MillaMia Mikaela Top Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Mikaela Top

What is Being Made

The Mikaela Top is a knitted sweater designed for intermediate-level knitters. This garment is a pullover-style top available in seven different sizes, ranging from 82cm to 121cm bust measurements (32 to 47½ inches). The sweater features a distinctive striped pattern created through carefully coordinated color sequences, making it a visually striking piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its construction method and final appearance:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The Mikaela Top is worked from the bottom of the garment upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and adjust length as needed.
• Worked Flat: The pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which means seaming is required to join the components together.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are sewn together using a seaming technique. The pattern specifically advises taking care when joining sleeves to the body to ensure the stripe pattern lines up neatly across seams.
• Striped Colorwork: The sweater features a detailed stripe pattern created through small color sequences. Knitters are encouraged to think carefully about their color combinations to achieve the desired overall aesthetic, as the pattern offers multiple colorway options.

Stitches Used

The Mikaela Top employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an intermediate skill level:

• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the main body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Reverse Stocking Stitch: Used as a design element, likely in ribbed sections or as part of the decorative pattern.
• Garter Stitch: Incorporated into the design, providing texture and structure.
• Ribbing: Used for cuffs and waistband sections to create elasticity and a fitted finish. The pattern includes abbreviations for rib two stitches together, indicating ribbed decreases are part of the construction.

Materials and Tools

The Mikaela Top is designed to be made with MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, an exclusive yarn available through LoveKnitting. This cotton yarn provides a breathable, comfortable fabric ideal for a lightweight top.

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for 3 to 5 balls of 50g (1¾oz) of Pure White (310) as the main color, depending on size, plus 1 to 2 balls each of seven accent colors: Lemon Yellow (333), English Rose (342), Baby Blue (323), Duck Egg Teal (351), French Navy (320), Bright Red (331), and Black (300). Alternative colorway options are provided, including Pebble, Sweetpea, Flamingo, Seaweed, Indigo, and French Grey combinations.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two pairs of straight knitting needles—one pair in 3mm (US 2) and one pair in 3.25mm (US 3)—as well as circular needles in both sizes for neckline finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The sweater is worked to a gauge of 25 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square using 3.25mm (US 3) needles in stocking stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Seven sizes are available with bust measurements from 82cm to 121cm, and the length to shoulder remains consistent at approximately 61 to 64cm across all sizes. Sleeve length is standardized at 32cm (12½ inches) for all sizes.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an "Improving" skill level, the Mikaela Top is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. While the construction methods are relatively straightforward, the pattern requires attention to detail, particularly when managing the striped colorwork and ensuring pattern alignment during seaming.