Sam Brioche Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in MillaMia Naturally Soft Super Chunky by MillaMia

Sam Brioche Cardigan - Advanced Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Sam Brioche Cardigan is a women's cardigan designed for advanced knitters. This garment is crafted using the brioche knitting technique, a specialized stitch method that creates a distinctive textured and reversible fabric. The cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from 76–81cm to 137–142cm chest measurements, with finished chest measurements from 96cm to 156cm. The length to shoulder varies from 54cm to 68cm depending on size, with a consistent sleeve length of 45cm across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several key techniques suited to advanced knitters:

• Brioche Knitting: The primary technique used throughout this cardigan, creating a luxurious, textured fabric with excellent elasticity and visual interest
• Seamed Construction: The garment pieces are worked separately and then seamed together for a finished appearance
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier manipulation of the brioche stitch
• Buttonholes: Strategically placed buttonholes are incorporated into the front opening for functional closure
• Button Bands: Finished edges with buttons provide both structure and closure to the cardigan front

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Sam Brioche Cardigan is worked primarily in stockinette stitch combined with brioche stitch, which creates the signature textured appearance. The pattern specifies a tension of 8 stitches and 12 rows to 10cm over stockinette stitch, ensuring consistent sizing and drape across all finished garments.

Materials and Yarn

This cardigan is designed to be knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Super Chunky yarn. The super chunky weight allows for relatively quick knitting despite the advanced brioche technique. Yarn requirements range from 15 balls (50g/1¾oz each) for the smallest size to 23 balls for the largest size, depending on the specific measurements being knitted. The pattern is available in multiple colourways including Denim, Grey Day, Carbon, Winter Berry, Butternut, and additional alternatives, allowing crafters to choose their preferred color palette.

Needles and Tools

Two needle sizes are required for this project: a pair of 10mm (US 15) knitting needles and a pair of 12mm (US 17) knitting needles. The different needle sizes allow for appropriate tension control in different sections of the garment. Additionally, buttons are required for the cardigan closure, though specific quantities and sizes are detailed within the full pattern instructions.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is designated as Advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with specialized techniques. The brioche stitch requires understanding of yarn overs, knit through back loops, and other intermediate-to-advanced maneuvers. The combination of brioche knitting with seamed construction and buttonhole placement makes this an engaging project for skilled crafters seeking a sophisticated garment.