My sweater pattern calls for the top and the back to be bound off, then says to join the shoulder seams. What do y’all think is the best way to join bound off edges?
I’d suggest not binding them off and using the three-needle bind off. Such a nice seam–straight and foolproof.
If you’ve alread bound off, I’d suggest the mattress stitch. Instead of picking up the bars between the stitches as you would on the side, pick up the two strands of a stitch on each side. Lay the sweater down with the right sides up and shoulders touching and work a using the first whole stitch in from the bind off.
Thanks, Ingrid, I’ll use the mattress stitch. Unfortunately, I’ve already bound off, and didn’t even think about it until I got ready to seam. I’m marking the pattern right now in case I use it again.
This page has good illustrations for joining shoulder seams.
You can still rip out the BOs, put the stitches back on the needles and do a 3 needle BO or kitchener.
sue
Thanks all. After looking at the pieces again, I decided to undo the bind off and use the three-needle method. I’ve used it before with great results. I just wasn’t thinking aheadwhen the directions said to bind off and went blindly ahead. i think the problem may be that the pattern is designed for a fuzzy yarn, and the one I’m using is not so fuzzy. The biind off did not even show in the first I made with this pattern, but it was a VERY fuzzy yarn.
Knitqueen, thanks for the site. 
hi! I’m new, and a new knitter too… I’m at the point where I have to join my already bound-off shoulders… I’ve looked over all the posts (and the very helpful LionBrand illustration)… but I’m wondering, why wouldn’t you do the mattress stitch on the WRONG side? it just seems the stitches would be less visible that way. obviously that’s not the case, but I’m wondering if one of you experts can explain! Thanks!
cheers, tereze
why wouldn’t you do the mattress stitch on the WRONG side?
Because your seam would end up on the RS of your garment. Working it on the RS forces the seam to the WS.
cam
The first time I encountered mattress stitch, I thought the same thing. Who seams from the right side? Well, with mattress you do. . . .
Thanks guys! wow - so cool to get such a quick reply!
so tomorrow I tackle my shoulder seam with mattress stitch!
cheers Tereze