MillaMia Christel Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Christel Cardigan with Belt

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia Christel Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan featuring an optional matching belt. This garment is designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 82cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches), with a length to shoulder of 58 to 64cm and consistent sleeve length of 37cm across all sizes. The cardigan is worked in a distinctive airy fabric created through a specialized knitting technique that produces an open, textured appearance suitable for warm weather wear.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using seamed knitting, meaning individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and shaping. The design features horizontal stripes created by alternating between two tonal yarn colors throughout the body and sleeves.

A signature technique creates the airy fabric: garter stitch is combined with an extra loop of yarn wrapped around the needle on the preceding row, which produces a larger loop on the following row. This creates an open, lacy effect while maintaining structure. Knitters must take care to knit into the original stitch rather than the extra loop when working subsequent rows, and consistent tension is essential to maintain even loop sizes throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch for the main fabric, worked in combination with the lace loop technique
• Moss stitch – used for ribbed edgings and finishing details
• Garter stitch and lace pattern – the combined technique that creates the distinctive open, airy texture

Materials Required

The cardigan is knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, an exclusive yarn available through Love Knitting. The pattern calls for 7 to 10 balls of 50g (1¾oz) in Pure White (shade 310) for the main color, and 3 to 5 balls of Pebble Grey (shade 312) for the striped contrast, depending on the size being made.

Needles required include a pair of 2.75mm (US 2) knitting needles and a pair of 3mm (US 2) knitting needles, plus a long circular 2.75mm (US 2) needle for working certain sections. The optional belt requires one additional 50g ball of Pure White cotton and a pair of 2.75mm needles.

Tension is critical for this pattern: 26 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm in moss stitch using 2.75mm needles, and 25 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm in garter stitch and lace pattern using 3mm needles. Achieving proper tension ensures the airy fabric drapes correctly and the garment fits to the intended measurements.

Design Features

The pattern is rated at Improving skill level, making it suitable for intermediate knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns and garment construction. The two-color striped design in tonal shades of white and grey creates a subtle, sophisticated look, though the pattern notes that contrasting color combinations would produce a distinctly different aesthetic. The optional belt adds a tailored finishing touch and allows for adjustable fit at the waist.