"Mattias Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Boys in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

Mattias Cardigan – Boys' Striped Cardigan Knitting Pattern by MillaMia

The Mattias Cardigan is a charming, colourful boys' cardigan knitting pattern published by MillaMia, designed to be knitted in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino yarn. Sized to fit children aged 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, and 4–5 years, this pattern produces a fully seamed, bottom-up cardigan featuring bold stripes, front button bands, and decorative patch pockets with their own small button details. It is an ideal next-step project for a beginner or improving knitter who has already mastered a basic cardigan and is ready to explore more adventurous colourwork through stripes.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a classic boys' cardigan with a striped body and sleeves, a neat button stand at the front, and patch pockets. The pockets feature two smaller decorative buttons as a design accent, while the front opening fastens with four larger buttons. Actual chest measurements range from 58 cm (23 in) to 72 cm (28½ in) across the four sizes, with a back-neck length of 28 cm to 40 cm and sleeve lengths of 21 cm to 28 cm, making it a practical, wearable piece sized generously for growing children.

Construction Techniques

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, a traditional approach that gives the knitter clear structural progression through the body and sleeves before finishing at the shoulders.
• Seamed finishing: Pieces are knitted flat and then sewn together, making this a great pattern for practising mattress stitch and other seaming methods that produce a neat, professional finish.
• Stripe patterning: Multiple colours are worked in horizontal stripes across the body and sleeves, introducing the knitter to managing yarn colour changes and carrying or cutting yarn at the edges.
• Circular needle for button band: A 3mm (US 2) circular knitting needle is used to pick up and work the front button band, a technique that accommodates the large number of stitches required along the front edges comfortably.
• Pocket construction: Separate patch pockets are knitted and then attached to the finished cardigan front, adding a practical and decorative element.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves is worked in stocking stitch, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface ideal for showcasing the stripe sequence.
• Garter stitch: Referenced in the abbreviations, garter stitch is used for borders and edging details, providing a neat, non-curling finish.
• Moss stitch (seed stitch): Also referenced, moss stitch may be used for textural detailing on borders or pocket edges, adding a subtle contrast to the smooth stocking stitch body.
• k2tog (knit two together): A basic right-leaning decrease used for shaping the armholes, sleeves, and neckline.
• m1 (make one): A neat increase worked by picking up the loop lying before the next stitch and knitting into the back of it, used for sleeve shaping as the piece is worked upward.
• m1p (make one purlwise): A corresponding purl-side increase used where shaping falls on a wrong-side row.

Tension and Needle Sizes

The pattern is worked to a tension of 25 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 3.25mm (US 3) needles. Ribbing and borders are worked on the smaller 3mm (US 2) needles, both straight and circular, to ensure a firm, tidy edge. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in a sized children's garment, and knitters are encouraged to swatch before beginning.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino, a sport weight yarn sold in