6 Best Blocking Pins For Wet Setting For Crafters
Discover the top 6 blocking pins for wet setting. We compare durability and rust resistance to help you achieve professional finishing for your craft projects.
Blocking is the final, transformative step that turns a collection of stitches into a professional garment. Without the right pins, you risk distorting your hard work or leaving unsightly rust stains on your delicate fibers. Choosing the correct tool depends largely on the weight of your yarn and the tension of your stitch pattern. This guide will help you select the perfect pins to ensure your finished projects look exactly as you envisioned.
Knitter’s Pride T-Pins: The Industry Standard
These pins are the workhorses of the knitting world, found in almost every serious crafter’s notions bag. Their T-shaped head provides excellent leverage, making them easy to push into dense blocking mats or cork boards.
Because they are widely available, they are the first set most knitters purchase. They offer a reliable, no-nonsense grip that keeps tension consistent across the edge of a sweater or scarf.
If you are blocking heavy wool or bulky blankets, these pins provide the necessary structural support. They are sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of thick, wet yarn without bending under the weight.
Clover Rust-Resistant Pins: Best for Lace
When you are working with fine lace, every millimeter of placement counts. Clover’s pins are thinner and sharper than standard T-pins, allowing them to glide through delicate stitches without splitting the yarn.
The rust-resistant coating is a massive advantage when working with light-colored or white mohair and alpaca. These fibers are notoriously sensitive to moisture and can easily pick up metallic oxidation if your pins aren’t high-quality.
While they are more expensive than bulk options, the precision they offer is worth the investment for heirloom projects. If you are blocking a complex shawl, these pins will hold your points sharp and symmetrical.
Blocking Knits Stainless Steel T-Pins Review
These pins are designed specifically for the unique demands of heavy-duty blocking. Their stainless steel construction ensures they remain smooth even after years of exposure to water and steam.
The main benefit here is the lack of a coating that could potentially flake off or react with certain fiber dyes. Many cheaper pins have nickel or chrome plating that eventually wears away, exposing the base metal to rust.
These are an excellent choice for knitters who frequently block superwash wool. Superwash yarns are often heavy when wet and require a pin that won’t succumb to the prolonged dampness of the drying process.
Susan Bates T-Pins: Reliable Budget Choice
If you are just starting your knitting journey and need a large quantity of pins for a low cost, Susan Bates is a classic go-to. They provide a functional, utilitarian solution for blocking simple scarves and hats.
These pins are typically sold in larger packs, which is ideal if you are blocking multiple items at once. You won’t feel the sting of losing one or two in the carpet as you might with higher-end, specialized pins.
However, be mindful that they may require more frequent replacement than stainless steel alternatives. If you notice any dullness or surface texture, it is time to retire them to avoid snagging your yarn.
Ashford Stainless Steel Pins: Extra Durable
Ashford is a brand synonymous with quality in the spinning and weaving community, and their pins follow that tradition. They are exceptionally rigid, making them perfect for pinning down heavy, felted items or dense, multi-ply wool.
The extra-long shaft allows you to pin through multiple layers of fabric if you are blocking a garment that has been seamed before washing. This saves time and ensures that the seams don’t pull or pucker as they dry.
These are the pins you buy once and keep for a lifetime. They are a professional-grade tool that rewards the knitter who values durability over price.
Queen Bee Blocking Pins: Best for Precision
These pins are often favored by knitters who prioritize the aesthetic of their blocking process. They are incredibly sharp and have a sleek profile that minimizes the "pin mark" left on your fabric after the pins are removed.
They work exceptionally well for intricate stranded colorwork where you need to align motifs perfectly. Because they are so slender, you can place them exactly where you need them without distorting the surrounding stitches.
If you are entering your projects into a fair or photographing them for a portfolio, these are the pins you want. They allow for the kind of subtle adjustments that make a garment look truly finished.
Why Stainless Steel Matters for Wet Blocking
Wet blocking involves soaking your project, which creates the perfect environment for rust to form on cheaper metals. Once rust starts, it can permanently discolor your yarn, which is often impossible to remove.
Stainless steel is inherently resistant to the oxidation process. This means your pins will stay smooth and clean, regardless of how often you use them or how long your project takes to dry.
- Avoid Nickel-Plated Pins: These can cause allergic reactions in some knitters and are prone to flaking.
- Check for Burrs: Even stainless steel can have imperfections; run your pins through a scrap piece of wool to check for snags before using them on your project.
- Invest Once: High-quality stainless steel pins are a one-time purchase that protects your investment in expensive, high-quality yarn.
How to Choose Between T-Pins and Blocking Combs
T-pins offer individual control, which is vital for shaping curves, armholes, and complex lace edges. They allow you to manipulate the fabric point-by-point, giving you total creative control over the final shape.
Blocking combs, on the other hand, are designed for speed and straight lines. They are fantastic for long, straight edges like the hem of a sweater or the side of a large blanket.
- Use T-Pins for: Shaping necklines, blocking lace points, and curved silhouettes.
- Use Combs for: Long, straight panels, scarves, and rectangular shawls.
- The Hybrid Approach: Most experienced knitters own both, using combs to set the main structure and T-pins to refine the details.
Essential Tips for Preventing Rust on Your Pins
Even the best stainless steel pins can benefit from a little preventative care. The most important rule is to ensure your pins are completely dry before putting them away in your storage container.
If you have used your pins on a particularly wet project, lay them out on a paper towel to air dry for an hour. Don’t simply toss them back into a closed tin while they are still damp from the blocking mat.
Consider keeping a small silica gel packet in your pin container. This will absorb any residual moisture and keep your tools in pristine condition for years to come.
Proper Storage Solutions for Your Blocking Tools
Organization is the key to a stress-free blocking session. A magnetic pin cushion is an excellent way to keep your T-pins accessible and prevent them from rolling off your workspace.
For long-term storage, a clear, airtight plastic container or a dedicated wooden notions box works best. Keep your pins separated by type if you own both T-pins and combs to avoid tangling.
Never store your pins stuck into your blocking mats permanently. Over time, the moisture trapped in the mat can cause the pins to rust, and you risk accidentally pricking yourself when you move the mats.
Selecting the right blocking pins is a small but critical detail in the life of a knitter. By choosing high-quality stainless steel tools and caring for them properly, you ensure your handiwork remains as beautiful as the day you cast off. Whether you are tackling delicate lace or sturdy wool, the right pin provides the structure needed for a professional finish. Happy blocking, and may your stitches always dry perfectly in place.
