Whether you’ve crocheted the stunning Spectrum Stitch Swoncho or knit your way through the Prism Path Swoncho, you’ve invested hours into colorwork, shaping, and beautiful handmade details. Now that you’re at the finish line, it’s time to block that masterpiece!
But wait—how should you block it? Steam? Wet? Toss it in the washer and hope for the best? 😬
Let’s talk about why steam blocking is your best friend—especially when working with superwash merino yarn, heavy crochet fabric, or delicate stranded knitting.
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What Is Blocking and Why Does It Matter?
Blocking is the secret sauce that transforms your finished knit or crochet fabric from “pretty good” to “absolutely stunning.” It’s the final step where you give your piece a little TLC, encouraging the stitches to relax, the shape to settle, and the overall garment to look polished and professional.
Whether you’re working with complex mosaic or stranded colorwork or simple stitches, blocking helps even things out and makes your fabric drape just right. Think of it as the moment your swoncho becomes wearable art.
💨 Why Steam Blocking Wins for Both Crochet & Knit Swonchos
Steam blocking isn’t just fast…it’s smart. It uses heat and moisture to gently relax your stitches, even out tension, and bring drape to life without the risks of soaking your project.
Here’s why it works so well:
- 🧶 Evens out stitches without over-stretching
- 💫 Preserves yoke structure (especially important for colorwork!)
- ✨ Enhances drape without dragging out the fabric
- ⏱️ Quick and low risk, especially for large garments
Whether you’re smoothing out your floats in the Prism Path or taming the bold mosaic in the Spectrum Stitch, steam gives you control.
💡 Designer Note: this is our preferred steamer! Check out all the blocking supplies we suggest here.
How to Steam Block Your Swoncho
Using a steamer or the steam function on your iron (hovering, not pressing!), gently pass steam over your piece while it’s laid flat on a surface. Let the fibers relax. Don’t over stretch. Just smooth things out with your hands and let it cool down before moving. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it doesn’t risk turning your swoncho into a blanket. 🙃
Understanding Superwash Yarn (Before You Block!)
Let’s take a little detour into yarn science, because knowing how your yarn behaves will save you a LOT of heartache.
Superwash merino is soft, smooth, and perfect for swonchos. But it’s treated to be machine-washable, which changes the way the fibers respond to water and heat.
What Makes Superwash Yarn Unique?
Superwash wool doesn’t felt the way untreated wool does. That’s great for care, but it also means the yarn is a little more slippery—and that slipperiness can lead to unintentional growth, especially when wet.
Soaking it? It might look like a sad, saggy mess straight out of the tub. Drying it? It could stretch into a completely different size if you’re not careful.
That’s why understanding how you block is just as important as that you block.
Why Steam Is Best for Superwash
Steam blocking is the gentlest way to tame superwash yarn. Since you’re not saturating the fibers, you avoid the weight that leads to drooping. Plus, the heat helps the yarn “remember” where you placed it without locking it into an overstretched state.
If you’re working colorwork, steam blocking also helps those floats on the back relax beautifully without flattening your stitches.
🧺 But What About Wet Blocking?
Look, I get it. Sometimes you just need a full wash. Especially after wearing your swoncho out and about. And yes, wet blocking can be done with superwash yarn. But it comes with serious caution, especially for crocheters.
🚨 Wet Blocking + Crochet = Proceed Carefully!
Crochet fabric is heavier, uses more yarn, and when wet? It’s HEAVY.
Add in superwash merino yarn like Swish DK, and here’s what happens:
- Your stitches may look thin and stringy when soaked … they have no plump anymore
- The swoncho can become gigantic and misshapen
- You risk turning your handmade wearable into a tent
If you do wet block:
- Roll in towels to remove as much water as possible … the goal is damp not wet!
- Work while damp, not soaked … this is very important
- Don’t overstretch … this can be tricky at the start of the blocking process but try to maintain gauge!
- Avoid machine washing even if it’s superwash! My rule of thumb is Handmade = Hand Wash!
- Test a swatch before putting anything in the dryer … you might be tempted to toss the swoncho in the dryer (to plump up the wool) after it has dried completely through blocking. If you do this, please test a swatch in the dryer first so you are not completely messing up your swoncho on accident.
Personal Opinion for this swoncho: Stick to steam unless you’re very confident or you absolutely MUST wash the swoncho right away. Your swoncho is worth the extra care!
🧶 Knitters, You’re Not Off the Hook!
Even though knit fabric is lighter, superwash yarn can still grow unpredictably when soaked. You’ll see:
- Loss of stitch definition
- A “stringy” look while drying
- Surprise size changes if not shaped carefully
❣️Steam is still ideal for the Prism Path Swoncho too, especially to preserve the crisp colorwork yoke and keep the body balanced.
How to Fix the “Growing Sweater” Syndrome
Okay, so what if you did everything right and your swoncho still feels a little loose?
Good news! Superwash yarn tends to bounce back.
⚠️ Test the dryer process (mentioned below) on a swatch first.
Only after you are okay with the results of the swatch do you proceed to put your swoncho in the dryer!
Here’s what you can do:
- Make sure your piece is completely dry
- Place it inside a mesh laundry bag
- Toss it in the dryer on gentle, low heat for 5–10 minutes
- Check frequently!
If your swoncho grew after wet blocking, this can help… but only if you’re careful!
This little post-blocking fluff session helps the fibers bounce back to their intended shape and gives you that soft, squishy finish we all love.
🛁 Wash With Intention, Block With Care
Blocking is your final polish—the step that turns your handmade into a WOW piece.
- For quick, safe results: Steam wins
- For occasional deep cleans: Wet block gently
- For long-lasting wear: Handle with love and patience
No matter what, watch your fabric not the clock—and let it dry completely before wearing.
Care Tips for the Long Term
- Always hand wash (yes, even superwash!) when it’s time to wash the swoncho
- Never wring or twist the fabric especially when wet
- Always lay flat to dry
- Reshape damp (never wet) fabric gently after each wash
- Light steam touch-ups are your friend
Want to See It In Action?
🧵 I walk you through both blocking methods in the uninterrupted VIP videos for the Spectrum Stitch and Prism Path Swonchos in the VIP experience. These tutorials show exactly how to prep, steam, shape, and dry without fear!
Or watch on Youtube by clicking the image below.
Bottom line? You’ve made something incredible. Let’s finish strong by treating it with the care it deserves 💕
#SteamItDon’tSoakIt
#SwonchoSuccess
#MarlyMadeMeDoIt
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