MillaMia David Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia David Cardigan: Knitted Cable Design for Children

What is Being Made

The MillaMia David Cardigan is a timeless knitted cardigan designed for children aged 1 to 8 years. Available in four finished sizes with chest measurements ranging from 60cm to 77cm, this garment features an attractive cable design as its signature detail. The cardigan is worked in a classic button-front style, making it both functional and visually appealing for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project incorporates several key techniques that make it an engaging pattern to work:

• Cable work: The cable design is a central feature, requiring the use of cable needles to create the characteristic twisted stitch patterns that give the cardigan its visual interest and texture.
• Seamed construction: The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, allowing for precise shaping and professional finishing.
• Buttonhole placement: Seven buttonholes are incorporated into the design for functional button closures along the front opening.
• Button attachment: The finished cardigan is completed with seven buttons, providing both closure and decorative detail.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is double moss stitch, which serves as the base fabric. This stitch creates a dense, textured fabric that provides excellent drape and durability for a children's garment. The cable stitches are worked in contrast to this background, creating visual definition and dimension. Standard knitting abbreviations are used throughout the pattern, including knit, purl, knit two together, and slip stitch decreases for shaping.

Materials and Specifications

The MillaMia David Cardigan is knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn, a premium fiber choice ideal for children's clothing. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 to 8 balls of 50g weight depending on the finished size selected. The colorway featured in the primary pattern is Rain (color 165), with alternative colorways available including Forget Me Not, Fawn, Putty Grey, and Lipstick Red, offering versatility in design choices.

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 3mm (US 2) needles for ribbing and 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the main fabric. Two cable needles are essential for managing the cable stitches throughout the project. Seven buttons are needed to complete the cardigan's front closure.

Tension and Finished Measurements

The pattern specifies a tension of 28 stitches and 40 rows to a 10cm square when working double moss stitch on 3.25mm (US 3) needles. Achieving correct tension is crucial for obtaining the intended finished measurements. The cardigan offers four size options with length to shoulder measurements ranging from 14¼ inches to 17¾ inches, and sleeve lengths from 8¼ inches to 13 inches, accommodating growth across the 1 to 8 year age range.

Skill Level and Project Overview

Rated as an intermediate-level project, the MillaMia David Cardigan is designed for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to master cable techniques. The pattern notes suggest that the cable design will be enjoyable to work and that the smallest size is particularly suitable for babies, making this a versatile pattern across multiple age groups and gift-giving occasions.