A useful notion for blocking to maintain proper tension and a smooth finish for your completed crochet items.
Read my review of the best blocking mats for crochet
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Blocking mats are interlocking foam mats with a grid to pin your crocheted items while you block and dry them.
Table Of Contents
- What Are Blocking Mats?
- What Are Blocking Mats For?
- Best Blocking Mats For Crochet
- We Crochet Blocking Mats
- Hephaestus Crafts Blocking Mats
- Sheep Thrills Blocking Mats
- Juvale 9-Pack Thick Mats
- Boye Interlocking Crochet Blocking Mats
- Woolove Extra Thick Blocking Mats for Wet and Steam Blocking
- Q&A
What Are Blocking Mats For Crochet?
Blocking mats for crochet are tools to streamline the blocking process. Pin your items to it, block them, and leave them to dry.
They’re made of protected, waterproofed soft foam or a similar.
They’re designed for items needing pinning, though use them for creations not needing it.
Note: Not to be confused with blocking boards, usually made out of wood. For my complete guide to the wooden blocking board, click here.
Want more helpful things for crochet? See my crochet tools list.
What Are Blocking Mats For?
Blocking mats are for placing your crochet on to block them with blocking pins. and blocking wires. You leave your project to dry. Used with whatever method of blocking you choose.
A useful alternative to old towels, spare sheets, or whatever fabric in the back of your laundry cupboard!
Best Mats For Blocking Crochet Work
We Crochet Blocking Mats
Smooth purple mats designed for all manner of sized projects, these are lightweight, portable, and affordable.
Made by Knit Picks, the sister company of We Crochet, they’re excellent quality affordable mats, and easy to set up and use.
They’re some of the best blocking mats.
Features
- Dimensions – 12.5 x 12.5″
- Made From – Waterproofed Foam
- Pins Included? – No, but you can buy pins from the same website.
- They Are 3/8″ Thick
- Has A Grid? – No
- Pack Of 9
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable
- Lightweight
- One side is smooth. The other side is textured
- Nice color
- Great for steam blocking
Cons
- You’ll need to buy two sets for bigger projects
- You’ll need a flat empty surface to place them on as they’re flexible and come apart easily
Hephaestus Crafts Blocking Mats
This crafts company is named for the Greek god of artisans and craftsmen, an apt name for an art and crafts company! They’re sturdy and durable, but soft and portable.
Features
- Dimensions – 12 x 12″
- Made From – Waterproof Foam
- T-Pins Included? Yes, 150 stainless steel pins
- They Are ” Thick
- Has A Grid? – Yes
- Pack Of 9
Pros
- Heat resistant for steam blocking
- Refundable if you aren’t satisfied
- Reasonable price
- Grid lines for accurate blocking
- When you block, the grid color doesn’t transfer to the crocheted fiber
Cons
- Some reported a strange smell, and they needed to be aired before use
- Doesn’t interlock with the older version
Want yarn for crocheting socks? I have an article of the best for your project.
Sheep Thrills Blocking Mats
Made from sturdy, durable foam rubber, this blocking mat is excellent for all sized projects. The handy grid means you have correct tension for your finished crocheted item. You have to love the name pun of this company.
Features
- Dimensions – 12×12 “
- Made From – Dense Foam Rubber Mats
- T-Pins Included? – Yes, 100 stainless steel pins
- They Are 3/4″ Thick
- Has A Grid System? – Yes
- Pack Of 9
Pros
- Includes a handy clear carry case
- Easy to use, more so than some other blocking mats
- Grid markings for precise blocking
- Fast shipping
- Sturdy and withhold lots of pins
- Waterproof, suitable for all types of blocking.
Cons
- For larger projects, you may need to buy more than one set.
- A little expensive
- These white mats have uneven edges
Juvale 9-Pack Thick Mats
Thicker mats designed for heavier projects or steam blocking. These are great when you want extra protection between the surface and the blocked items.
Features
- Dimensions – 12.5 x 12.5″
- Made From – Waterproofed Foam
- T-Pins Included? – Yes, a box of 200 nickel-plated steel pins
- They Are 0.7″ Thick
- Has A Grid? – Yes, larger than others listed on this review
- Pack Of 9 Puzzle Pieces
Pros
- Bigger than others in this post, so it fits large projects
- Comes with a convenient carry case
- Smooth, firm foam
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some found the t-pins didn’t come, but amazon replaces them for you
Boye Interlocking Crochet Blocking Mats
A smaller pack, perfect for medium or smaller sized projects.
Features
- Dimensions – 12 x 12″
- Made From – Waterproof Foam
- T-Pins Included? No
- They Are 3/8″ Thick
- Has A Grid? – Yes
- Pack Of 4
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy and durable
- Customizable
- Easy to use
- Smooth and easy to pin things to
- Good for wet blocking
Cons
- Not many included in the pack
- You’ll need to buy multiple boxes for larger projects
- Pins not included, however
- Some reported it had a strange smell
- Some found they weren’t big enough
Woolove Extra Thick Blocking Mats for Wet and Steam Blocking
Designed for both wet and steam blocking, these mats are designed to withstand lots of use, made of durable extra dense and extra-thick foam. Suitable for a wide variety of projects.
Features
- Dimensions – 12.7 x 12.7″
- Made From – Thick, Dense Waterproof Foam
- T-Pins Included? Yes, 60
- They Are 1.8cm Thick
- Has A Grid? – Yes
- Pack Of 9
Pros
- Lightweight
- Extra thick, durable and strong
- Heat resistant, suitable for steam blocking
- Storage bag included
- High-quality product
- Good customer service
- Suitable for wet blocking
Cons
- May need to order another size if you’re working with a large crochet project. However, the two separate sets won’t line up
Your Questions Answered
How To Use Blocking Mats?
Here is a demonstration by Littlejohn from Littlejohn’s Yarn on Youtube on how to use blocking mats for blocking crochet.
Where To Buy Blocking Mats For Crochet?
Buy blocking mats for crochet online from yarn companies, and eCommerce sites like Etsy and Amazon, or in craft or yarn stores.
Another option to consider is knitiq blocking mats.
Hopefully you discovered the best blocking mats for crochet. They make blocking more convenient and quicker.
Which do you swear by, and why? I’d be interested to hear your opinion.
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