"Lovisa Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

Lovisa Cardigan Knitting Pattern – MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

The Lovisa Cardigan is a charming children's cardigan knitting pattern designed by MillaMia, worked in their signature Naturally Soft Merino yarn. This beginner-friendly pattern produces a classic, structured cardigan with playful colour-contrast details, making it an ideal project for knitters who are new to garment construction or looking to build their confidence with seamed, flat-knitted pieces.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a children's cardigan sized to fit ages 2–3, 3–4, 4–5, and 5–6 years, with actual chest measurements ranging from 56 cm to 70 cm (22 in to 27½ in). The length ranges from 36 cm to 51 cm (14 in to 20 in), and the sleeve length with the cuff folded back measures 16 cm to 22 cm (6¼ in to 8¾ in). The design features a single large button closure (approximately 23 mm in diameter) at the neckline, complemented by two smaller buttons (approximately 18 mm / ¾ in diameter). A key design highlight is the use of contrast colours on the sleeve bands and button bands, which bring personality and visual interest to an otherwise classic silhouette.

Construction Techniques

The Lovisa Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat, seamed method. This means each piece — the back, the two fronts, and the sleeves — is knitted separately from the cast-on edge upward, then joined together by sewing the seams. This traditional approach to garment construction is well-suited to beginner and improving knitters, as it allows each section to be completed and checked independently before assembly.

One important construction note highlighted in the pattern is that the decreases for the front neck and armhole are worked simultaneously on the shoulder fronts, requiring careful attention to the instructions at that stage. The sleeve cuffs are designed to be folded back, creating a neat turned-back cuff detail that also allows for growth.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the primary stitch used for the body and sleeves, creating a smooth knitted fabric
• Garter stitch – referenced in the abbreviations and typically used for borders and bands
• Moss stitch (seed stitch) – referenced in the abbreviations, adding texture to select sections
• k2tog (knit two together) – a standard right-leaning decrease used for shaping the armholes and neckline
• m1 (make one) – an increase stitch worked by picking up the loop lying before the next stitch and knitting into the back of it, used for sleeve and body shaping
• m1p (make one purlwise) – a purl version of the make one increase

Tension / Gauge

The stated tension is 25 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm / 4 in over stocking stitch using 3.25 mm (US 3) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the cardigan matches the intended size, so knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino in a three-colour combination. The sample colourway uses:

• Storm (102) – Colour A (main colour): 4(4:4:5) × 50g / 1¾oz balls
• Putty Grey (121) – Colour B: 3(4:4:4) balls
• Fuchsia (143) – Colour C (contrast accent): 1(1:2:2) balls

The pattern also provides a range of suggested alternative colourways for those wishing to personalise their project, including combinations featuring Plum (162), Fawn (160), Claret (104), Seaside (161), Forget Me Not (101), Midnight (143), Petal (122), Daisy