MillaMia Dahlia Jumper Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Dahlia Jumper: Stranded Knit Sweater Pattern

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia Dahlia Jumper is an intermediate-level knitted sweater featuring a sophisticated stranded colorwork design. This garment is worked flat on straight needles and seamed together, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to develop their colorwork and garment construction skills. The pattern is available in seven sizes, ranging from chest measurements of 76-82cm (30-32 inches) to 137-142cm (54-56 inches), with finished chest measurements from 90cm (35½ inches) to 156cm (61½ inches).

Techniques Used

This jumper employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and visual appeal:

• Stranded colorwork: The primary decorative technique, where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create intricate patterned designs on the fabric surface
• Flat knitting: Pieces are worked back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and color changes
• Seaming: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming methods to create the finished garment
• Moss stitch: Used in specific areas of the pattern, creating a textured, bumpy fabric that contrasts with smooth stockinette stitch sections

Stitches Used

The Dahlia Jumper combines two primary stitch patterns to create its finished fabric:

• Stockinette stitch: The main stitch used throughout most of the garment, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric that showcases the stranded colorwork patterns beautifully
• Moss stitch: A textured stitch pattern incorporated into the design, adding visual and tactile interest to specific sections of the sweater

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Dahlia Jumper is designed to be knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn in 50g/1¾oz balls. The pattern requires five yarn colors (labeled A through E) with varying quantities depending on size:

• Color A (main color): 5 to 7 balls depending on size
• Color B: 1 to 3 balls depending on size
• Color C: 1 to 3 balls depending on size
• Color D: 1 to 3 balls depending on size
• Color E: 1 to 3 balls depending on size

Needle Requirements

The pattern calls for two pairs of needles in different sizes to accommodate the tension requirements:

• 2.75mm (US 2) knitting needles: Used for ribbed sections and to achieve the correct tension for moss stitch
• 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles: Used for the main body and stockinette stitch sections

For larger sizes, circular needles in both 2.75mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3) are recommended to accommodate the increased stitch counts.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this garment to fit properly:

• Stockinette stitch: 25 stitches and 34 rows to 10cm/4 inches square using 3.25mm (US 3) needles
• Moss stitch: 29 stitches and 46 rows to 10cm/4 inches square using 3.25mm (US 3) needles

Colorway Options

The pattern provides multiple colorway suggestions to suit different preferences and style choices. The primary colorway features Rain as the main color (A) with Tempest (B), Forget Me Not (C), Butterscotch (D), and Lilac Blossom (E) as accent colors. Alternative colorways are also provided, including combinations such as Fuchsia Petal, Berry Grass, Petal Midnight, and Rain Cloud Grey, offering versatility in the finished appearance of the jumper.