Barbro Top - Knitting Pattern For Women in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

Barbro Top – Knitting Pattern for Women in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

The Barbro Top is a women's knitted jumper (sweater) designed by MillaMia, worked in a classic, refined style that the brand describes as a classy yet modern staple for all occasions. The pattern is rated Improving / Intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to develop their skills further. It is available as a downloadable PDF and is sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements.

Sizing and Fit

The Barbro Top is offered in six sizes, designed to fit bust measurements of 82, 87, 92, 97, 102, and 107 cm (32–42 in). The actual knitted bust measurements, with ease included, range from 88 cm to 120 cm (34¾–47¼ in). The length to shoulder ranges from 46 to 51 cm (18–20 in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is a consistent 30 cm / 12 in across all sizes. This makes the Barbro Top a neat, shorter-sleeved or three-quarter-style design with a tailored silhouette.

What Is Being Made

The finished object is a fitted women's jumper (sweater) with a cinched-in waistband and a clean, elegant shape. The design features a two-colour scheme, combining a main colour with a contrast colour used as an accent — most likely at the ribbed or moss-stitch waistband and cuffs, based on the construction details. The result is a versatile, wearable top suitable for everyday styling as well as smarter occasions.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat (back and forth in rows) – the pieces of the Barbro Top are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning the knitter works separate panels.
• Seamed construction – the individual pieces (typically a front, back, and sleeves) are sewn together after knitting, a traditional method that produces a structured, durable garment with clean seam lines.
• Long tail cast on – the pattern specifically instructs the use of the long tail cast on method to create a stretchy, cinched-in waistband, an important detail that affects the drape and fit of the finished jumper.
• Shaping techniques – the pattern uses standard knitting shaping methods including k2tog (knit two stitches together), p2tog (purl two stitches together), m1 (make one by picking up the bar between stitches and knitting into the back of it), and m1p (the purled version of the same increase), as well as psso (pass slipped stitch over) for directional decreases.
• Two-colour knitting – the pattern calls for two shades of yarn, used separately to create colour contrast within the design.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (Stockinette stitch) – the main body fabric of the jumper, creating a smooth, flat knitted surface on the right side. This is the primary stitch used throughout the garment body.
• Garter stitch (g-st) – knitting every row, producing a ridged, reversible fabric often used for borders or decorative bands.
• Moss stitch (Seed stitch in US terminology) – an alternating knit-and-purl textured stitch that lies flat and does not curl, commonly used for neat, decorative edgings and waistbands in MillaMia designs.
• Ribbing / waistband construction – the cinched-in waistband is a key design feature, created using the long tail cast on for added stretch and elasticity.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Tension

The pattern is written specifically for MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino, a sport weight yarn (also known as 4-ply or fine weight) sold in 50 g / 1¾ oz balls