Are you ready to give your shawl the finishing touch it deserves? In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to wash and block your #BeYourOwnStarCAL shawl. 🌟

You’ve made it! You’ve crocheted your beautiful shawl, stitch by stitch, and now it’s time for the final touches: washing and blocking. 🌠

These steps are essential to make your shawl look polished and professional. In this blog post, we’ll share everything you need to know to properly care for your finished project – including tips from the designer herself!

What You Need to Know Before Washing Your Shawl

Before diving into blocking, let’s talk about washing. We all know how precious your handmade projects are, so it’s important to wash them carefully to avoid any damage.

Do I Have to Wash the Shawl? 

While washing your shawl is recommended to remove any excess dye and ensure it's fully clean, it's not strictly necessary. If you prefer, you can skip the washing step and steam block your shawl, which we also cover later in this post.

If you choose to wash your shawl, it will help to relax the fibers and prepare them for the blocking process. On the other hand, steam blocking is a faster, easier alternative that allows you to skip the washing step entirely, making it a great option for those who own a steamer and want a quicker finish!

Can I Wash My Shawl in the Washing Machine?

No, you shouldn’t put your shawl in the washing machine. The best way to wash your shawl is by hand – it’s gentle and ensures that your hard work stays intact.

Will I Experience Color Bleeding?

If you're concerned about color bleeding, don't worry! Krisztina didn't experience any color bleeding with the yarn used for the shawl. However, color bleeding can sometimes occur, depending on the batch of yarn.

To be on the safe side, be sure to wash the little swatch you made in the start before washing your shawl to check for any potential bleeding. To fully prevent color bleeding, you can choose to add 0.5 to 1 cup of white vinegar or use a dye catcher sheet.

If you do experience color bleeding, please reach out to Hobbii’s customer service at [email protected] 💔

How to Wash Your Shawl

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water (around 30°C / 86°F).
2. Add a mild detergent (preferably one that is wool-friendly or designed for delicate fabrics – the Eucalan Wool Detergent is a good choice).
3. Gently soak your shawl for no more than 30 minutes. Do not wring or rub the fabric – just let it soak gently.
4. No need to rinse the shawl if you're using Eucalan. This special detergent will maintain the lanolin and essential oils in the fibers, which also naturally helps repel moths.

Blocking Your Shawl: Why It’s Essential

Now that your shawl is clean, it’s time to block it – and trust us, it’s a game-changer! The designer of the #BeYourOwnStarCAL, Krisztina, highly recommends blocking your shawl, and here’s why:

Why should I block my shawl?

Blocking is a key step that will:

• Help the stitches fall neatly into place.
• Add a smooth, professional finish.
• Increase the size and improve the shape of your shawl.

What size will my shawl be after blocking?

1. Before blocking: 67 cm long, 143 cm wide.
2. After blocking: 75 cm long, 170 cm wide.

Blocking is what will take your shawl from a lovely project to an absolutely stunning piece of work! ⭐

How to Block Your Shawl

1. Prepare your blocking materials: You’ll need a blocking mats and T-pins.
2. Lay out your shawl on the blocking board, making sure it’s flat and evenly spread out.
3. Pin the shawl into place using the T-pins. Pay attention to the edges and corners to get those sharp, crisp lines.
4. Let it dry: Leave your shawl to air dry completely before removing the pins. It’s important to give it time to set its new shape.

How About Steam Blocking?

If you prefer not to wash your shawl, steam blocking is a fantastic alternative if you’ve got a steamer at home. Steam blocking is quick, easy, and effective, especially with the wool-acrylic blend yarn used in this CAL. The steam helps settle the stitches and open them up, ensuring they hold their shape when washed later.

Here’s how Krisztina does it:

1. Pin the shawl to shape: Lay your shawl out on blocking mats and pin it into place to achieve the desired shape and size.
2. Use a handheld steamer: Krisztina recommends using a handheld steamer for this process. Be careful not to hold the steamer too close to the shawl, as hot steam could damage the fibers. It’s best to keep the steamer at a safe distance and gently steam the shawl.
3. Steam thoroughly: Move the steamer over the shawl, ensuring the entire project gets a good steam. You can steam both horizontally and vertically for the best result.
4. Let it set: After steaming, leave your shawl on the mats for 6-8 hours (or overnight, if you prefer) to allow it to fully dry and set its shape.
5. Remove the pins: Once your shawl is dry and set, carefully remove the pins, and voilà! Your shawl is beautifully blocked and ready to wear.

Wash and Block or Steam and Block – The Choice Is Yours!

Whether you choose to wash and block or steam and block, both methods will give your #BeYourOwnStarCAL shawl the perfect finish it deserves. The important thing is to take the time to carefully complete the process – it’s what will make your shawl truly shine and give it a polished, professional look.

Happy blocking!

Join the #BeYourOwnStarCAL Giveaway!

We’d love to see your finished shawl, and we have a fun giveaway to celebrate your hard work! Share a picture or a reel of your completed shawl on Instagram or Facebook by April 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Be sure to tag @hobbii_yarn and @k.a.m.e_crochet, and use the hashtag #BeYourOwnStarCAL so we can find your post!

What’s up for grabs? We’re giving away 5 gift cards worth $100 / £80 / 100 €! The winners will be announced on April 28, 2025, via Instagram and Facebook.

A quick note: Please share your post in your feed (posts in stories won’t count for the competition).

We can’t wait to see how amazing your shawls turn out!

Good luck! 🌟