Blocking knitted sections of a cardigan before joining together

[KnittingKnewbie]

A few questions -

1. better to block each section before joining together, correct?

2. do I really need blocking pins or would I be ok shaping my pieces on a towel and then putting another towel on top to stop it curling?

If it's wool rather than synthetic yarn, it will go together easier if you block it first. I don't have any special equipment, I put a big dry towel on the floor then the knitting, if it's very fine yarn I pin it out by stabbing long sewing pins through the towel into the carpet (don't tell my DH) then cover it with a barely damp towel and leave it until the towel is dry

Blocking pins are much easier and work a charm. Also you can block to precise sizes, to make sure it’s all the correct size as specified in the pattern . I use toddler play mats to block my things

I soak my knitting for an hour or so, gently squeeze the water out, roll up in a towel and tread on it to get more water out, then block with pins on my mats on the dining table. It’s like magic, it makes everything look so much better