blocking

Blocking is a molding process in clothing manufacturing that involves precisely shaping a garment or its components around a form, block, or die. A complementary pressing form is then used to sandwich the material between interlocked blocks. This technique is commonly applied to items such as hats, collars, cuffs, and sleeves to achieve a specific shape and finish. Blocking is one of several pressing and molding processes used in the industry, alongside others like pressing, pleating, mangling, steaming, creasing, curing, and casting, all aimed at altering the surface characteristics or topography of garments or footwear through heat, moisture, or pressure.12