Outlander Knitting Patterns
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.If, like me, you love the beautiful knitwear featured in Outlander, this collection is for you.
These free Outlander knitting patterns are inspired by the rustic shawls, cowls, fingerless gloves, arm warmers, and other knitted pieces worn throughout the series.
Many of the patterns are suitable for beginners, with a few more detailed cable designs for knitters who are ready for a challenge.
Scroll down to explore 10 free patterns, or visit the complete Outlander Pattern Library to see the full collection.
You can also grab all 39 Outlander knitting patterns in the ad-free printable collection here.
10 Free Outlander Knitting Patterns
Choose from 10 free knitting patterns inspired by the beautiful costumes and rugged Highland style of Outlander.
The collection includes quick accessories, cozy shawls, chunky cowls, cable-knit gloves, and more.
Each project has its own free pattern, with an optional ad-free printable PDF available from my pattern shop.
Happy knitting!
1. Claire’s Cowl Knitting Pattern
Make a chunky cowl inspired by one of Claire’s most memorable knitted accessories from Season 1.
Made with super bulky yarn, this warm and cozy cowl is a quick project with a wonderfully rustic look.
It’s a good choice for beginners and will keep you warm throughout the colder months.
Free pattern: View Claire’s Cowl Knitting Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
2. Claire’s Castle Leoch Cable Cuffs
These cable-knit cuffs were inspired by the beautiful arm warmers Claire wears at Castle Leoch.
The twisted cable design adds plenty of texture while creating an accessory that feels both rustic and wearable.
They’re a lovely choice if you want to practice knitting cables on a smaller project.
Free pattern: View the Castle Leoch Cable Cuff Arm Warmers Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop
3. Claire’s Rent Shawl Knitting Pattern
Make your own version of Claire’s famous wraparound Rent Shawl with this free knitting pattern.
The finished shawl can be wrapped around the shoulders and tied at the waist for the distinctive look seen in the series.
A video tutorial is also included to help you through the pattern.
Free pattern: View Claire’s Rent Shawl Knitting Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
4. Claire’s Cable Knit Arm Warmers
These long cable-knit arm warmers are inspired by Claire’s cozy knitted accessories.
The twisted cables create a traditional textured design, while the longer length makes them wonderfully warm for fall and winter.
Wear them over a sweater or beneath a coat for an extra layer.
Free pattern: View Claire’s Cable Knit Wrist Warmers.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
5. Brianna’s Fingerless Gloves
Make a pair of fingerless gloves inspired by the gloves Brianna wears during the reunion episode in Season 4.
This cozy design will keep your hands warm while leaving your fingers free.
They’re practical for everyday wear and make a thoughtful handmade gift for another Outlander fan.
Free pattern: View the Outlander Brianna Fingerless Gloves Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
6. Claire’s Carolina Fingerless Gloves
These simple fingerless gloves were inspired by the gloves and arm warmers Claire wears in Seasons 1 and 4.
The pattern is suitable for beginners who want to make an easy pair of Outlander-inspired mitts.
They also coordinate beautifully with the Carolina Shawl.
Free pattern: View Claire’s Carolina Fingerless Gloves Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
7. Celtic Cable Fingerless Gloves
Make a pair of fingerless gloves featuring an intricate Celtic-inspired cable.
This pattern is a lovely choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic cables and want to try something more detailed.
The finished gloves have a traditional look that works perfectly with the Outlander-inspired collection.
Free pattern: View the Celtic Cable Fingerless Gloves Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
8. Brianna’s Capelet Knitting Pattern
Brianna’s chunky capelet is a cozy project inspired by the knitwear she wears in the series.
The capelet sits comfortably around the shoulders and adds an extra layer of warmth without the bulk of a full sweater.
It’s perfect for wearing over dresses, tops, and lightweight knits during the colder months.
Free pattern: View Brianna’s Capelet Knitting Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
9. Jenny’s Shawl Knitting Pattern
This large triangular shawl was inspired by the shawl worn by Jenny Murray and later seen on other characters in the series.
The ruffled edging gives the shawl a soft, romantic finish, while its generous size makes it perfect for wrapping around your shoulders on a chilly day.
Free pattern: View Jenny’s Shawl Knitting Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
10. Outlander Beret Knitting Pattern
Make a simple knitted beret with a classic shape and plenty of Outlander-inspired style.
This beginner-friendly hat is knit flat using straight needles and then seamed.
It can be made in around two hours, making it a great choice when you want a quick project or handmade gift.
Free pattern: View the Beret Knitting Pattern.
Printable pattern: Grab the ad-free PDF in my pattern shop.
About the Outlander-Inspired Collection
I first started creating these patterns after watching Outlander and falling in love with the beautiful costumes—especially the knitwear worn during the early seasons in Scotland.
From Claire’s chunky cowls and wraparound shawls to Brianna’s capelets and fingerless gloves, there was so much inspiration in every episode.
These patterns are my own interpretations of the colors, textures, shapes, and atmosphere of the series.
They aren’t official reproductions, but they will allow you to add a little Highland-inspired style to your own wardrobe.
Many of the patterns use chunky or super bulky yarn, earthy colors, simple construction, and traditional cable textures.
This also makes several of them approachable for newer knitters.
What Is Outlander About?
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a former Second World War nurse who travels from 1945 to 18th-century Scotland after passing through the standing stones at Craigh na Dun.
There, she meets Highland warrior Jamie Fraser and becomes caught up in a story filled with romance, adventure, political conflict, family, and time travel.
The series now spans eight seasons, travelling far beyond the Scottish Highlands while following Claire, Jamie, and their family through different countries and periods of history.
One of my favorite parts of the series has always been the costume design.
Season 1 is particularly inspiring, with its natural colors, heavy wool fabrics, tartan, chunky knitwear, and rugged Highland setting.
*All images of the Outlander cast are copyrighted to Starz.com and have been sourced here*
Is the Knitting in Outlander Historically Accurate?
The costumes in Outlander are influenced by historical clothing, traditional materials, and the practical need to stay warm in the Scottish climate.
However, the knitted pieces should be viewed as historically inspired rather than exact reproductions of documented 18th-century garments.
Some of Claire’s most recognizable accessories were creative costume-design choices made to suit the setting, character, and cold filming conditions.
This is one reason the knitwear feels both traditional and familiar to modern knitters.
Natural wool, simple shapes, earthy colors, and textured stitches help create the rustic look associated with the series.
My patterns take inspiration from that same atmosphere while being designed for modern knitters, yarns, and wardrobes.
Related Post – The Sontag Shawl (History and Patterns)
What Knitted Items Appear in Outlander?
The series features many memorable knitted and woollen accessories worn by Claire, Brianna, Jenny, and other characters.
These include:
- Shawls and wraps: Large triangular and wraparound designs worn over the shoulders for warmth.
- Cowls and infinity scarves: Chunky accessories that can be wrapped around the neck.
- Fingerless gloves and arm warmers: Practical designs that keep the hands and wrists warm.
- Capes and capelets: Warm layers that sit around the shoulders.
- Hats and berets: Including traditional and vintage-inspired styles.
- Waistcoats and vests: Layered pieces that suit the rustic Outlander look.
- Socks and boot cuffs: Warm accessories worn with boots.
- Blankets: Textured blankets and baby blankets that complement the historic interiors.
These pieces are often made in natural, muted colors such as brown, grey, cream, oatmeal, rust, and deep green.
Cables, garter stitch, simple textured stitches, and chunky yarns are perfect for recreating a similar look in a modern knitting project.
Related Post: Traditional Scottish Knitting Patterns
Are These Outlander Knitting Patterns Suitable for Beginners?
Many of the patterns in this collection are suitable for beginners or advanced beginners.
If you are still learning, Claire’s Cowl, the Carolina Fingerless Gloves, or the Outlander Beret would be good places to start.
The cable cuffs and Celtic Cable Fingerless Gloves are better choices if you already know the basic knit and purl stitches and want to practise working cables.
If you need help with any of the techniques, visit my Knitting Lessons for step-by-step tutorials and videos.
What Yarn Is Best for Outlander-Inspired Knits?
Wool, wool blends, and soft acrylic blends all work well for Outlander-inspired knitting patterns.
Chunky and super bulky yarns are particularly good for creating Claire’s oversized cowls, shawls, and arm warmers.
DK and worsted-weight yarns are better suited to more detailed gloves, mittens, and cable patterns.
For an authentic rustic look, choose natural or heathered shades such as:
- Oatmeal
- Cream
- Charcoal grey
- Heather purple
- Deep brown
- Forest green
- Rust
- Mustard
- Muted blue
Always check the individual pattern for its recommended yarn weight, needle size, gauge, and yardage before you begin.
Related Post: Yarn Weight Chart (+ Conversion Guide For Beginners)
Explore the Complete Outlander Pattern Collection
If you would like to see more designs, visit the Outlander Pattern Library, where you’ll find shawls, cowls, cardigans, mittens, hats, scarves, and other patterns inspired by the series.
You can also grab the complete collection of 39 Outlander knitting patterns from my pattern shop.
The ebooks are ad-free, easy to download, and ready to print.
Related Post: Outlander Costumes
More Outlander Knitting Patterns
You may also enjoy:
- Highlander Arm Warmers Pattern
- Fraser Tartan Dog Sweater Pattern
- Journeycake Sontag Shawl Knitting Pattern
- Fringe Shawl Knitting Pattern (Snow And Ashes)
- Geillis Fingerless Gloves Pattern (Cable Knit)
- River Run Fingerless Mitts Knitting Pattern
- Outlander Claire’s Blue Cardigan Knitting Pattern
- Claire’s Modern Blue Cardigan (Seersucker Stitch)
- Free Chunky Knit Sweater Pattern (Half Fisherman’s Rib)
Which Pattern Will You Make?
Are you an Outlander fan?
I’d love to know which of these patterns you want to cast on first.
Let me know in the comments below—and if you make one, share a photograph and tag me on Instagram @handylittleme.
Happy knitting!
These patterns are not available free on ravelry. Is there a code to get them free?
Hello, sorry, I don’t have a code for any of the patterns that are for sale on Ravelry. You could always search Pinterest for free pattern alternatives? Thanks for visiting the site 🙂
This is a wery strange komment “Is there a code to get them free?” This person have put a time and effort to make this patterns, it is a huge work to make a pattern, I know because I have tried to make a few. You are asking in real : Can I get this for free, do you need a mooney for your work???? Well if you dont neet yours salary, send them to me 🙂
Hello Kristin, thanks for understanding how much work goes into making the patterns, writing them up, getting testers, photographing/editing them (or paying for a photographer) and then getting everything together!
It does take a lot of work and the ads on the site help to pay for me to make all of these patterns – plus everyone who buys a copy to download 🙂
I am currently making a new Outlander collection so that will be coming this year!
Thanks for your support, I hope you enjoy the patterns,
Louise
Claire’s shrug pattern. Where can I find it?
Hello, this pattern is available as a free Ravelry download – which means you have to be able to log into Ravelry to access it. here is the link – https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-gathering-2
Thanks so much for reading and I hope that helps 🙂
I would love to find the ‘real’ knitting pattern for the wrap around shawl. I can’t seem to find that pattern. Patterns close to the wrap around but not pne that actually wraps all the way around your waist. Do you have that pattern?
Hello, Lion Brand have a shawl pattern you may like here -http://www.lionbrand.com/outlander-the-series-wavering-both-sides-now-shawl-knit.html which could possibly wrap around. There is also this one on Etsy -https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/560703218/pdf-knitting-pattern-claires-rent-shawl?ref=related-1
I don’t have any patterns for that shawl in my own collection. Thanks for reading and I hope that helps! 🙂
Lovely knits! What do you think of the sleeveless knitted pullover/vest that Claire wears in the early season when she is in Scotland just after the WWII? Three rows of vertical cable in a stocking stitch garment.
Hello Margaret, Thank you for your comment, I will have to have a look for the knitted pullover you mention, I can’t think of what it looks like! I need to re-watch the entire series of Outlander soon! I just love the costumes 🙂
That wrap around shawl is a basic design that living historians like myself use in our presentations. It was worn in the 18th and 19th centuries throughout Europe and North America. It is called a Sontag or a Bosum Buddy. If you Google these names you will find knitting and crochet patterns, some in Ravelry even. Lots of fun to knit and believe me on a cold day they keep you warm (along with a good shawl and fingerless gloves).
Hello Dottie, thank you for your comment, I am really interested to know more about the history of the shawls/wraps.
I will definitely be doing some research into this and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge 🙂
Thanks for visiting and happy knitting!
I recently discovered the Outlander series and was searching around for a pattern similar to the #5 Highland Traveling Shawl listed. I’m a beginner but it looks quite simple on Claire so I figured I could replicate it with a bit more knowledge.
I don’t know why but it never occurred to me someone else would have already done the work of tracking down the pattern and conveniently labeling it as “Outlander inspired”. 🙂 I could have saved myself a lot of time if I had just typed “Outlander” and “Knitting Patterns” into google. lol.
Anyway, thank you so much for putting this list together! I greatly appreciate it!!
Hello Jessica, I’m so happy you like the list of patterns, I hope you find something that you want to make! 🙂