I recommend running a safety string when developing the V-neck portion of this sweater. Actually, if you are a beginner, a safety string will aid when knitting this sweater at any point because the pattern involves yarn overs and it is difficult to rip out when and if mistakes are made, stitches get lost. The safety string protects the work done from losing stitches. If work has to be corrected the work can be pulled out to the safety string and all work stays in tact.