MillaMia Wilma Cardigan Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Wilma Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The MillaMia Wilma Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed for ages 3 to 8 years. This garment is intentionally constructed with a loose fit, allowing it to be worn across multiple years as a child grows. The cardigan functions as a versatile layering piece suitable for both formal occasions worn over dresses and casual settings paired with t-shirts and jeans.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and try-ons during the knitting process.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating seamed sections that are later joined together.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces including the front panels, back panel, and sleeves are knitted separately and then sewn together to form the complete garment.
• Buttonhole construction: The pattern includes a buttonhole detail, created using the Mb (make bobble) abbreviation technique, which involves creating a decorative raised stitch element.

Stitches Used

The Wilma Cardigan primarily features stockinette stitch (stocking stitch in UK terminology), which creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance characteristic of traditional knitwear. The pattern also incorporates the Mb (make bobble) stitch, defined in the abbreviations as [k1, p1] twice all into next st, [turn, p4, turn, k4] twice, turn p4, turn, sl 2, k2 tog, pass 2 slipped sts over. This bobble stitch adds textural interest and serves as a functional buttonhole element.

Materials and Tools

The Wilma Cardigan is designed to be knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, a yarn exclusively available through Love Knitting. The yardage required varies by size: 4 balls for the smallest size (3-4 years) up to 7 balls for the largest size (7-8 years), with each ball weighing 50g or 1¾oz. The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 2.75mm (US 2) needles and 3.25mm (US 3) needles, with the larger needles used for the main fabric. A single button approximately 12mm or ½ inch in diameter completes the fastening.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square over stockinette stitch using 3.25mm (US 3) needles. Five size options are provided to fit ages 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, and 7-8 years, with actual chest measurements ranging from 65cm (25½ inches) to 78cm (30½ inches). Length to shoulder varies from 34cm (13½ inches) for the smallest size to 46cm (18 inches) for the largest, while sleeve length ranges from 21cm (8¼ inches) to 30cm (11¾ inches).

Color Options

While the primary colorway is Off White (311), the pattern suggests alternative color options including Bright Sweetpea (352), French Rose (331), English Red (320), Navy (342), and Grey (not specified in the provided content).