready for the gifting season. 

The blockers help your socks retain their shape while drying and give them a professional finish that looks store-bought. They are also designed with a hole at the top which makes hang drying even easier. 

 

3. Let Them Dry

Once your socks are securely on the blockers, allow them to dry completely. This might take a few hours or overnight, depending on the humidity, fiber used, and air circulation in your drying area. 

Before removing your socks, make sure they are fully dry. Argyle Sock Blockers’ design ensures that air can circulate around the entire sock, speeding up the drying process and preventing any lingering dampness.

Want to make the project in this post? This tutorial featured the STACCATO by Jordan Prouty and uses our darling Starling, in the colors Navy & Sunrise.

Ready to Keep Learning?

Now that you're an expert at blocking socks, here are a few other tips to help you with your next Starling sock project:
The Benefits of Swatching
How-To Weave in Your Ends, Step-By Step Knitting Tutorial
Working with Starling Our New Yarn Darling!

Happy knitting, and don’t forget to tune in next week for more tips and tricks in our Tip Tuesday series!