Does garter stitch need reverse shaping?

[janettle]

Hi all, I have done some forum searches and, although there are several threads discussing reverse shaping, I have not found any about whether or not a sweater knit entirely in garter stitch needs any reverse shaping.

Here is the pattern I am using:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/20061127Sweater.html

My question is:
Even though the pattern calls for reverse shaping for the Right Front, the entire sweater is knit in garter stitch, which is exactly the same on both sides. Is there any reason why reverse shaping might be needed for the Right Front? It seems that all that is necessary to create a mirror image is to turn one of the front pieces over. Both sides of the front pieces should look exactly the same, right?

Thank you for your help!

[Mirl56]

I think you are right, it would be the same.

The only difference, I think, would be the ridges would be opposite.

One side would be:
bottom /\/\/\/\ to top
and the other side would be:
bottom \/\/\/\/ to top

But I don't think it would be noticable at all.

[redwitch]

If you do this I also recommend that you cast off purlwise on one, knitwise on the other piece.

[suzeeq]

The `reverse shaping' part of the instructions is the BO and decs for the the armholes and incs for the collar. I see what you're saying, garter doesn't really have a RS and WS, but look at the CO edges. They're a bit different - do you want them match or does it not matter? That's how you'd determine whether to call one side RS or not.

[janettle]

Thanks so much, everyone. I spent quite a bit of time yesterday googling on this issue, scanning my knitting books, and even emailing customer service at the pattern database. No one's explanations were as clear and understandable as yours. Thank you!