Outlander Knitting Patterns
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.This post explores the stunning knits seen in the TV show Outlander, including many beginner, intermediate, and advanced Outlander knitting patterns.
If like me you have been watching the Outlander TV series, you have probably noticed the beautiful knitted pieces that the main character Claire wears.
A wrap there, a warm waistcoat here.
So many outfits for a seasoned knit designer to take inspiration from.
Scroll down to see the list of free patterns or grab all 39 Outlander Patterns here.
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Outlander…What’s it about?
The story follows a married nurse Claire Randall who travels to Scotland with her husband.
Upon finding some ancient ruins, she time travels to Scotland in 1743 and meets up with the handsome Jamie Fraser.
*All images of the Outlander cast are copyrighted to Starz.com and have been sourced here*
Outlander Knitting Patterns
Romance and adventure follow in all three seasons, going from Scotland to the courts of Versailles to 1950s America – but I can’t say too much because it will spoil it for you!
You don’t want to miss the epic love story of Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall ( or Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser.)
I have bought the Outlander collection of novels written by Diana Gabaldon so I can find out more about how the story develops.
Throughout the show’s seasons, Claire is often seen wearing a variety of knitted items, including – shawls, capes, cowls, and infinity scarves.
View more patterns here – Outlander Season 6
Make your own versions…
The patterns in this roundup are mostly easy for beginners, with some intermediate choices too.
Basic knowledge of knitting is all that is required for you to get started.
The Outlander knitting patterns below are a love letter to the series and have been chosen with variety in mind, from knitted cowls and hats to fingerless gloves, there is something for everyone.
If you are not ready to make your own knits check out Etsy where you will find many sellers making finished items!
Inspired By The Outlander Series
If you haven’t watched it already – you really should!
The story is really great, with a bit of everything thrown in there – romance, action, plot twists, period costumes, and fantasy time travel.
I ordered the box sets for my mom for Christmas and she binged watched them over a weekend – she couldn’t get enough! (and she is a HUGE fan of Jamie of course!)
My favorite season has to be season one where they are mostly in the Scottish highlands wearing rustic knits and apparel.
There is also an official book from the hit series by Kate Atherley that features some of the patterns in season one.
A bit of time travel and amazing costumes!
My favorite type of drama is a period drama and this series goes from various years (with the time travel) from early 1700s Scotland to France ( in the court of Louis XV) and then to the USA in 1948.
The production is phenomenal, from the gorgeous photography to the unique costumes.
The knitwear in the series is mainly seen in Scotland and as you can see from the image below, the Outlander costumes are just amazing!
Claire and Brianna were stunning costumes in many memorable episodes.
There are so many knitted accessories that can ignite the fans’ imagination.
And there is a variety of knitting patterns online to recreate and take inspiration from.
Visit the Outlander Pattern Collection Ebooks in my shop below:
The ebook pattern collections below are all ad-free and easy to print out.
The Outlander Patterns…
1. Claire’s Cowl Knitting Pattern
Make your own Claire’s cowl with this free knitting pattern.
This is a perfect pattern for knitters of all skill levels pattern.
Made with super bulky weight yarn, this knitted item will be perfect for the winter.
Claire’s cowl pattern by Handy Little Me is available as an ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
2. Claire’s Castle Leoch Cable Cuffs Free Knitting Pattern
Make your own cable cuffs with a free knitting pattern.
The twisted cable design adds gorgeous detail to this pattern.
Make this pattern and add the magic of Outlander to your wardrobe.
Check out the free knitting pattern here.
Or grab the ad-free printable pdf pattern here.
3. Claire’s Rent Shawl Free Knitting Pattern
Make your own rent shawl with this free knitting pattern.
There is also a video to help you make the shawl.
Check out the free knitting pattern here.
Or grab the ad-free printable pdf pattern here.
4. Claire’s Cable Knit Arm Warmers
Make a pair of twisted cable knit arm warmers with this free pattern.
Check out the free knitting pattern here.
Or grab the ad-free printable pdf pattern here.
5. Fingerless Gloves Just Like Brianna’s!
Make a pair of fingerless gloves inspired by the gloves Brianna wears in the reunion episode in season 4 with this free knitting pattern.
Check out the free knitting pattern here.
Or grab the ad-free printable pdf pattern here.
6. Claire’s Carolina Fingerless Gloves Pattern
Make a pair of easy beginner fingerless gloves inspired by the gloves/arm warmers Claire wore in seasons 1 and 4 with this free knitting pattern
Check out the free knitting pattern here.
Or grab the ad-free printable pdf pattern here.
7. Celtic Cable Fingerless Gloves Pattern
Knit a pair of fingerless gloves made with unique Celtic cables with these free knitting pattern instructions.
Check out the free knitting pattern here.
Or grab the ad-free printable pattern here.
8. Brianna’s Capelet Outlander Knitting Pattern
Make Brianna’s capelet cowl with this free knitting pattern.
This pattern is perfect if you are looking to add more chunky knits to get you through the winter.
Check out the free knitting pattern here.
Or grab the ad-free printable pattern here.
9. Jenny’s Shawl Knitting Pattern
This shawl knitting pattern is inspired by Jenny’s shawl from Outlander worn by Jenny Murray, loaned to Mary McNab when she visits Jamie in the cave and later seen on Janet, Jenny’s daughter.
This pattern will allow you to create a large triangle shawl with a ruffled edge/border.
10. Beret Knitting Pattern
This beret knitting pattern will knit up quickly and the finished item will definitely keep you looking stylish.
I wanted to share with you an easy flat knit beret, that you can make in around 2 hours and is an excellent project for anyone who is learning how to knit.
This hat is not knit in the round, it is knit flat with straight needles and then seamed.
Is The Knitting In Outlander Historically Accurate?
As of my last update in September 2021, the TV series “Outlander” is known for its attention to historical accuracy, particularly in its costume design and settings.
The show is set in the 18th century and follows the adventures of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who finds herself transported back in time to Scotland in 1743.
In terms of knitting specifically, the show’s producers and costume designers have made efforts to ensure accuracy.
They collaborated with historical consultants and experts to accurately portray the clothing and accessories of the time, including the knitted items.
“Outlander” showcases several examples of historical knitting techniques and patterns that would have been common during the 18th century.
This includes traditional Scottish designs and styles, such as cabled patterns, Fair Isle patterns, and lacework.
The characters in the show are often seen wearing knitted garments like shawls, scarves, mittens, and hats, all of which would have been popular during that era.
Overall, while “Outlander” may take some creative liberties and dramatize certain aspects of the story, its dedication to historical accuracy extends to the portrayal of knitting and other textile crafts prevalent during the 18th century.
However, please keep in mind that new information or discoveries may have emerged since my last update, so it’s always a good idea to refer to the latest research and sources to get the most up-to-date information.
What Are The Knitted Items In Outlander?
Outlander features various knitted items that reflect the historical accuracy of the 18th-century setting.
Some of the knitted items prominently shown in the series include:
- Shawls: Knitted shawls are a common sight in the show. They are typically large, rectangular, or triangular pieces of fabric worn over the shoulders or wrapped around the body for warmth and protection from the elements.
- Scarves: Knitted scarves are another popular accessory in “Outlander.” They are worn around the neck to keep warm and add a touch of style to the characters’ outfits.
- Mittens and Gloves: Knitted mittens and gloves are essential for keeping hands warm during the cold Scottish winters. They are often seen in various scenes, especially when characters venture outdoors.
- Hats: Knitted hats, also known as “tam o’shanters,” are frequently worn by characters to protect their heads from the cold.
- Socks: Knitted socks are important garments for keeping feet warm, and they are seen on characters in the show. Like the Clan Mackenzie boot socks.
- Cowls: Cowls are circular scarves that can be pulled up over the neck and sometimes the head. They are cozy and functional accessories.
- Blankets and Afghans: While not worn, knitted blankets and Afghans are often featured in interior scenes, adding to the ambiance and authenticity of the setting. Like the Mo Chridhe baby blanket given to the bairn.
These knitted items are often decorated with traditional Scottish patterns, such as cables, Fair Isle motifs, and lacework, which contribute to the historical accuracy and visual appeal of the show’s costumes.
Keep in mind that there may be additional knitted items featured in later seasons or episodes that I am not aware of, so it’s always best to refer to the latest episodes or official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Are you an Outlander fan?
Which pattern do you want to make?
Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Knitting!
