6 Best Mounting Pins For Blocking Needlework That Last
Discover the 6 best mounting pins for blocking needlework that provide lasting support for your projects. Read our expert guide to choose your perfect set today.
Blocking is the final, transformative step that turns a garment from a loose collection of loops into a professional, finished piece. Many knitters spend hours perfecting their stitches, only to falter when it comes time to shape the finished fabric. Choosing the right pins can mean the difference between a crisp, elegant silhouette and a messy, uneven edge. This guide identifies the most reliable tools for anchoring your work and ensuring that every project reaches its full potential.
Knitters Pride Knit Blockers: Best Time-Saver
Knit blockers feature a plastic strip with multiple pins embedded in a single row. This design eliminates the need to place dozens of individual pins, drastically reducing the time spent on large projects.
They are particularly effective for straight edges, such as scarf borders or the bottom hems of sweaters. By covering more ground in one motion, they keep the fabric tension consistent across the entire length of the piece.
While they save time, they lack the flexibility needed for intricate curves or rounded necklines. They are an efficiency tool rather than a precision tool.
Knit Picks T-Pins: Best Value for Most Projects
T-pins are the gold standard for versatility and affordability. Their flat head makes them easy to push into blocking mats and pull out without damaging the delicate fibers of your knit fabric.
Because they are inexpensive, buying a large supply allows for the aggressive pinning required for heavy, wet-blocked wools. These pins hold firmly in foam mats, preventing the fabric from “creeping” while it dries.
Avoid using these on extremely delicate silk or fine lace, as the wire gauge is slightly thicker than specialized blocking pins. They are workhorses meant for everyday sweaters, hats, and mittens.
Lace Blocking Wire Kits: Essential for Shawls
Lace blocking wires are long, thin, flexible rods that are threaded through the edges of a project. They allow you to pull a lace shawl into its true shape, creating perfectly straight or curved edges that individual pins simply cannot achieve.
By threading the wire through the edge stitches, the tension is distributed evenly across the entire length. This prevents the “scalloped” look that occurs when you pin a shawl at individual points, resulting in a smooth, professional drape.
Wires are not a replacement for pins, however. They work best when secured in place with a few strategically placed T-pins to maintain the desired shape while the piece dries.
Cocoknits Nickel-Plated T-Pins: Best Premium
These pins are favored for their smooth, snag-free finish and high-quality construction. The nickel plating ensures they glide through dense or fuzzy fibers without catching on individual yarn plies.
Consistency in size and shape is where these excel. When blocking a garment that requires exact measurements, using uniform pins ensures that every section of the fabric is treated with the same level of care.
While more expensive than generic hardware store pins, the investment pays off in the longevity of the tool. They resist bending under pressure, which is critical when blocking heavy sweaters or dense felted projects.
Clover Fork Blocking Pins: Best for Picot Edges
Fork pins feature a U-shaped design that straddles the edge of the knit fabric. This makes them ideal for holding down specific, delicate points like picot edges or decorative lace bind-offs.
Because they secure two points of the fabric at once, they provide extra stability for edges that tend to curl. They are particularly useful when you need to maintain a specific degree of spread in a lace motif.
They are not intended for general, heavy-duty blocking. Keep these for the final finishing touches on intricate edging where standard pins might allow the fabric to twist or collapse.
Bryspun Blocking Wires: Best for Curves & Circles
Flexible wires offer a distinct advantage over rigid steel rods when dealing with complex, circular, or irregular shapes. Their pliability allows them to follow the contours of a curved hem or a rounded shawl edge with ease.
If a project involves shaping that does not follow a straight line, these wires provide a guided, smooth tension. They prevent the uneven “points” that often occur when trying to force a curve into a straight layout using only individual pins.
The main tradeoff is durability, as highly flexible wires can be bent out of shape if handled roughly. Store them carefully to ensure they remain straight for the next project.
T-Pins vs. Combs vs. Wires: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing the right tool depends entirely on the construction of the project. T-pins are the fundamental starting point for any knitter, as they provide the most control for shaping garments and fitted items.
Blocking combs or “knit blockers” are the better choice for high-volume, straight-edged items like scarves or blankets. They provide uniform tension without the repetitive labor of placing individual pins.
Wires are non-negotiable for anyone who frequently blocks lace. Wires provide the necessary tension for open, airy stitch patterns to show their true beauty, which pins alone simply cannot accomplish.
How to Avoid Rust Stains on Your Finished Project
Rust is the primary enemy of blocking tools. Even high-quality pins can oxidize if left in wet fabric for extended periods, especially when using superwash wool or high-moisture-content fibers.
Always ensure your pins are stainless steel or nickel-plated to minimize the risk of corrosion. Never leave pins in a project longer than necessary, and ensure the piece is completely dry before removing them.
If a project needs to sit for several days to dry, check the pins periodically for any signs of moisture buildup. If the environment is particularly humid, consider using a fan to speed up the evaporation process.
Do You Really Need Blocking Wires? A Quick Guide
Blocking wires are not required for simple projects like hats or basic stockinette sweaters. However, they are essential for any project involving intricate lace patterns or openwork.
If the fabric is meant to show off an open, stretched-out design, wires provide the consistent tension needed to keep those stitches from pulling back into their original, compressed state. They transform lace from a tangled mess into a clear, readable pattern.
When in doubt, evaluate the project’s complexity. If the fabric has a high ratio of yarn-overs and decreases that need to be opened up, treat yourself to a set of wires to save frustration.
Pinning Technique for Perfect Points and Scallops
To achieve perfect points on a shawl, pin the center of the edge first, then work outward toward the corners. This prevents the fabric from shifting and ensures that the tension is balanced on both sides.
When blocking scallops, place a pin in the trough of each scallop and another at the peak. This forces the yarn to hold its intended shape and prevents it from bowing or distorting as the moisture leaves the fibers.
Always use a firm, dense blocking mat to prevent the pins from leaning under the weight of the damp yarn. Proper support for the pins ensures the fabric stays exactly where it was placed until it is completely dry.
The act of blocking is an exercise in patience that rewards the knitter with a professional finish. Whether choosing standard T-pins for a daily sweater or investing in wires for a lace heirloom, the right tool ensures the time spent knitting is reflected in the final garment. By selecting pins that match the scale and fiber of the project, you protect the hard work poured into every stitch. Happy blocking.
