"Ga-Ga Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Babies in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino by MillaMia

Ga-Ga Cardigan: A Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by MillaMia

The Ga-Ga Cardigan is an adorable baby cardigan knitting pattern designed by MillaMia, worked in their signature MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn. Rated as Improving (intermediate) skill level, this pattern is an excellent project for knitters who are ready to move beyond the basics and practice a range of classic garment construction techniques. The result is a sweet, well-fitted cardigan suitable for babies from newborn through toddler age.

Sizes and Measurements

The Ga-Ga Cardigan is offered in four sizes to fit babies at different stages of growth:

• 0–3 months: 48 cm (19 in) chest, 23 cm (9 in) length to shoulder, 12 cm (4¾ in) sleeve length
• 3–6 months: 53 cm (20¾ in) chest, 25 cm (10 in) length to shoulder, 14 cm (5½ in) sleeve length
• 6–12 months: 57 cm (22½ in) chest, 28 cm (11 in) length to shoulder, 17 cm (6¾ in) sleeve length
• 12–18 months: 62 cm (24½ in) chest, 31 cm (12¼ in) length to shoulder, 20 cm (8 in) sleeve length

Construction and Techniques

The Ga-Ga Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat (back and forth in rows) method, meaning the garment pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together. This traditional approach to garment construction is a wonderful way for improving knitters to develop skills in shaping, seaming, and finishing a complete wearable item.

Key techniques used in this pattern include:

• Bottom-up construction: Knitting begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders, allowing for easy length adjustments.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows on straight or circular needles, making this accessible for knitters not yet comfortable with knitting in the round.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — are joined using seaming techniques, producing a neat, structured garment with clean edges.
• Buttonhole construction: The pattern includes instructions for creating buttonholes along the front band, a practical and important skill for garment knitting.
• Button band: A button band is worked to complement the buttonholes, giving the cardigan a polished, professional finish.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Ga-Ga Cardigan is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for baby garments. The tension/gauge is measured over stocking stitch, confirming it as the main fabric stitch. Ribbing or a similar edging stitch is typically used for borders and cuffs in garments of this style to provide stretch and a tidy finish.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino, a sport weight yarn available exclusively through LoveCrafts. This yarn is celebrated for its softness and suitability for baby garments, making it a natural choice for a project intended for delicate skin. The quantities required are:

• 1 ball for sizes 0–3 and 3–6 months
• 2 balls for sizes 6–12 and 12–18 months
• Each ball is 50g / 1¾oz

Needles

The pattern recommends 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles to achieve the correct tension.

Notions

• Five buttons — used for the cardigan front opening