MillaMia Eva Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Eva Cardigan: Beginner Knit Top for Babies

What is Being Made

The MillaMia Eva Cardigan is a baby cardigan designed for infants aged 0-3 months through 18-24 months, with extended sizing up to 36-48 months. This garment features a classic button-front closure and is specifically engineered without sleeve seams to maximize comfort for babies and young toddlers. The cardigan is available in multiple colorway options including Bright Red, English Rose, French Navy, Pure Lemon, Black Indigo, Baby French White, Yellow, Purple, and Blue, allowing for both vibrant and subtle color choices.

Techniques and Construction Method

This cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the cardigan features seamed construction where individual pieces are sewn together. The deliberate design choice to eliminate sleeve seams—a feature highlighted in the pattern notes—reduces bulk and irritation at the baby's underarms, prioritizing comfort and wearability for delicate infant skin.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Eva Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginner-level crafters:

• Stockinette stitch (abbreviated st st) forms the primary fabric of the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Garter stitch (g-st) provides textured edging and structural elements
• Moss stitch (also known as seed stitch in US terminology) adds decorative detail and texture variation
• Standard shaping techniques including knit two together (k2tog) for decreases and make one (m1) for increases to shape the garment pieces

The pattern uses UK knitting terminology with US translations provided, ensuring accessibility for knitters using either convention.

Materials and Tools Required

The Eva Cardigan is designed to be worked with MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, a yarn exclusively available through Love Knitting. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 1 ball to 2 balls per color depending on the finished garment size. The pattern specifies three colors: Bright Red (331) for the primary color, English Rose (342) for contrast, and French Navy (320) for accent details.

Needles required include a pair of 2.75mm (US 2) needles and a pair of 3.25mm (US 3) needles, with needle length varying from 23cm (9 inches) for the smallest sizes to 35cm (12¾ inches) for the largest sizes. The pattern calls for one small button for the front closure. The recommended tension or gauge is 25 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square worked in stockinette stitch using the 3.25mm needles.

Sizing and Measurements

The Eva Cardigan is offered in six size ranges accommodating babies from newborn through toddler stages. Chest measurements range from 46cm (18 inches) for the 0-3 month size to 70cm (27½ inches) for the 36-48 month size. Length to shoulder varies from 20cm (8 inches) for the smallest size to 33cm (13 inches) for the largest. Sleeve lengths range from 9cm (3½ inches) to 19cm (7½ inches), scaling proportionally with each size increment.

Skill Level and Pattern Accessibility

Designated as a beginner-level project, the Eva Cardigan is accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The pattern employs straightforward techniques and basic shaping, making it an ideal first cardigan project. The pattern notes suggest that knitters can customize the garment by adjusting the length of ties or other elements by modifying cast-on stitch counts, encouraging creative adaptation while maintaining beginner-friendly construction methods.