Blocking a Sweater-before seaming or after?

How-to Questions
1

Hi everyone,

I am new to knitting (about a month) and new to the board - and I have to tell you all that this site has been a wonder to me in learning, and I have rarely encountered such a group of helpful and supportive people as I have seen on this board. :cheering:

I am knitting a sleeveless sweater with a lace edge (about 5") and a cowl neck (just finishing up the back and starting on the front). The pattern instructs me to block after the sweater is 100% complete and seamed…but my instincts (such as they are LOL) are telling me to block before seaming so that I can lay each piece completely flat and shape the lacework on the bottom properly (points, etc), as well as get exact measurements on the length of the back to apply to the front (adjusted the pattern a bit for size and length).

My question - is this a matter of preference? It seems that I have seen instructions on blocking that block each piece of a sweater separately, so I am a little confused… :shrug:

I know this is a bit of an ambitious project for the 1st item (just knitted a long sampler of different stitches to learn before this) - but I tend to jump into things both feet first and learn as I go - wish me luck! and thanks for any advice on the blocking. :hug:

Chris

2

I would block before seaming so that I knew what the bits would look like and could sew them together in the right places, also get the tension on my stitches right (if the edges grow bigger your seam may be too short and pucker), and make the edges more even smooth and easy to seam. It can’t hurt to block, and may make a big improvement to the finished item, it’s worth an extra day waiting for them to dry.
It’s certainly individual preference, but I am sure it will improve finishing.
Sarah

3

Thank you Sarah - that is what I thought, but just wasn’t 100% sure :slight_smile: Still at that stage where I like a confirmation that it’s “ok” if I do something outside of the instructions LOL