David Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Kids in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

David Cardigan – Kids' Cable Knitting Pattern by MillaMia in Naturally Soft Merino

The David Cardigan is a classic, timeless children's cardigan knitting pattern designed by MillaMia. Worked in the brand's signature MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn, this intermediate-level pattern produces a beautifully structured, cable-panel cardigan sized for children aged 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8 years. With its elegant cable detailing and neat button band, the David Cardigan is a wardrobe staple that works equally well dressed up or down — and MillaMia notes it is super cute for babies too in the smallest size.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a seamed, set-in-sleeve children's cardigan featuring a prominent cable design across the body. The finished garment has a classic silhouette with structured shaping and a button-through front opening. Finished chest measurements range from 60 cm (23¾ in) for the 1–2 years size up to 77 cm (30¼ in) for the 7–8 years size, with corresponding lengths to shoulder of 36–45 cm and sleeve lengths of 21–33 cm, making the pattern genuinely versatile across a wide age range.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting – The defining feature of the David Cardigan, cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing the characteristic twisted rope or braid effect. Two cable needles are required for this pattern, suggesting multiple or complex cable crossings are worked simultaneously.
• Worked flat – All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows on straight needles rather than in the round, keeping the construction accessible for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting.
• Seamed construction – The finished pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are joined using seaming techniques, giving the cardigan a neat, structured finish typical of classic knitwear.
• Buttonholes – Neat buttonholes are worked into the front band to accommodate the seven buttons, requiring careful placement and consistent execution for a professional result.
• Double moss stitch – The tension swatch is measured over double moss stitch, indicating this textured stitch pattern forms a significant part of the fabric. Double moss stitch (also known as seed stitch in larger blocks) alternates knit and purl stitches in a two-row repeat, creating a firm, non-curling, subtly textured ground that complements the cable panels beautifully.
• Buttons – 7 buttons are required to complete the cardigan, fastening the front bands.

Stitches Used

• Double moss stitch – Forms the main body fabric; worked at a tension of 28 stitches and 40 rows to a 10 cm / 4 in square on 3.25 mm needles.
• Cable stitches – Decorative cable panels worked across the fronts and/or body of the cardigan, requiring the use of two cable needles to hold stitches to the front or back while crossing.
• Knit and purl stitches – The fundamental building blocks of all stitch patterns used throughout the garment.
• Buttonhole stitch construction – Integrated into the front band rows to create clean, reinforced openings for the buttons.

Materials Required

• Yarn: MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino — a sport weight yarn sold in 50 g / 1¾ oz balls. The pattern calls for 6 (6:7:8) balls depending on size. The main colourway shown uses Rain (165), a cool blue-grey shade. Alternative colourways suggested in the pattern include Forget Me Not (120), Fawn (160), Putty Grey (121), and Lipstick Red (108), offering excellent versatility for personalisation.
• Needles: A pair of 3 mm (US 2) knitting needles and a pair of 3.25 mm (