Help understanding Peter easy vest pattern

[Ivy]

Finally, I am done with knitting the back portion. I thought the one with chest size 44 will be right, but now when I look at the finished piece, it looks huge.

I don't know what kind of yarn I have (this is the only kind I get in my local shop), so I don't know whether it will shrink or stretch after the first wash.

I have two options: knit the front portion to match the back or knit the front for chest size 40, but before that should I wash the finished piece and see what will happen? If I do wash it, will I have a problem while seaming the two pieces?

[suzeeq]

The length might not be the same if you knit a smaller size for the front. Measure your sts per inch on the back and see if you match the gauge in the pattern. If you do, go ahead and knit the front the same size.

[Ivy]

Thanks suzeeq I will check my guage. How about giving the finished piece a wash before knitting the front? Should I do it or not?

[GinnyG]

I think it would look odd to have the back and front different sizes, the side seam will be off. You might be able to take it in a bit depending on your seaming method.

[suzeeq]

Sure you could do that and see what it does. If you think it's still too big or it stretches out, then you'd probably best reknit it in the smaller size.

[Ivy]

I am not an expert in knitting and seaming, so I think I will knit the other piece in the same size. If it's too big for my husband, I can always give it someone else.