The Best Blocking Mats for Knitting Lace Shawls
Researched by Johnny Alto · Published July 20, 2026
Short answer: The best blocking mats for knitting lace shawls are the KnitIQ Extra Thick Blocking Mats. A knitter-favorite blocking set. The main things to weigh are thick foam, printed grid, interlocking, and includes t-pins.
Top pickKnitIQ Extra Thick Blocking MatsView offer →
KnitIQ Extra Thick Blocking Mats
A knitter-favorite blocking set. The mats are thicker than typical craft foam so pins hold firmly at the edges, they have a printed grid for straight, symmetrical blocking, and they interlock so you can build a surface as big as your shawl. The set usually includes T-pins. Knitters like that the thickness stops pins from popping under lace tension.
View on Amazon Editorial illustration.Lace knitting looks scrunched until you block it, pinning the damp piece out so the yarnovers open into their pattern. Blocking mats give you a pinnable foam surface with a grid to keep edges straight. Knitters look for thick, gridded mats that take pins firmly and lock together for big shawls.
How do the best options for blocking mats for knitting lace shawls compare?
| Pick | Product | Why it makes the list |
|---|---|---|
| Top pick | KnitIQ Extra Thick Blocking Mats | A knitter-favorite blocking set. |
| Value | KnitPicks Blocking Mats | Gridded interlocking blocking mats from a trusted yarn brand, a bit thinner than the KnitIQ. Solid and cheaper, fine for smaller pieces. |
What should you look for in blocking mats for knitting lace shawls?
A few things separate a good blocking mats for knitting lace shawls from a frustrating one: thick foam, printed grid, interlocking, and includes t-pins. Weigh these before you buy.
- Thick foam: thick mats hold pins under the tension of stretched lace.
- Printed grid: a grid keeps edges straight and the shawl symmetrical.
- Interlocking: tiles that lock together to size up for big shawls.
- Includes T-pins: or budget for a set of rustproof T-pins.
What are the best alternatives?
KnitPicks Blocking Mats
Gridded interlocking blocking mats from a trusted yarn brand, a bit thinner than the KnitIQ. Solid and cheaper, fine for smaller pieces.
Bottom line: the KnitIQ extra-thick mats are the pin-holding, gridded set knitters block lace on; the KnitPicks mats are the thinner budget option.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best blocking mats for knitting lace shawls?
KnitIQ Extra Thick Blocking Mats. A knitter-favorite blocking set.
What should you look for in blocking mats for knitting lace shawls?
Focus on thick foam, printed grid, interlocking, and includes t-pins.
What is a good alternative to the KnitIQ Extra Thick Blocking Mats?
The KnitPicks Blocking Mats. Gridded interlocking blocking mats from a trusted yarn brand, a bit thinner than the KnitIQ. Solid and cheaper, fine for smaller pieces.
Related buying guides
- Card Sleeves for Gloomhaven
- Pliers for Chainmaille
- Punch Needle for Yarn Rug Making
- Warp Thread for a Rigid Heddle Loom
- Tufting Gun for Beginners
This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review. Product details, prices, and availability can change; confirm the current listing on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
← More Crafts & Making · All guides · How we research · About · Affiliate Disclosure · Privacy Policy · Contact