Stretching a crocheted mandala: blocking or in a hoop?

Stretching a mandala, also known as blocking, makes the shapes and crochet stitches more visible and neater. It ensures the mandala lays nice and flat or makes for a beautiful wall decoration in a hoop.

Important to know

There are two methods I use in this blog.

1: Stretching in a hoop

2: Blocking with pins

It is important to remember with these methods:

• Make sure all loose ends are neatly woven in before you start stretching.

• You can stretch wet (slightly damp) or dry. I recommend to try and experiment what your personal preference is. Keep in mind that a slightly damp mandala can stretch a bit further than when it is completely dry.

• Make sure you can lay the mandala flat when you are going to stretch it, for example on a table.

• Work carefully, especially when using pins, they can be sharp.

• Make sure to use rustproof pins, especially for wet blocking.

• Do not stretch your mandala too tight. This can damage your crochet work.

Materials for stretching

Method 1: stretching in a hoop - supplies

• A hoop in the right size
• Crochet hook
• Yarn
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

The hoop should be about 20% larger than the crocheted mandala. Example: for a crocheted mandala of ±80 cm (31,5 inch), you use a 100 cm (39,37 inch) hoop. In this blog you can read more about measuring your mandala.

Method 2: blocking - supplies (a couple of options)

• Blocking board
• Folded towel
• Foam, for example (play) mats
• Cork board
• You also need (rustproof) pins to secure the mandala.
  

Wet or dry stretching

The preference for wet or dry stretching differs per person.

An advantage of wet stretching is that the mandala can stretch just a little further than when it is completely dry. A second advantage is that, especially when you block the mandala with pins, the mandala retains its shape beautifully after stretching.

Please note: when using beads, it might be better not to wet the mandala, because it could possibly damage the beads, especially when they have a layer of paint.

I rarely use the wet stretching technique myself, because I use wooden beads in many mandalas. Besides that, almost all my mandalas are permanently stretched in a metal hoop, which helps it retain its shape well.

Wetting the mandala

Wetting the mandala can be done in many ways. Everyone has their own personal preference for this.

For example, you can use a spray bottle with slightly warm or cold (note: do not use hot water water) and spray this over the mandala, so it becomes slightly damp.

You can also submerge the mandala in water.

1. Carefully submerge the mandala in slightly warm (note: not too warm!) water. You can optionally let the mandala soak in the water for a while.
2. When the mandala is thoroughly wet, take it out of the water. Then carefully squeeze the mandala with your hands. Do this very slowly and carefully, patiently keep squeezing the water out bit by bit. Do not wring out the mandala.
3. Take a large clean towel (make sure the towel does not bleed color, so make sure you never use a brand new towel).
4. Unfold the towel and lay the mandala flat on the towel. Fold the towel around the mandala (optionally use a second towel), and squeeze the towel and mandala, and continue to get more water out this way. You can also roll up the towel with the mandala and squeeze out more water that way. Work carefully, so you don't damage your mandala.
5. Keep drying the mandala until it is still (slightly) damp. Make sure your mandala is not dripping wet anymore.

Once you're done, you are ready for the next step: stretching.

Let the mandala stretch for at least 24 to 48 hours (preferably longer) before you remove it.

If you choose to stretch the mandala wet, make sure the mandala is completely dried before you take it out of the hoop (or before you start crocheting around the hoop for permanent attachment).

For permanent attachment you can crochet the mandala into the hoop. Tip: always tie the mandala to the hoop before you start crocheting it on; this makes the process much easier. Read all the instructions on how to crochet a mandala into the hoop here.

Blocking

The second method is blocking the mandala with pins. In this example a blocking mat is used.

• Make sure your mandala will lie flat (use the table or floor to lay the mats on) and check if the mat is large enough for your mandala.
• Place the mandala on the mat (optionally slightly damp) and start securing the outer edges. Stretch the mandala carefully but firmly while pinning.
• Optionally, you can also pin petals or other sections of the mandala to stretch these parts as well. For example, small petals in the mandala.
• Measuring: keep equal distances to get a neat, round shape. Keep measuring the diameter and make sure it is equal everywhere.
• Give it time: let the mandala stretch for at least 24 to 48 hours. With wet blocking: make sure the mandala dries completely in the air.
• Carefully remove the pins when the mandala is done.

A stretched mandala can be used in many ways. For example, make beautiful wall hangings or doilies. Mandalas offer many possibilities, it is such a wonderful hobby!