MillaMia Midsummer Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Midsummer Cardigan

What is Being Made

The MillaMia Midsummer Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed for intermediate knitters. This garment is available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 82cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches), with finished bust measurements ranging from 88cm to 118cm (34¾ to 46½ inches). The cardigan features a length to back neck varying from 55cm to 60cm (21¾ to 23¾ inches) depending on size, with consistent sleeve length of 45cm (17¾ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its construction method:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a natural progression through the garment pieces.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating seamed sections that are joined together.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques to create the finished garment.
• Buttonholes: Functional buttonholes are incorporated into the front opening to accommodate the button closure system.
• Button bands: The cardigan features button bands along the front opening, with nine buttons used for fastening.
• Optional embroidery: The pattern includes embroidery details worked using water soluble stabilizer and an embroidery hoop, though the pattern notes the cardigan is equally beautiful without embroidery.

Stitches Used

The MillaMia Midsummer Cardigan employs a combination of fundamental and patterned stitches:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The primary stitch used throughout the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side and reverse side.
• Woven pattern: A secondary stitch pattern incorporated into sections of the design, worked to a gauge of 26 stitches and 40 rows over a 10cm square using 3.25mm needles.
• Garter stitch: Likely used for ribbed edgings, cuffs, and button bands to provide elasticity and structure at openings.
• Moss stitch (seed stitch): May be used in specific sections for textural contrast and added visual interest.

Materials and Tools

The MillaMia Midsummer Cardigan is designed to be worked in MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, a yarn exclusively available through LoveCrafts. The main body requires 8 to 11 balls of 50g each (depending on size chosen) in Bright Red (color 331). Additional embroidery yarns in small quantities include Indigo Purple, English Rose, Lemon Yellow, Duck Egg Teal, Seaweed, Off White, and Black.

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 3mm (US size 2) and 3.25mm (US size 3). The gauge over stocking stitch is 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm square using the 3.25mm needles. Additional materials include medium weight water soluble stabilizer for embroidery support, a small embroidery hoop for working embroidery details, and nine buttons for the front closure.

A suggested alternative colorway is provided, featuring Baby Blue (323) as the body color with embroidery accents in Bright Red (331), Indigo Purple (321), Lemon Yellow (333), Off White (311), Sweet Pea (352), Black (300), and Seaweed (350).

Pattern Format and Skill Level

This downloadable PDF pattern is rated as Improving difficulty level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle intermediate techniques such as working buttonholes, seaming multiple pieces, and optional embroidery embellishment. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations, hints and tips sections, and detailed guidance for embroidery work to support knitters throughout the project.