Blocking (or Dressing) a miniature garment does not take long, it requires a few dressmaking pins and a piece of polystyrene/styrofoam or other soft plastic in which you can stick pins. This is usually done BEFORE the garment is sewn up in miniature work.
1. If you used cotton or wool, firstly wet a few small strands of the yarn you used and test that the colour does not run.
2. Once you have tested and found the yarn is colourfast, dampen the knitted item in cold water.
3. Gently wring out excess moisture, taking care not to crease the item too much.
4. Spread the item out on the polystyrene, with the wrong side upwards.
5. Gently pull the item into shape (do not overstretch or the seams will become distorted) and carefully pin around the edges of the garment. If you have straight seams, you may find it easier to pin with the help of a plastic ruler.
6. Take care not to stretch any areas of rib, as you stretch the garment
7. Leave in a warm place to dry completely, but do not leave the pins in longer than 36 hours or rust patches may develop.
8. Once the item is completely dry the garment should keep its shape until washed.
You may also like to refer to our previous post covering blocking lace