Bertil Cardigan - Knitting Pattern For Men in MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran

Bertil Cardigan – Knitting Pattern for Men in MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran

The Bertil Cardigan is a sophisticated, classically styled men's knitted cardigan pattern published by MillaMia. Rated Advanced in skill level, this pattern is a rewarding project for experienced knitters who are comfortable working with multiple techniques and shaping across a full-sized adult garment. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and produces a seamed, button-front cardigan with a polished, structured finish suitable for everyday wear or smarter occasions.

Sizes and Fit

The Bertil Cardigan is designed to fit a wide range of chest measurements, from 92 cm (36 in) up to 117 cm (46 in), with six sizes available in total. The actual knitted chest measurements range from 102 cm (40 in) to 135 cm (53 in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit with positive ease. The length to shoulder spans 65 cm to 70 cm depending on size, and the sleeve length is a consistent 48 cm (19 in) across all sizes, making this a generously proportioned, wearable garment.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a men's seamed cardigan worked in pieces and joined together. The design is described as deceptively simple — the body is primarily worked in rib and stocking stitch, giving it a clean, unfussy aesthetic. The sleeves introduce regular garter stitch rows as a design detail, adding subtle texture and visual interest without overcomplicating the knitting. The finished garment fastens with five buttons, and the pattern includes instructions for neat, functional buttonholes. The result is a versatile, wearable cardigan that strikes a balance between casual comfort and refined style.

Techniques Used

• Seamed construction: The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces — front panels, back, and sleeves — which are then sewn together. This traditional method produces a structured, well-shaped garment with clean seam lines.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making this pattern well-suited to knitters who prefer flat knitting or are building confidence with larger flat projects.
• Buttonhole construction: The pattern includes instructions for creating five buttonholes along the button band, a key skill for cardigan knitting that requires careful placement and neat finishing.
• Shaping techniques: The pattern uses standard increases and decreases — including k2tog (knit two together), m1 (make one), and m1p (make one purlwise) — to shape the armholes, sleeves, and neckline.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The primary stitch used across the body panels, creating a smooth, classic fabric. Worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side.
• Rib stitch: Used for the welts, cuffs, and bands, rib creates a stretchy, neat edging that helps the cardigan retain its shape at the hem and sleeve ends.
• Garter stitch: Introduced at regular intervals across the sleeves, garter stitch — created by knitting every row — adds a horizontal ridged texture that brings subtle detail to an otherwise clean design.

Materials Required

The pattern is written specifically for MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran yarn. Depending on size, knitters will need between 16 and 21 balls of 50 g / 1¾ oz each. The sample shown uses Latte (shade 203), a warm neutral tone that gives the cardigan a timeless, versatile look. The pattern also suggests Marine Blue (shade 233) as an alternative colourway for a more formal or evening-appropriate finish. Other colourways referenced in the pattern include Damson (204), Bark (206), Denim (228), and Oat (204).

Two sizes of straight knitting needles are required: 4.5 mm (US