MillaMia Florentina Wrap Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Florentina Wrap Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia Florentina Wrap Cardigan is a children's wrap-style cardigan designed for ages 1-2 through 4-5 years. This garment features an intricate, delicate stitch pattern that elevates it beyond a simple wrap design, making it particularly suitable for ballet lovers and special occasions. The cardigan is available in four size options with chest measurements ranging from 60cm to 74cm and lengths from 23cm to 29cm, offering a versatile fit across the toddler age range.

Techniques Used

The Florentina Wrap Cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suited to intermediate-level crafters. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted in flat panels rather than in the round. The cardigan is seamed, with individual pieces joined together after knitting is complete. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, where knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the neckline and sleeves, allowing for straightforward shaping and adjustments as needed.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates several essential knitting stitches to create both structure and visual interest:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the primary stitch used throughout the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns
• Garter stitch – used for ribbed edgings and finishing details to provide elasticity and a decorative border
• Moss stitch (seed stitch) – the intricate, delicate stitch pattern that distinguishes this cardigan and creates textural interest
• Knit and purl combinations – including techniques such as knit two stitches together (k2tog) and purl two stitches together (p2tog) for decreasing, as well as make one stitches (m1 and m1p) for increasing shaping

Materials

The Florentina Wrap Cardigan is knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn, available exclusively through LoveCrafts. The pattern calls for 4 to 6 balls of 50g (1¾oz) depending on the child's size, with the featured colorway being Mist (164). Alternative colorways are suggested, including Grey, Plum, Daisy Yellow, and Cloud Snow Petal options, allowing crafters to customize the garment to suit individual preferences and aesthetic goals.

The project requires two pairs of knitting needles: 3mm (US size 2) needles for ribbed edgings and 3.25mm (US size 3) needles for the main fabric. The cardigan is fastened with one button. The recommended tension is 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm square measured over stocking stitch using the 3.25mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Skill Level

Rated as an Improving intermediate project, the Florentina Wrap Cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and garment construction. The intricate delicate stitch pattern requires attention to detail and pattern reading, while the seamed, bottom-up construction provides a structured approach to building the finished piece.