[wayfarer]

I used to knit but have never had to block anything.  I have knitted an aran style hat that the pattern says I now need to block and shape using a pudding basin.  Can someone tell me how to do this please.

[jaykay]

You get it damp, put it over the shape, and then adjust the hat to be the shape you want it, and let it dry.

Personally I like to use something that I can pin the hat to, to get it to the shape I want. You can get polystyrene 'heads' or make a papier mâché ones. Shorter term, a pair of tights, stuffed with others, makes a possible alternative though it doesn't dry as fast.

Blocking knitting gives it a good 'finish'.

[Fleecewife]

I don't block much knitting and wouldn't bother with a hat - it gets pulled into shape on your head anyway   

[Louise Gaunt]

Is it an American pattern? Our friends across the pond seem obsessed with blocking everything knitted. I agree, it will become the right shape when worn. And there is the risk if you get it too wet it could shrink!