6 Best Blocking Combs For Quick Drying To Try
Discover the 6 best blocking combs for faster drying. Learn how these essential tools optimize airflow and heat distribution for efficient, salon-style hair.
Blocking is the final, transformative step that turns a collection of stitches into a professional-grade garment. While individual pins are traditional, blocking combs have revolutionized the process by securing long edges with a single motion. Choosing the right set can save you hours of frustration and ensure your finished pieces look perfectly symmetrical. These six options represent the gold standard for knitters looking to streamline their finishing routine.
Knitter’s Pride Knit Blockers: Best Overall Pick
These blockers are the industry standard for a reason. By combining multiple pins into a single plastic housing, they allow you to anchor long, straight edges in seconds rather than minutes.
The primary advantage here is the consistency of the tension. When you push a single blocker into your mat, you are securing an entire line of fabric at an even depth, which prevents the "scalloping" effect often caused by uneven pin spacing.
If you are working on a rectangular shawl or a wide sweater hem, these are indispensable. They hold their ground firmly, even in denser wools that might otherwise fight against the tension of the block.
Clover Blocking Combs: Best for Delicate Lace
Clover is known for precision, and their blocking combs are no exception. These are slightly more refined than the bulkier options, making them ideal for delicate lace projects where you don’t want to distort the yarn.
When you are blocking a fine silk or a gossamer-weight mohair, you need tools that won’t leave large puncture marks. The thinner gauge of the Clover pins minimizes fiber disruption while still providing the necessary lift to open up those intricate yarn-overs.
Be mindful that these are not designed for heavy, water-logged wool blankets. Use them for your heirloom-quality shawls and scarves where finesse is more important than sheer holding power.
Cocoknits Blocking Pins: Best for Precision Work
Cocoknits approaches blocking with a minimalist, functional aesthetic that appeals to the modern maker. Their pins are designed to be rust-resistant and incredibly smooth, ensuring they glide through your fabric without snagging.
These are excellent for knitters who appreciate a clean, organized workspace. Because they are designed to work seamlessly with the Cocoknits grid-based mat system, you can achieve perfect geometry on complex shapes like triangular shawls or bias-knit garments.
They are a higher investment, but the durability is unmatched. If you find yourself blocking multiple projects every month, the longevity of these pins makes them a smart long-term purchase.
Boye Blocking Combs: The Budget-Friendly Choice
If you are just starting your journey into the world of blocking, Boye offers a reliable entry point. These combs are straightforward, functional, and get the job done without unnecessary bells and whistles.
They are perfectly adequate for standard acrylics or wool blends that don’t require extreme tension. While they may not have the premium finish of more expensive sets, they provide the exact same utility for a fraction of the cost.
Don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive tools immediately. Start with a set like this to see if the "comb" method suits your workflow before upgrading to specialized materials.
Lacis Blocking Combs: Best for Heavy Fabrics
Lacis is a brand that understands the weight of traditional fiber arts. Their blocking combs are built with sturdier, longer pins that can penetrate through thick, heavy fabrics like cabled sweaters or felted wool.
When you are blocking a heavy fisherman’s sweater, the weight of the water-logged wool can pull standard pins right out of the mat. The extra length and robust construction of the Lacis combs provide the mechanical leverage needed to keep those heavy cables in place.
These are the "workhorses" of the blocking world. If your knitting tends to lean toward bulky, rustic yarns or multi-ply wools, these are the tools you want in your kit.
Ashford Blocking Combs: Best for Large Projects
Ashford is a name synonymous with weaving and spinning, and their blocking tools reflect that heritage. These combs are designed for significant surface areas, making them the top choice for large-scale projects like blankets or oversized ponchos.
The wider spacing on these combs allows you to cover more ground with fewer tools. This is a massive time-saver when you are dealing with a project that requires a large footprint on your floor or table.
Because they cover more area, they are less suited for small, fiddly details. Reserve these for your "big" projects where you need to manage a large amount of fabric tension across a wide mat.
Why Blocking Combs Speed Up Your Drying Process
Blocking combs increase the surface area of your garment that is exposed to the air. By lifting the fabric slightly off the mat and holding it taut, you allow for better airflow underneath the project.
Traditional pins often create a "seal" where the fabric sits flat against the mat, trapping moisture underneath. Combs create a small, consistent gap that acts as a vent, significantly reducing the time it takes for your project to dry completely.
This is especially critical for dense fibers like cotton or superwash wool, which can take days to dry if they aren’t properly ventilated. Faster drying means less risk of mildew and a quicker turnaround from "finished" to "wearable."
Essential Tips for Even Tension While Blocking
The secret to a professional finish is not just the tool, but how you use it. Always start by anchoring the center of your piece and working outward toward the edges to ensure the tension is distributed evenly.
Avoid the temptation to pull the fabric as hard as you can. You want to open up the stitches, not distort them; if your lace eyelets look like ovals instead of circles, you have applied too much tension.
- Use a measuring tape: Never guess the dimensions of your piece.
- Check your corners: Ensure your right angles are actually 90 degrees.
- Don’t rush: Let the fabric "rest" in its blocked shape for at least 24 hours.
How to Choose the Right Blocking Mat for Combs
Not all mats are created equal, and your choice of mat will dictate how well your combs perform. Look for high-density foam mats that are thick enough to accommodate the full length of the comb’s pins.
If your mat is too thin, the pins will hit your table or floor, causing the comb to lean at an angle. This instability will ruin your tension and potentially damage your furniture.
Look for mats with a grid printed on the surface. This is a game-changer for ensuring your project is perfectly square, especially for beginners who are still developing an "eye" for symmetry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocking Tools
Many knitters ask if they can use household items instead of dedicated blocking combs. While you can use T-pins, they lack the multi-point stability of a comb and take significantly longer to set up.
Another common concern is rust. Always ensure your pins are stainless steel or coated to prevent staining your light-colored yarns. If you are working with expensive hand-dyed wool, a rust stain can be a heartbreaking, permanent disaster.
Finally, remember that blocking is not just for lace. Even a simple stockinette scarf will benefit from a light block, as it evens out your tension and gives the yarn a chance to bloom, making your stitches look more uniform and professional.
Investing in a quality set of blocking combs is one of the most effective ways to elevate your knitting from "homemade" to "handmade." While the initial setup takes a bit of practice, the time saved during the drying process is well worth the effort. Choose the tool that best fits your typical project weight and fiber type, and you will see an immediate improvement in your finished pieces. Happy knitting, and enjoy the satisfaction of that final, perfect block.
