KnitIQ Crochet Blocking Board - Pack of 9 Interlocking Blocking Mats for Knitting and Crochet Accessories, 0.75 Inch Thick, 14 x 13 Inches - Includes 100 T-Pins and Storage Bag for Needlework

Years ago I had the KnitPicks brand blocking mats and have moved several times since then and have lost that set. I ordered these hoping they would be a decent replacement. These are amazing! I love the grid pattern, it really helps me keep my blankets and order projects 'square' and to the correct sizes. The KnitPicks ones I had from years ago didn't have that. Also, these were much thicker and felt sturdier. I loved my KnitPicks ones I had years ago but these ones are giving them a run for their money - at least from me! I love them so much that I actually ordered a second set so I have plenty for my larger projects too!! I have read some reviews where people had issues with the blue coloring from the grid pattern bleeding onto their projects, but I haven't had that issue. I primarily do steam blocking. If I have any issues with this in the future I will update my review as necessary. Also - they come with a box of t-pins! I'm sure that's mentioned in the product description somewhere but it was a nice little surprise. Most of the other blocking mats require you to order those extra. I'm very satisfied with these and would definitely order these again and again if I need more!!

The blocks came in a nice carrier, the T-pins were high quality and rust proof, the mats were nice and thick and interlocked well. I did not notice any smell even though I was blocking a piece in a small closet (to keep my demon cats away). The grid on the mats was extremely helpful. 10 out of 10.

Excellent quality with quick delivery. Used it to block a needlepoint canvas, worked well.

I’m fairly new to the crocheting world, and I knew eventually I would run into the issue that I would have to block my work. I had finished 3 projects (a small bag for my crochet hooks, needles, scissors, and yarn, a blanket, and an afghan) that didn’t need to be blocked. And then I started doing granny squares and realized it wasn’t going to be as easy as the other things I had completed. I did not have any idea how I was going to block them because I did not have the right equipment, per se. Well I put my thinking cap on and did the best that I could do at the time. I improvised and it worked, sorta. Anyway, I started on another afghan and the yarn I used was not laying the same way my other projects did so I decided I was NOT going to go through what I went through the last time. So, the hunt was on! I looked at all the mats I could find and I kept coming back to these. I read the reviews and decided to give these a try, even though some reviews stated the lines didn’t line up. I am SO glad I bought these! The afghan I made is long, like most afghans, so I needed several sets of these. I bought 4 sets, I only needed 2 mats from the fourth set but hey, I would rather have too many than not enough. Each mat is approximately 12 x 12 and they fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. They come with 100 pins, I counted them, and the case has a handle for easy carrying. Storing them is a breeze! Now some people were saying the lines didn’t match up when they connected them. I ran into the same problem. But, each mat has 4 sides so I just turned the mat. By doing that, problem solved! My lines are now straight! If you are looking for mats for blocking your work, look no further! These mats are thick. They are sturdy. They are SO easy to use. And they do the job beautifully! Thanks guys for making a wonderful product. And if I need more, there is NO doubt in my mind I will buy more!

I have used these to block multiple crochet projects. The pieces fit well together, the bag keeps everything together including the pins (no searching for things) and you can choose how big you want it to be. Down side is that it is not self healing so you can still see the holes from previous uses, it has yet to cause an issue but could be the more I use it. I plan to get another set so I can block larger things like blankets and clothing.

I’m glad I got them. They are definitely a better solution for the blocking knitted items. Blocks are thick, lines on them do not run when wet and they are very helpful. The only one thing, to think about if someone wants to buy them, is the quantity of the sets. When I knit a sweater (jumper), I usually make back and front in the same time. I make sleeves the same way. It is guaranteed that I make increases and decreases in the same amount and in the same rows. So, I usually finish the both items together. But, I can block only one item per one set. That is a bit annoying, especially when it rains and humidity is high, drying time is longer for the items. So, I’m thinking of getting another set, but to pay another $35 is kind of pricey for me. Also, I read some reviews mentioning the odor of the mats. Well, when I opened my package for the first time, they definitely smell like rubber or something like that. But I think, it is expected due to the material they are made of. Since I prefer to do my blocking outside, I think odor disappeared and it didn’t transferred to my drying items. So, I’m happy about that. In conclusion, if someone wants to buy KnitIQ Blocking Mats, l can tell that it is definitely a good product. My advice is to think about following: 1) rubber odor. It will be there, but in my opinion it is not a dial breaker; 2) quantity of sets needed. Depending on what you need them for, think of how many sets you would want to buy.

Like a lot of other people during the pandemic, I learned to crochet this summer, and something I realized very early on is that blocking makes a HUGE difference to your finished pieces. I've attached two photos to this review: one is a finished scarf after blocking it with these mats, and the first is the beginning of the same scarf. You can see that the blocked scarf is perfectly rectangular and smooth, while before being blocked it had uneven edges and a pouchy texture. Great things about this particular set of blocking mats: 1. The grid is indispensable. A lot of people will talk about using children's play mats as a cheaper alternative, but being able to actually pin along a straight line is mandatory if you want to actually end up with neat edges and corners. So far, in every configuration I've assembled these mats into, their grid has lined up. 2. The mats are really generously thick (another positive contrast with playmats, which are usually thinner). Pins will securely hold your item without pushing through the other side. 3. Including a box of 100 pins is a nice bonus, and the pins themselves are of good quality. So far, I have had zero issues with rusting or discoloration, even when wet blocking or steam blocking. Their plastic box isn't great, but you've probably got another container around that you could use instead. I actually pretty quickly went out and bought their 150-pin tin, as well, and combined the two, and all 250 pins fit (albeit tightly) into the tin. 4. Another bonus is the zippered case. It's just basic plastic, but for something that's going to spend a lot of time in a closet, you don't need anything fancy, and the handle is a nice touch. 5. Nine mats is a very good amount to start with, especially given their modular design. I haven't yet run into a project that I couldn't fit onto these nine mats, including a blanket that was about 7' on each side (by blocking one edge—and its corners—at a time). Really my only complaint is that a 1" grid isn't super granular; it would be really nice if they would add thinner quarter-inch lines as well, or even just half-inch ones. I do see that they now offer a double-sided version that's a 1" grid on one side and a 1cm grid on the other, so if I need more mats in the future for larger projects, that's probably what I'll expand with.

At first I was hesitant to buy, seeing as you could buy much cheaper foam play mats for the same use. The difference is noticeable and worth it, if you are a serious or professional crafter, though. My main pro is the grid lines: Extremely helpful for cleaner work, and these lines actually line up correctly (I know many brands claim to but don't actually, making it way less useful). Second: The thickness. These are quality and much thicker than regular foam play mats. This means they will last longer from repeated use and there's less damage to the surface underneath it. Another pro: Smooth surface. Many foam play mats have that small bumpy texture. This is fine if you are just blocking a large or thick woven item to dry; but if you're doing lacework, I find it more important to have that smoother surface, for a cleaner and more accurate finish. This set also came with pins, so that's another plus. Like I said there are alternatives that work fine it's more for a hobby or not too serious, but if you work professionally, I find these mats valuable. I liked these mats enough, that I bought more after trying. Both sets arrived on time and undamaged.