"Wilma Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Girls in MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton

Wilma Cardigan: Girls' Knitting Pattern Overview

What Is Being Made

The Wilma Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed for girls, available in five size options to fit ages 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, and 7-8 years. This garment features a loose-fitting design with chest measurements ranging from 65cm (25½ inches) to 78cm (30½ inches) and length to shoulder measurements from 34cm (13½ inches) to 46cm (18 inches). Sleeve lengths range from 21cm (8¼ inches) to 30cm (11¾ inches) depending on the size selected.

Knitting Techniques and Construction Method

The Wilma Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the bottom edge upward and then sewn together. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern manipulation and shaping. This construction method is ideal for intermediate knitters as it provides clear structure and straightforward assembly.

The pattern includes buttonhole details, with the cardigan fastening using one button approximately 12mm (½ inch) in diameter. The buttonhole technique used in this pattern is the Mb (make bobble) stitch, which creates decorative textured elements. This stitch involves knitting and purling into the same stitch multiple times, then turning and working short rows to create a three-dimensional bobble effect before decreasing the stitches back to one.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Wilma Cardigan is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture.

The pattern also incorporates ribbing (specifically [k1, p1] ribbing as indicated in the abbreviations), which is commonly used for cuffs, waistbands, and necklines to create elasticity and a fitted finish. The bobble stitch (Mb) serves as a decorative embellishment within the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Wilma Cardigan pattern calls for MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton yarn in the Off White colorway (shade 311). The yardage requirements vary by size: smaller sizes require 4 balls of 50g (1¾oz) each, while larger sizes require 5, 6, or 7 balls depending on the specific size chosen. This sport-weight yarn is exclusively available through Love Knitting.

The pattern recommends two pairs of knitting needles: 2.75mm (US size 2) needles and 3.25mm (US size 3) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings to create a tighter, more elastic fabric, while the larger needles are used for the main body in stockinette stitch.

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The recommended tension for this pattern is 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square when working stockinette stitch using the 3.25mm (US 3) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished garment matches the intended measurements.

The Wilma Cardigan is rated as Beginner/Improving to Intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping and finishing techniques. The combination of seaming, buttonhole placement, and bobble stitch details provides good practice for developing intermediate skills.

Design Features

The cardigan is intentionally designed with a loose fit, providing comfortable room for movement and layering. The pattern instructions specify that pieces should be worked in a particular order to ensure proper construction sequence and alignment of design elements.

• Five size options for ages 3-8 years
• Bottom-up seamed construction method
• Worked flat on straight needles
• Single button fastening with buttonhole detail
• Sport-weight cotton yarn in natural Off White
• Stockinette stitch body with ribbed edgings
• Decorative bobble stitch elements
• Loose-fitting silhouette for comfort