Outlander Cowl Knitting Pattern (Claire Season 1)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.The Outlander cowl knitting pattern will allow you to create a large cozy knitted cowl in the style of Claire.
You will have seen this cowl/scarf that Claire wears in season 1, episode 3, ‘The Way Out’.
There are two versions of the pattern – knit on different size needles.
Scroll down to view the free pattern, or purchase a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
Outlander Claire’s Cowl – Seen In Outlander Season 1
If you have been watching the Outlander TV series, in season one, Claire Randall (Fraser) wore a very distinctive chunky knit cowl.
Inspired by the knitted cowl she wore during her travels into the past (the 18th Century), this is knit in garter stitch.
The design of this cowl is made in one piece, then seamed so that you can wrap it around your neck twice.
This pattern is part of my Outlander collection; the other Outlander knitting patterns are here.
Outlander Cowl Knitting Pattern
- Get the ad-free, printable PDF pattern here.
- Shop all of my Outlander Patterns in a Bundle here – The Complete Outlander Knitting Pattern Bundle.
- See ALL of the Outlander Pattern Ebooks here.
- Checkout the crochet version here – Outlander Cowl Crochet Pattern
Skill Level – Basic (Beginner)
Notes
Claire’s cowl knitting pattern will allow you to create a large, chunky scarf that can be wrapped around your neck twice.
There are two versions of the pattern; one cowl is knit on size 15 mm (US 19) knitting needles and the other is more chunky, knit on size 20 mm (US 35) knitting needles.
You can use the long tail cast on to make this basic cowl.
Copyright Info
- 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.
- Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.
Size Information
Gauge (in garter stitch)
- 10 x 10 cm /4 x 4 inches = 12 sts and 10 rows for version 1.
- 10 x 10 cm /4 x 4 inches = 5 sts and 10 rows for version 2.
Measurements
- Version 1 – Width = 9.5 inches / 24 cm.
- Length (laying flat before seaming) = 52 inches / 132 cm.
- Version 2 – Width = 13 inches / 33 cm.
- Length = (laying flat before seaming) = 56 inches / 143 cm.
- You can make it longer depending on your own preferences.
*You can make it longer or shorter depending on your own preferences.
The Supplies You Need…
Yarn
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick And Quick (170g/106 yds /107 m) in Barley
- 2 x skeins for version 1 and 4 skeins for version 2.
- *This yarn was knit with two strands together.
- Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart) – Super Bulky 06 / Super Chunky / 14 Ply.
Needles
- 15 mm (US 19) knitting needles for version 1.
- 20 mm (US 35) knitting needles for version 2.
Notions
Abbreviations
Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK)
- Cont – Continue
- K – knit
Version 1 – Pattern Instructions
With size 15 mm (US 19) needles and a single strand of yarn cast on 16 sts.
Row 1: Knit to the end of the row.
Cont to repeat row 1 until the yarn is nearly finished, leave enough to cast off, or when the length of the scarf measures approx 51 inches/131 cm.
*You can make it longer depending on your own preferences, but you will need more yarn.
Cast off.
Seam the two ends together to make an infinity scarf.
Sew in all loose ends.
Version 2 – Pattern Instructions
With size 20 mm (US 35) needles and using two strands of yarn together cast on 18 sts.
Row 1: Knit to the end of the row.
Cont to repeat row 1 until the yarn is nearly finished, leaving enough yarn to cast off.
*You can make it longer depending on your own preferences, but you will need more yarn.
Cast off.
Seam the two ends together to make an infinity scarf.
Sew in all loose ends.
View more Outlander Knitting Patterns here.
Grab The Ad-Free Printable PDF Pattern Here
How Do You Knit A Cowl Like The Ones In Outlander?
To knit a cowl like the ones seen in Outlander, you’ll want to aim for a thick and chunky design that provides warmth and coziness.
While the exact patterns used in the show may not be available, you can create a similar look by following these general steps:
- Choose the Right Yarn: Select a bulky or super bulky weight yarn that will create a substantial and cozy fabric. Look for yarn with a rustic or tweedy texture to evoke the rugged feel of the Outlander cowls.
- Select Needles: Choose knitting needles that are appropriate for the yarn you’ve selected. A needle size that produces a dense fabric is ideal for keeping the cold out.
- Cast On: Determine the desired width of your cowl and cast on an appropriate number of stitches. The number of stitches will depend on your gauge, yarn weight, and desired width.
- Knit in the Round: Use circular needles to knit your cowl in the round. This will create a seamless tube that can be worn comfortably around the neck.
- Choose a Stitch Pattern: Outlander cowls often feature simple stitch patterns that showcase the texture of the yarn. Consider using a basic stitch pattern like garter stitch, seed stitch, or ribbing for a classic look.
- Knit to Desired Length: Continue knitting in the round until your cowl reaches the desired length. The length can vary depending on whether you prefer a shorter neck warmer or a longer cowl that can be doubled around the neck for extra warmth.
- Bind Off: Once your cowl is the desired length, bind off your stitches and weave in any loose ends.
- Optional Embellishments: You can add buttons, toggles, or other closures to your cowl for added style and versatility.
By following these general guidelines, you can create a knitted cowl reminiscent of the ones worn in Outlander.
Feel free to experiment with different yarns, stitch patterns, and lengths to customize your cowl to your liking.
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:
This Outlander Claire cowl pattern is great for any beginner knitters.
- Knitting cast-on methods
- Knitting Lessons
- How to knit – a complete beginner’s guide
- How to cast on knitting
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step).
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch.
- How to knit with two strands of yarn together
- The mattress stitch – how to seam knitting
Share your work with us…
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making Claire’s Outlander cowl, 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!
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Love the look of this – will need to knit it for winter 2020!
Dear Louise: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR BEAUTIFUL PATTERNS!
It is so kind of you to unselfishly post these patterns for free so that so many people can have them to enjoy them.. In a pay it forward act, I’m gonna make some cowls and give them to a needy cause in my area.
Hello Sue, thank you so much for your kind words and I am so happy you like the patterns. I think making some knitted items for others is a wonderful idea and they will definitely appreciate them at this time of the year. Have a great Christmas 🙂 cheers, Louise
Can you please tell me which version I’m seeing in the photos? Version 1 (9.5 inches x 52 inches), or Version 2 (13 inches x 56 inches)?
Hello Sue,
I just added underneath the photos in the pattern which versions they are.
The closer-knit scarf/cowl is version 1 and the chunkier knit is version 2.
I hope that helps!
Louise
It does. Thank-you so much for these patterns!
Thank you for the beautiful patterns. I have been looking at this one for a week and reading comments from previous instructions that you have posted. In one of them, you mentioned in a reply to a question that you use the two different size needle to knit the one cowl. Now, in this version, there is no mention of that. Also, I would like to adjust the pattern so the I can cover my shoulders when need be. Shoulder to shoulder, I am 19 inches. Can you tell me how many stitches I would have to cast on? I was able to find the needles on e-Bay. Thank you for taking the time. Danielle.
Hello Danielle,
There was a version of the pattern from a couple of years ago where I used two different-sized needles.
Now there are two versions of the pattern, one that uses 15 mm (US 19) needles and one that uses 20 mm (US 35).
As for the width – you can cast on more stitches and measure as you add them to get the width of the scarf you want.
For the length – that can also be adjusted – you can make it shorter or longer.
If it’s longer it will be looser and easier to wrap around the neck.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Hello,
Is there an error in the amount of balls of yarn that is required? It says in the pattern 124 ! Or am I misunderstanding it? Please reply as I would like to purchase the yarn fairly soon. Thank you for the instructions and photos are great!
Hello Gaynor,
124 is the number of the yarn color – Barley 124.
It says next to it you need 2 skeins.
I amended it to make it more clear.
Thanks,
Louise
Hi! Thanks so much for sharing this! If I want to make it longer, would I simply knit another section separately with a new ball of yarn and then sew that and my first piece together?
Hello Nadia,
Yes, to make it longer, you can keep knitting until you have your required length and then seam.
I hope that helps!
Louise
Thanks for the pattern
I have a large supply ofBernat
Softee chunky
Does anyone know if I can use this instead of the lion brand
It is a 6 but I wonder if all 6 yarn is the same
Hello Carol,
I think it may be a little thick for this project, but you could give it a try and see how it works.
Happy knitting!
Louise