MillaMia Bertil Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Bertil Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia Bertil Cardigan is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed to fit chest sizes from 92cm to 117cm (36 to 46 inches). This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with button closures and is worked primarily in simple rib and stocking stitch, making it deceptively straightforward despite its advanced skill classification. The cardigan offers a versatile wardrobe piece suitable for both casual and formal occasions, with length measurements ranging from 65cm to 70cm at the shoulder.

Techniques Used

The Bertil Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its construction and visual appeal. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming during finishing. Buttonholes are incorporated into the front bands to accommodate five buttons, creating a functional closure system. The finished pieces are seamed together using traditional garment assembly methods. A notable design feature involves the strategic use of garter stitch rows worked into the sleeves, which add textural interest and visual dimension to areas that might otherwise be plain stockinette stitch.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): Forms the primary fabric of the cardigan body, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Rib stitch: Used extensively throughout the pattern, particularly for cuffs, waistband, and front bands, providing elasticity and structure
• Garter stitch: Incorporated strategically into the sleeves to create textural contrast and added visual interest
• Knit and purl stitches: Fundamental stitches that form the foundation of all pattern elements
• Buttonhole stitches: Worked into the front band to create functional closures for the five buttons

Materials and Specifications

The Bertil Cardigan is designed to be worked in MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran yarn, which is exclusively available through Love Knitting. The pattern requires 16 to 21 balls of 50g (1¾oz) yarn depending on size, with the sample shown in the colorway Latte 203. The yarn is worked at a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows over a 10cm (4 inch) square in stocking stitch.

Construction requires a pair each of 4.5mm (US 7) and 5mm (US 8) knitting needles. The smaller needles are used for ribbed sections, while the larger needles accommodate the main stocking stitch fabric. The cardigan is finished with five buttons, which serve as both functional closures and design elements along the front opening.

Design Characteristics

The sleeve length is a consistent 48cm (19 inches) across all sizes. The pattern provides six size options with corresponding chest and length measurements, allowing for a customized fit. The design philosophy emphasizes simplicity in stitch work while achieving sophistication through garment construction and finishing details. The pattern notes suggest alternative colorways including Marine Blue 233, Damson 204, Bark 206, Denim 228, and Oat 102, offering versatility for different styling preferences and occasions.