The Sontag Shawl (History and Patterns)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will learn all about the Sontag shawl.
Sontag shawls were first worn during the Victorian era, with many women seen wearing them from the 1860s.
Worn across the body and tied behind the waist, this shawl was a popular choice for wearing over a dress for extra warmth.
What Is A Sontag Shawl?
A Sontag shawl is a knitted or crocheted shawl that crosses in front of your body and typically ties behind your back.
Made from wool this knitted shawl was seen as a shallow shawl with long ends that crosses over the body in the front (also known as a ‘bosom friend‘), sometimes with lace edge designs or made in simple garter stitch.
These popular shawl patterns were often seen in women’s magazines with free patterns and various styles given.
The history of the Sontag shawl
Sontag shawls are named after Henriette Sontag an operatic soprano of the 19th century who is rumored to have loved to wear them and introduced them to the fashionable ladies of that time.
Another name for the Sontag was a bosom friend as the shawl wraps around you and keeps your chest warm.
Who was Henriette Sontag?
Henriette Sontag(nne Cornez) was a German operatic soprano born in January of 1806.
She made her debut at age six and was an instant success.
She was an extremely successful singer in all of Europe, including France, Germany, and Britain.
Sontag shawls in the 19th Century
The Sontag shawl was worn a lot in the 1800s and can be seen in many photos worn by many women in America.
The biggest proof of the Sontag shawl’s existence in the 19th Century is the knitting patterns published in women’s magazines.
In January’s 1860s issue of Godey’s Lady Book and Magazine, you can find a knitting pattern for a Sontag or a “habit shirt”.
Seen in Women’s Magazines From the 1800s
Godey’s Lady Book, or Godey’s Magazine and Lady Book, was published in Philadelphia from 1830-1878.
It contained short stories, illustrations, and measurements of garments to be sewn at home, knitting patterns, and music sheets for the piano.
You can download the book here for free.
Also, in May’s 1862 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, you can find a pattern for A Knitted Sontag.
You can download the book here for free.
Sontag shawls are seen in the movie Little Women
In Little Women, for example, set in the 1860s in New England, these shawls were very popular, and you can see Beth and Amy wearing them.
If you’re interested in making your own Little Women Sontag grab the pattern here – Beth’s Shawl by fiber workshop.
The Sontag Shawl and Outlander
In many period movies and TV shows set in the 1800s, you can see a lot of Sontag shawls worn by the leading ladies.
If you are an Outlander fan, there is no way you haven’t noticed the amazing costumes, especially the knitwear worn by the protagonists and all the cast.
What is the shawl that Claire Wears in Outlander?
Claire wears the well-known Rent shawl and Carolina shawl, plus other Sontag shawls throughout the series.
And while they are not very historically accurate as Outlander is set in the 1740s they fit the series perfectly and complete all the costumes.
Moreover, they have inspired thousands of makers to recreate them and bring them into the 21st century.
Shawl patterns from the Outlander series
There are many notable Sontag shawls seen worn on the Outlander series; here are a few that I have created to share with you knitters…
(All Images of the cast from Outlander are copyrighted to Starz.com)
1. Claire’s Rent Shawl
Claire’s Rent Shawl worn by Claire in Season 1 Episode 5 ‘Rent’ is worn over a tartan dress when Claire attends the wounds of clan MacKenzie.
You can view the knitting pattern here – Claire’s Rent Shawl Knitting Pattern
2. Claire’s Carolina Shawl
Claire’s Carolina Shawl, which you can see in Season 4, Episode 1 of Outlander ‘America the Beautiful’ and in many others after that.
You can view the knitting pattern here. – Outlander Carolina Shawl Pattern
3. Fraser’s Ridge Outlander Shawl
Fraser’s Ridge Outlander Shawl, which you can see at the beginning of season 5 and in various episodes after that.
A big forest green that wraps around your body with a colored striped border edge in the design.
You can view the pattern here – Fraser’s Ridge Outlander Shawl Pattern
4. Journeycake Outlander Shawl
Journeycake Sontag, you can see in Season 5 Episode 8, ‘Famous Last Words’ and in Episode 11, ‘Journeycake’.
It’s a long triangle scarf with a scalloped/shell crochet border that makes it more delicate and unique.
You can view the knitting pattern here – Journeycake Sontag Shawl Knitting Pattern
5. Jenny’s Shawl
Jenny’s shawl is worn by Jenny Murray loaned to Mary McNab when she visits Jamie in the cave, and later seen worn by Janet, Jenny’s daughter.
It’s a beautiful triangle scarf with a ruffle edge.
You can view the knitting pattern here – Jenny’s Shawl Knitting Pattern (Outlander Knit)
6. Claire’s Sontag Shawl From Season 4
This Outlander shawl pattern will allow you to create a large triangle shawl.
Inspired by the crossover shawl Claire is wearing in Outlander season 4, episode 6 ‘Blood of my blood’.
You can view the knitting pattern here. – Outlander Shawl Pattern (Clare Fraser Shawl)
7. Triangular Shawl Knitting Pattern (Claire’s Strength)
Claire’s strength shawl is inspired by the crossover shawl Claire is wearing in Outlander season 6.
To make this comfortable shawl, you need only a set of 5mm (US 8) circular needles and 10-ply/worsted/aran weight yarn.
You can view the free pattern instructions here – Triangular Shawl Knitting Pattern (Claire’s Strength)
You can also get the free PDF pattern by signing up for the Handylittleme newsletter – here.
8. More Outlander Patterns
You can view all of my Outlander shawl knitting patterns here – Shawls + Scarves + Wraps
You can purchase the printable PDFs here.
You can also see all of the Outlander knitting patterns and check out all the Outlander patterns and ebooks in my shop here.
Ηow To Wear A Sontag Shawl
To wear a sontag shawl, start by draping the shawl over your shoulders, ensuring that one end is slightly longer than the other.
Cross the longer end over your chest and wrap it around the middle of your waist, bringing it to the back.
Secure it by tying it with the shorter end, either in a knot or a bow, at your back.
Adjust the shawl to ensure it fits snugly but comfortably, covering your upper arms and providing warmth to your torso.
The front should have a stylish crossover appearance, creating a V-neckline that can be adjusted to your preference for warmth and comfort.
This traditional method ensures the shawl stays in place, offering both functionality and a touch of classic elegance to your outfit.
What supplies do you need to knit a sontag shawl?
To knit a sontag shawl, you will need medium to bulky weight yarn, typically around 600-800 yards, depending on the pattern and desired size.
Select knitting needles that match the yarn’s recommended size, commonly size 6-8 (US) for medium weight yarn or size 9-11 (US) for bulky yarn.
Even if you are knitting your Sontag shawl flat, a pair of circulars with a cord is ideal, as they can carry the weight of the stitches.
You’ll also need a tape measure to ensure accurate dimensions, stitch markers to keep track of your pattern, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and a pair of scissors.
Optionally, a row counter can help you keep track of your progress, especially if the pattern is complex.
Having these supplies will ensure you are well-prepared to create a beautiful and functional Sontag shawl.
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If you enjoyed making any of these shawls, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
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I’d love to see your work.
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Happy Knitting!
