"Per Bodywarmer" - Knitting Pattern in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

Per Bodywarmer – MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino Knitting Pattern

The Per Bodywarmer is a charming, retro-inspired knitted waistcoat (sleeveless bodywarmer) designed for babies and young children. Published by MillaMia, this pattern is worked in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn and offers two distinct colourways — one for boys and one for girls — making it a wonderfully versatile addition to any child's wardrobe. With its bold stripe detailing and classic ribbed edges, the Per Bodywarmer draws on a retro 1970s aesthetic while remaining fresh and contemporary. It is described as perfect for Spring or Summer layering, keeping little ones warm and stylish without the bulk of a full sweater.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a seamed, sleeveless bodywarmer (waistcoat) for babies and toddlers. The pattern covers five sizes, fitting ages 6–12 months through 48–60 months, with chest measurements ranging from approximately 62 cm to 80 cm (24½ in to 31½ in) and lengths to shoulder ranging from 28 cm to 41 cm (11 in to 16 in). The garment features a neat ribbed hem and armhole edgings, a stripe pattern across the body, and a button band with buttonholes, giving it a polished, finished appearance.

Construction and Techniques

The Per Bodywarmer is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat (seamed) method. Each piece — the back and front(s) — is knitted separately from the cast-on edge upward, then seamed together. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Bottom-up construction: Knitting begins at the lower ribbed hem and progresses upward toward the shoulders, a straightforward approach well suited to beginner knitters.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows on straight needles rather than in the round, keeping the construction simple and accessible.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces are joined together after knitting, which is a traditional garment construction method that helps the finished bodywarmer hold its shape.
• Stripes: Bold colour stripes are incorporated into the body of the garment, adding visual interest and a retro feel without requiring complex colourwork techniques such as intarsia or Fair Isle.
• Buttonholes: The pattern includes worked buttonholes as part of the front button band, a fundamental skill for beginner knitters to practise.

Stitches Used

The Per Bodywarmer uses a small, approachable selection of stitches, making it ideal for those new to garment knitting:

• Stocking stitch (st st): The main body fabric is worked in stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric. Tension is measured as 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm / 4 in over stocking stitch on 5 mm needles.
• 2x2 Rib (k2, p2): The lower hem and edgings are worked in a two-by-two rib pattern, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches. This creates a stretchy, neat border that frames the garment beautifully. The rib is worked on the smaller 4.5 mm needles before transitioning to the larger needles for the body.
• Decrease stitches: Armhole shaping uses skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and k2tog (knit two together) to create neat, paired decreases on either side of the armhole.
• Yarn over (yo): Used to create the eyelet opening for buttonholes in the button band.

Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino, a sport weight yarn worked double throughout to achieve the recommended tension on 5 mm needles. Using the yarn doubled gives the fabric a lovely density and warmth while keeping the knitting quick and satisfying. Two colourway options are provided: