One question I hear frequently is “do I need to block freshly knit socks?” The answer to that question can be a bit complicated! It is a general rule that you must block lace shawls and scarves and the like, or they will look like a pile of yarn vomit. Bunched up with no lace pattern showing-like uncooked Ramen Noodles.
Colorwork sweaters and hats and similar also benefit from a good blocking to even everything out and make the yarn drape nicely.
But what about socks? The answer is really the same as for other knitwear. If you have knit colorwork or lace socks, it is best to block them. Steam block, wet block, spray block, it doesn’t really matter as long as you make those stitches behave the way you want them to. Vanilla socks (ones made in stockinette stitch) or ribbed socks can usually get away with skipping the blocking step.
Do you have to block every time? Maybe. After a wash you might find that you prefer to re-block your lacy socks. And while we are discussing washing of socks, here is a great resource for washing those hardworking hand-knit socks.
Do you knit socks? If so, what is your favorite type of sock to knit? And do you block your socks before wearing?
