6 Best Blocking Combs For Lace Shaping To Use
Discover the 6 best blocking combs for lace shaping. Learn how these essential tools ensure precise tension and professional results for your delicate knits.
Achieving the perfect lace silhouette requires more than just patience; it demands the right tools to coax your stitches into their final, ethereal form. While traditional methods rely on hundreds of individual pins, blocking combs have revolutionized the process by distributing tension evenly across your work. This guide explores the top six options on the market to help you secure those delicate points with ease. Choosing the right tool will transform your blocking experience from a tedious chore into a satisfying final step.
Knitter’s Pride Knit Blockers: Best Overall Choice
These blockers are the gold standard for most lace knitters because they cover significant surface area in a single motion. By featuring a row of pins mounted on a sturdy plastic base, they allow you to anchor long, straight edges without the frustration of individual pin alignment.
The primary advantage here is the time-saving factor. If you are blocking a large crescent shawl or a rectangular wrap, you can secure the entire edge in seconds rather than minutes. The inclusion of both 4-pin and 8-pin versions in the set offers versatility for both long runs and tighter curves.
However, be mindful that the pins themselves are relatively thick. They are excellent for wool and sturdy blends, but if you are working with extremely fine cobweb lace, you might find they leave a slightly larger hole than a fine-gauge T-pin.
Clover Blocking Combs: Best for Delicate Fibers
Clover’s approach to blocking combs is characterized by a refined, sleek design that feels gentle in the hand. These are particularly well-suited for knitters who prioritize the integrity of their fiber, especially when working with luxury yarns like mohair or silk.
The pins on these combs are polished to a high degree, which prevents snagging on delicate, haloed fibers. When you are blocking a project that has been hours in the making, the last thing you want is a rough tool catching on a single ply of lace.
The trade-off is that they are slightly lighter in weight than some competitors. While this makes them easy to maneuver, they may not hold as much physical tension if your lace is particularly heavy or dense.
Cocoknits Blocking Combs: Best Ergonomic Design
Cocoknits has built a reputation on thoughtful design, and their blocking combs are no exception. They feature a unique, rounded shape that is comfortable to grip, even if you have arthritis or hand fatigue after a long knitting session.
Beyond ergonomics, these combs are designed with a low profile that allows them to lay flat against the blocking mat. This stability is crucial when you are trying to maintain a consistent, taut edge on a complex lace pattern.
They are an excellent investment for the frequent knitter who values tool longevity. While they come at a higher price point, the durability of the materials ensures they will remain a staple in your knitting kit for years.
Boye Blocking Combs: Best Budget-Friendly Option
If you are a newer knitter or someone who only blocks lace occasionally, the Boye system offers a reliable, no-frills entry point. They provide the fundamental benefit of comb-blocking—even tension—without the premium price tag.
These combs are functional and straightforward, doing exactly what they promise without unnecessary bells and whistles. They are perfectly adequate for standard wool and acrylic blends that don’t require the specialized treatment of high-end tools.
Be aware that the plastic casing may not be as robust as more expensive options over the long term. If you find yourself blocking multiple projects every month, you might eventually want to upgrade, but for the occasional shawl, these are a fantastic value.
Lacis Blocking Combs: Best for Precision Shaping
Lacis is a brand that understands the history of needlework, and their combs reflect a focus on technical precision. These are ideal for the knitter who is working on highly structured lace where every single point must be perfectly aligned.
The pins on these combs are often slightly longer and sharper, allowing them to penetrate deep into the blocking mat. This extra depth provides superior anchoring, which is essential if your lace design has a high "spring-back" factor or requires significant stretching to open up the pattern.
Because they are so sharp, you must handle them with care. They are professional-grade tools that demand a bit more respect than the average plastic-housed comb.
Beadsmith Blocking Combs: Best for Sturdy Tension
The Beadsmith combs are built for those who need to exert serious force to get their lace to behave. If you are blocking a heavy, rustic wool that resists stretching, these combs provide the necessary structural integrity to hold that tension firmly in place.
They feature a sturdy construction that resists bending under pressure. When you are pulling a project to its limits to reveal the beauty of a complex stitch pattern, you need to know your tools won’t flex or fail midway through the drying process.
These are the "workhorses" of the bunch. While they might feel a bit utilitarian compared to the more aesthetic options, their performance under high tension is unmatched.
Why Blocking Combs Outperform Traditional T-Pins
Traditional T-pins are a rite of passage for every knitter, but they are undeniably inefficient for large-scale lace projects. Using a T-pin requires you to individually pin every single scallop or point, which often leads to uneven tension across the row.
Blocking combs solve this by locking a section of stitches into a uniform line. When you press a comb into the mat, you aren’t just pinning; you are creating a rigid boundary that forces the lace to conform to the intended shape.
Additionally, using combs significantly reduces the amount of time spent "fiddling" with the project. By minimizing the number of individual points of contact, you reduce the risk of distorting your stitch gauge by pulling one pin tighter than the neighbor next to it.
Essential Tips for Perfect Lace Project Blocking
Always start by soaking your project in a basin of lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash. Never wring or twist the piece; instead, roll it in a thick towel to remove excess moisture before moving it to your blocking mats.
When you begin pinning, work from the center outward to ensure the lace is balanced. If you are blocking a triangular shawl, anchor the top center point, then the two side corners, and finally work your way down the edges.
- Check your tension: Ensure the lace is stretched enough to open the eyelets, but don’t overstretch to the point where the fabric looks transparent or strained.
- Use rust-proof tools: Regardless of the brand, always ensure your pins are stainless steel to avoid permanent rust staining on your finished piece.
- Patience is key: Let the project dry completely before removing the combs; if you remove them while the yarn is still damp, the lace will immediately lose its shape.
How to Choose the Right Blocking Mat for Your Needs
Not all blocking mats are created equal, and your choice should depend on the size and weight of your projects. Look for high-density foam mats that are at least 0.5 inches thick to ensure the pins stay upright and secure.
If you primarily knit large shawls, modular mats that interlock are the best choice. They allow you to create a custom surface area that fits the exact footprint of your project, saving space in your home.
Consider the surface texture as well. A grid-printed mat is invaluable for ensuring your lace is perfectly square or symmetrical, which is a massive help when blocking geometric lace patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocking Tools
Q: Will blocking combs leave holes in my knitting? A: All pins leave a small hole, but it is temporary. Once the project is dry and removed from the mats, a light steam or a gentle rub with your fingers will close the stitch back to its original appearance.
Q: Can I use blocking combs on synthetic fibers? A: Yes, but be careful with heat. If you are using a steamer to help set the shape, ensure your synthetic yarn can handle the temperature, as some acrylics can "kill" or permanently melt if the heat is too high.
Q: How many combs do I need? A: Most knitters find that two sets are sufficient for almost any project. This allows you to cover both sides of a shawl or the entire perimeter of a large blanket without running out of tools.
Selecting the right blocking comb is an investment in the final presentation of your hard work. Whether you prioritize the ergonomic comfort of Cocoknits or the sheer structural power of the Beadsmith, the right tool will make your lace projects shine. Take the time to understand your specific fiber needs, and you will find that blocking becomes the most rewarding part of your knitting journey. Happy blocking, and may your points always be perfectly sharp.
