MillaMia Natalie Coat Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Natalie Coat

What is Being Made

The MillaMia Natalie Coat is a versatile knitted coat designed to be worn both indoors and outdoors. This garment offers three size options to fit bust measurements of 81-86 cm (32-34 in), 92-97 cm (36-38 in), and 102-107 cm (40-42 in), with finished bust measurements of 103 cm (40½ in), 114 cm (45 in), and 125 cm (49 in) respectively. The coat features a back neck length of approximately 87-91 cm (34¼-36 in) and consistent sleeve length of 41 cm (16¼ in) across all sizes, making it an accessible project for knitters looking to expand their skillset.

Techniques Used

The Natalie Coat is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The coat is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and construction. The pieces are subsequently seamed together, a technique that creates professional-looking joins between the front, back, and sleeve sections. This combination of techniques makes the project suitable for knitters at the beginner to intermediate level who have mastered basic pieces and are ready to develop new skills through a more ambitious project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Natalie Coat is stocking stitch (known as stockinette stitch in US terminology), which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of this garment. The pattern also incorporates garter stitch in certain sections, which produces a textured, ridged fabric that contrasts with the smoothness of stocking stitch. Additionally, the design features moss stitch (seed stitch in US terminology), a textured stitch that creates a bumpy, woven appearance. The pattern includes a decorative wrap stitch technique, executed by slipping stitches with yarn positioned appropriately (yarn to front on knit rows, yarn to back on purl rows) before replacing the slipped stitch on the left-hand needle, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Natalie Coat is designed to be knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran yarn, which is exclusively available through Love Knitting. The yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 23 balls of 50g (1¾ oz) yarn, the medium size requires 25 balls, and the largest size requires 27 balls. The coat is shown in the colorway Cinder (201), though alternative colorways are available including Bark, Haze, Damson, Cobalt, Grey, and Cloud Grey to suit different preferences and styling needs.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles in sizes 4mm (US 6) and 5mm (US 8). The 4mm needles are used for ribbed sections that require a tighter gauge, while the 5mm needles are used for the main fabric. For larger sizes, circular needles in both 4mm (US 6) and 5mm (US 8) may be needed to accommodate the increased stitch count. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over pattern using 5mm (US 8) needles, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements. Achieving proper gauge ensures that the coat will fit as intended and drape appropriately.

Project Summary

The MillaMia Natalie Coat represents an impressive and achievable project for knitters who have completed basic garments and are seeking to challenge themselves with more complex construction techniques. The combination of bottom-up flat knitting with seaming, multiple stitch patterns, and careful shaping creates a sophisticated finished garment that demonstrates developing technical skills. Its versatility as both an indoor and outdoor piece makes it a practical addition to any wardrobe, while the availability of multiple colorways allows for personalization based on individual style preferences.