MillaMia Elsa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Elsa Cardigan

What is Being Made

The MillaMia Elsa Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed for ages 2 to 6 years. This garment features a unique reversible design that can be worn back to front or front to back, offering versatility in styling. The cardigan is constructed with seven decorative buttons, though only the top button features a functional buttonhole; the remaining buttons are sewn directly onto the garment. Available in Off White (color 311), the cardigan is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 63 cm to 73 cm (25 to 29 inches), with corresponding length and sleeve adjustments across the four size options.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row knitting. Seaming is employed to join the various pieces together, creating a finished, tailored appearance. A buttonhole is incorporated into the design, specifically at the top button position, requiring the knitter to execute a functional buttonhole technique during construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the MillaMia Elsa Cardigan is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch in US terminology). This fundamental knitting stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-patterned texture on the right side and horizontal bumps on the reverse side. Stocking stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic appearance that makes this stitch ideal for children's garments.

Materials and Tools

The MillaMia Elsa Cardigan is knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, a yarn exclusively available through Love Knitting. The yardage required varies by size: 3 balls for sizes 2-3 years and 4-5 years, and 4 balls for size 3-4 years, with 5 balls needed for the largest 5-6 year size. Each ball weighs 50g (1 ¾ oz). Two pairs of needles are required: 3mm (US 2) needles for ribbing and 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the main fabric. The pattern specifies a tension gauge of 25 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm (4 inch) square worked in stocking stitch using the 3.25mm needles. Seven buttons are needed to complete the cardigan.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Classified as an Improving skill level project, the MillaMia Elsa Cardigan is suitable for knitters with some foundational experience who are ready to tackle garment construction. The pattern incorporates essential techniques including buttonhole creation, seaming, and sizing adjustments, making it an excellent intermediate project for developing practical garment-making skills.