Milana

Milana Pullover and Cowl by Linda Marveng

What is Being Made

Milana is a sophisticated pullover sweater named after the city of Milan in Italy, designed by Linda Marveng. The garment features a distinctive high rib construction that creates a narrower, defined waist for an elegant silhouette. The design includes two prominent center cables that travel from the body toward the shoulders, showcasing intricate texture work throughout. A matching narrower cable adorns each sleeve, paired with a seed stitch panel for visual interest. The pullover is completed with a crew neck and is accompanied by a separate matching cowl that can be worn as an optional crowning collar. This two-piece set offers versatility in styling while maintaining cohesive design elements.

Techniques Used

Milana employs advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The garment is knitted in separate pieces rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and ultimate fit customization. The construction method involves careful piece assembly, which provides control over the narrowed waist shaping and ensures proper alignment of the cable patterns across the body and sleeves. The separate cowl component is knitted as an independent piece, allowing it to be worn interchangeably or removed entirely depending on styling preference.

Stitches Used

• Cables: Two prominent center cables on the body travel toward the shoulders, with a narrower matching cable featured on each sleeve, creating dimensional texture and visual movement
• Seed stitch: Used as a textural element on the sleeves and throughout the design to provide contrast and depth
• Twisted stitch rib: Incorporated into the construction to create the high rib detail and contribute to the narrowed waist shaping
• High rib: Forms the foundation of the waist shaping and creates the garment's signature fitted silhouette

Materials

Milana is designed to be knitted with DK weight yarn, specifically hand-dyed Merino, Silk, and Yak blend yarn from Norne Yarn. This luxury fiber combination allows the cables to visually pop and the textured stitches to shine with exceptional definition and sheen. The natural properties of merino wool provide warmth and elasticity, while the silk and yak fibers add lustrous sheen and softness to the finished garment.

Size Range and Finished Measurements

Milana is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, accommodating a wide range of body types. The finished bust measurements span from 84 cm (33 inches) in XS to 160 cm (63 inches) in 5XL. Hip measurements range from 76 cm (30 inches) to 152 cm (59.75 inches), reflecting the garment's tapered waist design. The pattern shown in the photographs features size Small.

Skill Level

This design is rated for experienced knitters and is classified as advanced difficulty. The combination of cable work, multiple stitch patterns, and the construction method of knitting in separate pieces requires solid foundational knitting skills and familiarity with cable techniques and garment assembly.