Fiona Ellis Milonga Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Fiona Ellis Milonga Asymmetric Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Milonga is a playful asymmetric crew neck cardigan designed by Fiona Ellis. This knitted garment features contrasting design elements across the front panels: the left front showcases decorative patterning while the right front is worked in simple Stocking stitch for a striking asymmetrical aesthetic. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from 34 inches to 50 inches bust measurement, with corresponding length adjustments from 22 to 26 inches.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create its distinctive look. The garment is worked flat on straight needles and assembled using seaming, allowing for precise shaping and finishing. The construction method is bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the shoulders and neckline. The left front and back feature cable work combined with lace elements, creating a zig-zag cable and eyelet pattern that transitions from simple rib patterning at the lower body. These decorative techniques contrast with the plain Stocking stitch of the right front, emphasizing the asymmetric design philosophy.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes a range of knitting stitches and abbreviations essential to the design:

• Stocking stitch (St st): The foundational stitch used for the right front and as the base for gauge measurement
• Rib patterning: Simple ribbed texture that transitions into more complex stitch patterns on the left side
• Yarn over (Yo): Creates the eyelet and lace elements by increasing stitches and forming decorative holes
• Decreases: Ssk (slip, slip, knit) for left-slanting decreases and K2tog (knit 2 together) for right-slanting decreases; Cdd (centered double decrease) for balanced shaping
• Cable stitches: T3B and T3F (twisted 3-stitch cables), C4B and C4F (4-stitch cables), and T4B (twisted 4-stitch cable back) create the dimensional zig-zag cable patterns

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Milonga is designed to be knitted with 100% Superwash Merino Wool, a durable and washable fiber ideal for everyday cardigans. Each skein contains 164 yards (150 meters) and weighs 3½ ounces (100 grams). Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 6 skeins, while the largest size needs 10 skeins, providing approximately 984 to 1640 total yards depending on the finished size selected.

Needles, Notions, and Gauge

Construction requires US Size 8 (5 mm) needles in both straight and circular formats. Specifically, straight needles or the needle size needed to obtain correct gauge are used for the main body, while a 60 cm circular needle in US Size 8 is used for bands and finishing. A cable needle is essential for manipulating stitches during cable work. The pattern calls for 7 to 8 buttons (depending on size) measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter for the front closure.

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stocking stitch. Achieving correct gauge is emphasized as critical to obtaining the proper finished garment dimensions. Knitters are advised to swatch, measure carefully, and adjust needle sizes if necessary before beginning the project.

Pattern Structure and Design Notes

Instructions are provided for the smallest size with modifications given in parentheses for larger sizes. Where only one set of numbers appears, those specifications apply to all sizes. The pattern includes detailed charted instructions for the cable and lace patterns, with a comprehensive key explaining all abbreviations and stitch manipulations. The asymmetric design creates visual interest through the contrast between the textured left front and the smooth right front, making this cardigan suitable for knitters with intermediate cable and lace experience.