The Outlander Carolina Shawl Pattern will allow you to create a large knitted shawl with stripes in the design.
Seen worn by Claire Fraser in season 4, episode 1 ‘America the beautiful’ and in future episodes.
Scroll down for the free pattern or you can grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
This pattern is part of my Outlander collection, you can see the other Outlander patterns here.
Inspired By The Outlander Knitted Shawls
If you have been watching the Outlander TV series, in season four, Claire has worn some very distinctive crossover triangle shawls.
Inspired by the brown shawl Claire wears in Carolina, the triangle-shaped shawl is knit in garter stitch.
The design of the shawl is made so that you can wrap it around your body and tie at the back.
This means that you can wrap up in your own version of Claire’s Carolina shawl!
Outlander Claire’s Knitwear
Inspired by Claire Fraser wearing beautiful knitted pieces, the triangle wrap is knit by working from the top down.
If you have never knit a shawl in this way before, it is fairly easy and you can see a photo tutorial below to help you or watch the video in this post.
The shawl will grow in size through a series of increases that occur through yarn overs.
This also gives a nice open stitch design down the spine of the shawl.
Get the Fraser’s Ridge Fingerless Mittens Pattern here.
The Needles You Need
- I used 8 mm (US 11) 40-inch/100cm circular knitting needles for this pattern.
- Using circular needles with a long cable is needed to accommodate a large number of stitches.
- I recommend using a larger size needle to cast off – this helps to keep the stitches loose.
- The size I recommend to cast off is 10mm (US 15) needles – if you have interchangeable needles this will be easy for you to do.
The Yarn you Need
- I used Alize SuperLana Maxi (100g (3.53 oz)/100mt (109 yards) – in the colour 240 – Dark Brown for the main body of the shawl (for the quantities you need please see the pattern info below).
- This yarn is a wool/acrylic blend and very soft to touch.
- For the black stripe, I used Alize SuperLana Maxi (100g (3.53 oz)/100mt (109 yards) – in the colour 60 – Black.
- You can substitute this yarn with any yarn that is the bulky weight (05).
Yarn Substitutes
- I love this chunky – Hobby Lobby
- Lion Brand Hue + Me
- Comfort chunky – King Cole
- Softee chunky – Bernat
- Chunky cakes – Caron
- Re: Treat – West Yorkshire Spinners
- Simply chunky – Paintbox yarns
More Outlander Patterns
There are many more Outlander patterns in this collection, ranging from shawls, cowls, scarves to fingerless gloves and arm warmers.
Visit the Outlander Pattern Collection Ebooks in my shop below:
- The Ultimate Outlander Collection – With 39 Knitting Patterns.
- Outlander Pattern Collection 2020 – With 18 Knitting Patterns
- Outlander Pattern Collection 2019 – With 21 Knitting Patterns
Get the matching Carolina fingerless gloves pattern here.
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:
This shawl pattern is great for any intermediate knitters.
- You should be comfortable casting on and casting off, as well as knitting in garter stitch.
- Knitting cast-on methods.
- You should also know how to yarn over.
- You should know how to change yarn colours.
- You should also be comfortable reading knitting patterns.
- And understanding knitting abbreviations and terms.
- How to substitute yarn in a knitting pattern.
Video Tutorial
There is a video tutorial to help you to start knitting the shawl.
You can view that over on my YouTube channel here.
Claire’s Carolina Shawl Knitting Pattern
Grab the ad-free, printable PDF pattern HERE.
Access ALL of the Outlander Patterns here.
Notes
The shawl knits up quickly and the design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- In all product listings please credit Handy Little Me (Louise Bollanos) as the designer.
- Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C’s please read my Terms of Use.
Skill Level – Intermediate
Gauge
10 x 10 cm /4 x 4 inches = 10 sts and 20 rows in garter stitch.
Measurements/Sizes
*Please note – the measurements below are just a rough guide, you can knit this shawl until it is comfortable for you to wear – test it out against yourself to see if you want to make the length shorter or longer before casting off.
- S / M – width tip to tip = 82 inches / 208 cm
- Length – top to bottom = 36 inches / 91 cm
- L /XL – width tip to tip = 122 inches / 310 cm
- Length – top to bottom = 39 inches / 100 cm
- XL/XXL – width tip to tip = 142 inches / 361 cm
- Length – top to bottom = 42 inches / 107 cm
Some tips on trying out your shawl size…
When you get to the length where you think you want to try the shawl on, but you’re not sure, take a ball of different color yarn and thread the end of it with a tapestry or yarn needle.
Don’t cut the end of this ball of yarn, you will not need to!
Then thread all the stitches onto the different color yarn using the tapestry needle, pushing them off the knitting needles one at a time. (Don’t worry, you can get them back!)
When the last stitch is off the knitting needles, stretch the shawl out to its natural shape, taking care not to lose the stitches off the different color yarn.
Now you can try it on and see how much longer you want it.
Then carefully pick up the first stitch from the different color yarn, put it onto your knitting needle and pull the yarn away, leaving the stitch back on your knitting needle as good as new.
Repeat till you have all your stitches back and resume knitting your shawl.
The Supplies You Need…
Yarns
- Yarn A – Alize SuperLana Maxi (100g (3.53 oz)/100mt (109 yards) – in the color 240 – Dark Brown x 6 (S/M) x 8 (L/XL) x 10 (XL/XXL)
- Yarn B – Alize SuperLana Maxi (100g (3.53 oz)/100mt (109 yards) – in the colour 60 – Black x 2 (S/M) x 4 (L/XL) x 6 (XL/XXL)
- Yarn Weight – Bulky 05/Chunky/12 Ply.
- You can purchase the Alize yarns from YarnStreet or from Etsy.
- Yarn substitute – “I love this chunky super soft” from Hobby Lobby in Mocha and Cool Black.
Needles
- 8mm (US 11) knitting needles – I used my interchangeable circular needles on a 40″/100cm cable as there were many stitches – I did not join in the round to knit.
- 10mm (US 15) interchangeable circular needles to cast off.
Notions
Pattern
Abbreviations / Knitting Abbreviations List
- Beg – beginning
- Cont – Continue
- Foll – following
- K – knit
- P – purl
- YO – yarn over needle
- PM – place marker
- SM – slip marker
Yarn A – Cast on 5 sts.
K1, YO, K1, YO, PM, K1, PM, YO, K1, YO, K1 (9 sts).
Turn the work and knit one row.
Then work in pattern as follows:
Row 1: K1, YO, K to marker, YO, SM, K1, SM, YO, K to the last st, YO, K1.
Row 2: Knit all stitches.
Rep rows 1 and 2 until you have = S/M – 181 sts / L/XL – 241 XL/XXL – 281 ending with row 2.
Change to yarn B (black) and work in the established pattern for 4 rows.
Change to yarn A (brown) and work in the established pattern for 4 rows.
Change to yarn B (black) and work in the established pattern for 4 rows.
Change to yarn A (brown) and work in the established pattern for 4 rows.
Change to yarn B (black) and work in the established pattern for 4 rows.
Change to yarn A (brown) and work in the established pattern for 8 rows.
Change to yarn B (black) and work in the established pattern for 1 row.
Cast off loosely – go up a needle size and use 10mm (US 15) needles if required.
View more Outlander Knitting Patterns here.
I love seeing your finished projects!
If you enjoyed making the pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo! I’d love to see your work!
Marge says
Thank you for the Carolina Shawl pattern. I have been wanting to make this shawl for awhile now.
It will make a lovely gift for me this Christmas.
Again thank you for your generosity.
handylittleme says
Hi Marge, I think this shawl will make a wonderful gift for you! I am so happy you like it and I hope that you enjoy making it 🙂
Pachia says
Thank you for the pattern! I haven’t knitted in years, this will be my first project to get back in the groove! I can’t wait to start.
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Pachia, thanks you so much for your kind words, that is wonderful news! – I hope you enjoy knitting the shawl 🙂
miranda E says
This is working up so nicely. Thank you.
I am confused with the colour change.
If you do the colour change when you reach the right size would the stops not be on the top of the shawl and not around the edge like in the picture?
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Miranda, I’m not sure if I understand what you mean by ‘the stops’ – the colour changes are correct in the pattern and when you need to start knitting with a different colour, you join in that colour right away, so the edge is starting in that colour. As you can see in the photographs – the black edge of the black stripe starts with the back yarn. You do not see any brown yarn in any part of the black stripes if that makes sense. I hope that helps! 🙂
Beverly says
You’re actually working from the top down. I too was confused at first.
Missy m. says
First key new say, thank you so much for this pattern. I’m so envious of all the knit wear in Outlander and have been looking for this pattern forever. It’s so kind of you to offer this as a free pattern. I’m still fairly new to knitting, I understand how to do the shawl but I’m a little unsure of how to do the black stripes.
Missy m says
Thank you for this free pattern, I’m so happy I found it! Its so kind of you to share this! Just one question how do I do the stripes around it? I’m not sure what it means when it stays work in the established pattern. Is there a tutorial that I could watch on that part?
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Missy, when you start to work the stripes – you change the yarn colour (to black) and work in the established pattern – which means you keep working rows 1 and 2 but just in a different colour. Then you change back to brown (or whatever colour you are working with) and continue to work rows 1 and 2 in that colour. I hope that makes sense! Happy knitting 🙂
Georgia says
hi
Omg, I love your shawl… especially with it being belted. Pretty sure I understand the directions but have one question. Can I change the open spine in the center back to another stitch? I’ve not had good luck with open spines… find they stretch out to big for me. I must have more of your patterns. Thank you so much!!
Georgia
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Georgia, You can change the open spine if you wish – but this is where stitches are increased. As long as you keep increasing there and at the edges of the shawl you should be ok. I can’t guarantee what the end result will be like if you change any stitches in the pattern. 🙂
Julie says
Hello, you could always knit the “yarn over” stitch you made in the previous row, twisting it by knitting the back side of the loop. That prevents it from opening too big. Good luck!
Melania says
Thanks Julie so clever!
Kelly says
Hello, such a beautiful pattern, thank you! Silly question, but is this knit from the bottom up? I’m trying to get a visual as to when I change color. Thank you.
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Kelly, this shawl is knit from the top down and the colour changes are easily integrated into the shawl. Thanks for visiting 🙂
Kaitlyn Hernandez says
Hi! I’m making this shawl as I leave this comment! The pattern is so cute. Quick question(s): how did you keep the shawl in place when wrapped around to the back? Did you pin it or something like that?
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Kaitlyn, I wrapped the shawl and secured it at the back of the model in the photographs waist by tying the pointed corners together – it was long enough to do that, to tie and knot loosely into place. But you could also use a large pin if you wanted to instead of tying it. You wrap and cross it over your body so the two corner points end up at the back of your waist and then you tie them together and knot. I hope that helps 🙂
Johanna Altman says
I love this shawl! What size is the model wearing? Thank you so much for the pattern! 💕
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Johanna, I’m so happy you like the shawl 🙂 The model is wearing the first size (S/M) she is around a UK size 8 / US 4 / EU 36. It also fits me just fine and I am a UK 10 / US 8 / EU 38, I hope that helps! 🙂
Lisa Ogilvie says
So, glad I double checked the yarn weight online, it’s actually a #6 super bulky and my family gifted me a case of yarn that weight for christmas, so I shall cast this on today with the hopes of getting a few done for our donation drive closer to summer, thank you so much for the pattern.
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Lisa, the Alize SuperLana Maxi Yarn is classed as a super bulky weight yarn to be used with needle sizes 8mm (US11) to 10mm (US 15) but the yarn is thinner in my opinion than other super bulky weight yarns, for example like Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick.
If you were to substitute this yarn with a heavier super bulky weight you will end up with a thicker heavier shawl. I used size 8mm (US 11) needles with this yarn and it worked up really well, but you may have to adjust your needle size according to the super bulky yarn you use.
I hope you enjoy making the shawl and I would love to see how it turns out – if you want to share a finished photo on Instagram and tag me or if you want to join The Handy Little Me facebook group. Happy Knitting! 🙂
Julia says
Hi! I’m so excited to find this pattern. I’ve knit one triangle shawl before and the edges (where I cast off) roll upwards. In your pictures, the edges lay beautifully flat. Any tips? Thanks!!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Julia, the shawl is knit in garter stitch, so therefore the edges lie flat when casting off.
The yarn is also bulky weight, and when I made the shawl there were no problems with the edges curling.
If you knit your previous shawl in stockinette stitch the edges would curl when casting off.
I hope that you enjoy knitting the shawl 🙂
Louise
Debbie says
Great pattern. Wondering if it could be translated into worsted weight.
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Debbie, you can take a look at the Rent shawl pattern which is knit in worsted weight yarn here – https://www.handylittleme.com/claires-rent-shawl-knitting-pattern/
This may help you with the cast on stitches/sizes if you want to make the Carolina shawl in worsted weight yarn.
I hope that helps!
Louise 🙂
Bonnie says
Sorry one more question:) When the black yarn rows are worked… . Work 4 rows meaning row 1-2-1-2? The photo’s black stripes look like more rows were knit.
TY!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Bonnie,
The black yarn is worked as it says in the pattern – for 4 rows, then the colour is changed to brown for 4 rows and then again to black for 4 rows etc.
There are no more rows worked, than what it states in the pattern, as the design has thinnish black stripes.
If you want to make the black stripes thicker, you can work more rows then it says to in the pattern.
I hope that helps!
Louise
bonnie says
I took a photo of your model’s shawl to see strioes up cliose:) Yep, only 4 rows TY for answering! I’m weighing options on carrying or cutting color changes. What do you recommend? Will wait to finish until I hear your advice. Have tried both methods on a sample. TY!!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Bonnie,
I cut the yarn I think for the colour changes and weaved in the ends.
But you could try also carrying the colour – this may be difficult because of the yarn overs.
If you did a sample using both methods – whichever one looks the neatest will be best.
I hope you enjoy making the shawl!
Louise
Bonnie says
Your pattern ‘s instructions are so easy to follow! This is a fun,, quick knit ❤️ Thanks for sharing!!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Bonnie, I’m so happy you like the pattern!
Louise
Barbara j Dixon says
So lovely! I am an Outlander junkie, a recent convert, having just read the first four books and purchased the first four dvd’s. (have starated on book 5, and ordered Season 5 dvd!) I am totally hooked! I have already made many a shawl, but when I try and do the shawl wrap to tie it, I find the top neckline bunches terribly, so I am thrilled to find a pattern for the real thing! I absolutely LOVE this pattern and will be surely making more than one! Plus wrist/arm warmers, plus the cowls, in fact..everything! Thank you so much for the wonderful patterns. Blessings to you!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Barbara,
Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so happy you like the patterns!
I too LOVE everything Outlander and can’t wait to add more patterns to the new Outlander collection coming this fall.
Happy knitting!
Louise
Laura says
Does this project need to be blocked?
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Laura,
If you used the bulky weight yarn then no – this is a heavy weight yarn and the shawl shouldn’t need to be blocked when finished.
I didn’t block the shawl in the photos.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Carol says
Hello! I really wish there was a crochet pattern for this! I just love it and the Outlander series!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Carol,
Doing some crochet Outlander patterns is on my to-do list!
Thanks,
Louise
Sue says
Hi! I’m currently knitting this shawl with Lion Brand Wool -Ease Thick & Quick Super Bulky weight 6 on the same size needles you used. (8mm (US 11) with a 40″ cable.) But, I’m already running out of room on my cable with only 112 stitches on it. Is that because mine is super bulky weight? Do I need a longer cable now to finish it? Thanks!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Sue,
Yes – the weight of yarn you have used is heavier than the yarn that I used – the Alize yarn so that is probably why you are running out of room on your cable.
If you can switch to a longer cable that would make it easier for you.
The yarn I used was more of a bulky weight and lighter/less bulky than the wool ease thick and quick yarn.
I hope that helps and happy knitting!
Louise
Lisa LeQuire says
Love the pattern and have it on my list to make for this Christmas. Question though, in reading this, it appears if I follow the pattern, the stripes will end up on the longest side (up around the models shoulders) not on the bottom as shown in the picture? Just want to make sure I get it right before I start 😀 Lisa
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Lisa,
The shawl is worked from the top down, so you start off with the main colour and then work the stripes in as you get closer to the bottom of the shawl.
You can see a video tutorial on Youtube – the link is in the blog – to see how to start off this shawl.
I hope that helps,
Happy Knitting!
Louise
Janelle says
Hello, im currently making this shawl and using a different gauge. Can you tell me the wing span measurements before you get to the stripes. I think I will need more stitches than 181. Thanks!
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Janelle,
If you are using a different gauge (are you using the same yarn and needles as recommended in the pattern?) then yes you will have to perhaps adjust the amount of stitches you have for your size.
The wingspan of the shawl before the stripes will be somewhere around 72 inches for the S/M size (around 10 inches more than the finished wingspan at 82 inches tip to tip).
You could try to hold it up against yourself or a mannequin to see how the size is going as you work.
I hope that helps and contact me via the contact form with any more questions.
Thanks,
Louise
Julia Stammel says
Hi Louise, thanks for the pattern. In the last weeks I knitted the shawl in grey with green stripes. It’s so beautiful and warm. I took pure new wool and I had to work with 6mm needles. Finally there we’re over 400 stitches on my needles but the size was like S in your instructions. Perfect!
Best wishes Julia
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Julia,
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the pattern and that your new shawl is lovely and warm to wear!
Happy knitting,
Louise
Elisabeth Melchilsen says
Bonjour Louise,
Je suis un peu perdue pour le nombre de pelotes!
Pouvez-vous me préciser s’il vous plait, combien de pelotes d’alize superlana pour tricoter la plus grande taille?
J’ai essayé de calculer mais en vain!
Je vous remercie pour votre aide, et j’ai hâte de commencer ce joli modèle.
Elisabeth
21 janvier 2021
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Elisabeth,
For the larger size, you will need approx 10 balls of Alize SuperLana Maxi (100g (3.53 oz)/100mt (109 yards) – in the colour 240 – Dark Brown and 6 in black (60).
You can find the yarn here – https://nimataleylasefer.gr/yarns-alize/superlana-maxi
I hope that helps!
Louise
Meg says
Will the 40″ cable length be long enough if I am knitting the XL/XXL?
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Meg,
Yes, it should be ok – but if you have a longer cable (60″) you could use that instead as you will end up with many stitches as the work grows.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Meg says
Thank you so much for answering my question! I’ve been loving your website and tutorials and can’t wait to make some clothing inspired form Outlander!
Lauren Parker says
Hi there 🙂
My nana is making this for me and is having some difficulty. From what I understand, she is not clear on how to make the dark stripes carry on up the width of the shawl 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t even know if this makes sense 😂🤭 an I able to email a picture and see if you could possibly help?!
Thank you in advance.
Lauren 😊
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Lauren,
The stripes are worked after a large section of the main color, breaking the yarn and working with the stripe color, then you would begin the main color again and break the yarn for the next stripe.
You don’t carry the yarn up the sides or work any intarsia in this project.
If you want more help, please use the contact form and send me a message.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Ann says
Hi Louise after we reach our size in stitches when we continue with the pattern are we just knitting those areas the center and both ends with knitting and no increases, if yes will it be gathered in a bit of a bunch in the center .
Thank you.
Louise Bollanos says
Hello Ann,
Once you have the number of sts you need for your size on the needles – you will work in the established pattern (repeating rows 1 and 2) but change the colours for the stripes you can see in the bottom section of the shawl.
I hope that helps!
Louise