"Helena Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

Helena Cardigan Knitting Pattern – MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino Baby & Toddler Cardigan

The Helena Cardigan is a beautifully designed wrapover cardigan knitting pattern from MillaMia, worked in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino sport weight yarn. Deliberately quirky and full of charm, this pattern is sized for babies and toddlers from 6 months through to 48–60 months, with actual chest measurements ranging from 57 cm to 69 cm (22½ in to 27 in). It is an ideal project for the improving beginner knitter looking to build confidence while producing a polished, professional-looking garment.

What Is Being Made

The Helena Cardigan is a wrapover-style baby and toddler cardigan featuring a distinctive contrast colour and pattern design. The garment has a classic silhouette with set-in sleeves, a wrap front, and is fastened with two buttons approximately 21 mm in diameter. The deliberate use of multiple colours and contrasting stitch textures gives the cardigan its signature quirky character, making it a standout handknitted piece for young children.

Sizes and Measurements

• 6–12 months: 57 cm / 22½ in chest, 28 cm / 11 in length, 17 cm / 6¾ in sleeve
• 12–24 months: 60 cm / 23½ in chest, 31 cm / 12¼ in length, 19 cm / 7½ in sleeve
• 24–36 months: 63 cm / 24¾ in chest, 34 cm / 13¼ in length, 22 cm / 8¾ in sleeve
• 36–48 months: 66 cm / 26 in chest, 38 cm / 15 in length, 24 cm / 9½ in sleeve
• 48–60 months: 69 cm / 27 in chest, 42 cm / 16½ in length, 28 cm / 11 in sleeve

Techniques Used

The Helena Cardigan is worked using a combination of flat knitting and knitting in the round, making it a seamed construction. The main body pieces and sleeves are worked flat on straight needles, then seamed together for a neat, structured finish. A circular needle is used for picking up and working the button bands and edgings, which gives a smooth, even result around the fronts and neckline.

The pattern incorporates chest shaping to create a well-fitted silhouette, and uses horizontal stripes to introduce the contrast colour scheme across the body. These are straightforward techniques that make excellent practice for knitters who are moving beyond the absolute basics and want to develop their skills in a manageable, rewarding project.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the primary stitch used for the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Moss stitch (seed stitch) – used for contrast pattern sections and edgings, creating a textured, nubby surface by alternating knit and purl stitches
• Garter stitch – referenced within the pattern for additional texture and border details
• Horizontal stripes – achieved by changing yarn colours at row intervals, introducing the contrast colours across the fabric
• Increases and decreases – including m1 (make one), m1p (make one purlwise), and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping the chest, armholes, and sleeve caps

Moss stitch, known in the US as seed stitch, is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row, then reversing them on the following row so that knit stitches sit above purls and vice versa. This creates a wonderfully tactile, non-curling fabric that is ideal for borders and contrast panels on children's garments.

Materials Required