MillaMia Smile Sampler Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Smile Sampler: Beginner Knitting Decoration

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia Smile Sampler is a decorative knitted homeware piece featuring inspirational mottos. This beginner-friendly project creates a finished piece measuring approximately 38cm (15 inches) wide by 19cm (7½ inches) high, making it suitable for display as wall art, framed decoration, or a small textile accent in any room.

Construction Technique

This sampler is worked flat on straight needles, making it an ideal first project for knitters learning fundamental techniques. The base fabric is constructed using stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch in US terminology), which creates a smooth, classic knit appearance with a flat, uniform surface perfect for displaying decorative text and motifs.

The inspirational words are added using the Swiss Darning technique, also known as duplicate stitch. This embroidery method is worked on top of the completed knitted base, allowing the text to appear crisp and pronounced without the complexity of traditional colorwork knitting. The pattern notes that Swiss Darning produces a more defined finish compared to working the design directly into the fabric during knitting, making it particularly effective for this decorative application.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary stitch forming the smooth base fabric
• Swiss Darning (duplicate stitch) – the embroidery technique used to add the decorative motto text
• Basic knitting abbreviations including knit, purl, increases, and decreases as needed for shaping

Materials and Tools

The Smile Sampler requires minimal materials, making it an economical project:

• Yarn: MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino (exclusively available through Love Knitting), with one 50g ball in the main color (Snow 124 suggested) and one ball in a contrasting color (Midnight 101 suggested for Swiss Darning)
• Needles: Pair of 3.25mm (US size 3) knitting needles
• Gauge: 25 stitches and 34 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 3.25mm needles

Colorway Options

The pattern provides suggested alternative colorway combinations to customize the sampler's appearance, including Ice Fuchsia, Cloud, Seaside Grey, and additional MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino options (colors 125, 143, 161, and 127), allowing makers to coordinate with their home décor or personal preferences.

Skill Level and Suitability

Designated as a beginner level project, the Smile Sampler is accessible to knitters new to the craft. The straightforward stocking stitch base combined with the optional Swiss Darning embellishment makes this an excellent introduction to both fundamental knitting techniques and decorative finishing methods. The pattern encourages knitters to explore online tutorials for Swiss Darning if unfamiliar with the technique, supporting independent learning.