Book Review: Outlander Knitting

I haven’t read the Outlander series or watched the show, but I know there is a lot of knitting shown in the series that has caused a lot of knitters to pay attention and try to re-create some of the looks from the show.

Outlander Knitting, edited by Kate Atherley, is the official book of knitting patterns from the series and include 20 designs that are inspired by looks, characters or designs from the show.

There are warm, woolly shawls, textured socks, mitts and more to keep you warm in the Scottish highlands and across the stretch of time.

The book includes photos from the series as well as information on how the costumes were designed, Fair Isle knitting and just how accurate a mildly gross scene in the show involving traditional fiber arts techniques really is.

Some of my favorites include the Garter Stitch Rent Shawl, designed by Nicky Jensen (she actually knits it on the bias using intarsia for the stripes to make it a little more interesting to knit, though there is also a basic top-down version); Claire Neicho’s Targe Tam, a stranded colorwork design inspired by shields shown in the show; The Man I Left Behind Vest, Kathleen Sperling’s ode to the classic Fair Isle vest; and Holli Yeah’s I Found Him Lace Cardgian, with a big allover diamond lace pattern.

You can check out all the patterns on Ravelry.

This is a fun book for Outlander fans, and others who enjoy rustic and classic knits. A few times I wish there were more or different pictures so you could get a better look at some of the projects, but on the whole this is a lovely book where you can find your next project for knitting while binge watching.

About the book: 192 pages, hardcover, 20 patterns. Published by Clarkson Potter, 2020, suggested retail price $24.99.

Next Pattern:

Last year I cleaned out my closet and realized that I had about 24 handknit sweaters. This knowledge hasn’t completely stopped me from knitting more sweaters, but it did get me thinking about places in my wardrobe where I might actually need more knit things, and one thing I noticed a lack of was knit vests.

I have a couple of them and I love them for layering when it starts to get a little warmer, like when it’s cool in the morning but hot in the afternoon, or cold in a building but warmer outside. I’ve already knit myself one new vest this year, and with these patterns I’m pretty sure I’ll be making more.

This chunky vest pattern from Daisy and Peace on Etsy is sort of the quintessential vest you think of when you think of knit vests, with a scoop neck and ribbed edges. It uses bulky yarn and is great for beginners since it is worked flat. There are six sizes available.

The Knit Purl Girl has another pretty take on the basic knit vest, this time with a higher, double folded neckline. The Semper Slipover is worked with a mohair blend and a wool yarn held together to make a DK weight gauge. The tops of each side are worked separately, then joined for working in the round.

Minimi Knit Design has another great take on a classic vest, this time with a v-neck. It’s worked in the round from the top down using worsted weight yarn. Sizing ranges from 30 to 66 inches/76 to 168 cm actual bust measurement.

One thing about all the vests I have right now is that they are pullovers, but this version with buttons is pretty cure, too. It’s from MMadisonMarie on Etsy, and it uses fuzzy, chunky yarn and has an oversized fir with a V-neck and button closure. It’s worked flat and comes in three sizes.

Or you could make this cute vest with an I-cord tie, from Nicoline Sofie Knit. It’s worked from the top down starting with all the pieces separate, then joining and working the whole piece back and forth in rows. It has I-cord edging, comes in six sizes, and calls for a combo of alpaca and a glittery yarn.

Svetlana Volkov’s Nola Slipover is made with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together to get a bulky gauge. It has a high neck and roomy armholes, with a slightly cropped body. It’s available in eight sizes and you can get a copy on Ravelry.

Knit a Vest with Cabled Details

Knit a Cozy Vest for Fall

Play with Fisherman’s Rib in This Fun Long Vest Project

Next Pattern:

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