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:

There is something very sweet about vintage baby knitting patterns, especially the ones that still feel wearable today. This Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has that lovely old-fashioned charm without looking fussy or too dated, which is exactly what makes it a nice find for knitters who enjoy making baby gifts with a bit of heirloom feeling.

The pattern includes two classic baby sweater styles: a textured crew neck jumper and cardigan options with raglan sleeves. The stitch pattern gives the finished pieces that beautiful handmade texture we all love, but it still feels practical enough for real babies — not just the kind of outfit that gets worn for one photo and then carefully folded away forever.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

This is a restored vintage knitting pattern delivered as a printable PDF, so there is no physical pattern posted out. After purchase, the file is available through Etsy as an instant digital download, which is handy if you’re the sort of knitter who gets an idea at 9 pm and wants to cast on before common sense has a chance to intervene.

The pattern is designed for 8 ply / DK weight yarn, which makes it a practical choice because DK baby yarn is easy to find in soft modern colours. It uses 3.25 mm and 4 mm knitting needles, along with stitch holders, buttons for the cardigan versions, a yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

What I like about this pattern is the flexibility. Worked in cream, lemon, powder blue, sage green, oatmeal, dusty pink, or warm beige, it would suit either a traditional baby wardrobe or a more modern neutral nursery style. The cardigan version is especially practical because cardigans are always easier when dressing little ones. Anyone who has ever tried to wriggle a jumper over a sleepy baby’s head will understand that immediately.

Because this is a vintage pattern, it is worth remembering that older knitting patterns are often written more briefly than modern ones. They tend to assume the knitter already knows a few things, so I’d recommend this for confident beginners through to intermediate knitters rather than someone picking up needles for the very first time. If you’re comfortable reading shaping instructions, checking gauge, working textured stitches, and sewing seams neatly, this should be a very satisfying little project.

Before starting, make a tension square. I know, I know — no one wants to hear it, but baby garments are small enough that gauge really does matter. A tiny difference in tension can quickly change the finished size, and nobody wants to finish a beautiful baby cardigan only to discover it fits a doll or a toddler with very optimistic shoulders.

This pattern would make a lovely baby shower gift, newborn photo outfit, heirloom baby knit, or handmade market sample. It is also a nice choice for knitters who enjoy vintage patterns but prefer having them cleaned up into a more usable digital format.

If you need supplies, look for a soft DK baby yarn, smooth knitting needles, small cardigan buttons, stitch holders, and a blunt yarn needle for finishing. Mary Maxim is always worth checking for baby yarns and classic knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for basics like stitch holders, measuring tapes, button packs, and printed pattern binders if you like keeping your PDF patterns organised.

For anyone who enjoys traditional baby knitting, this is a sweet little pattern with plenty of charm. It has that “made by Grandma, kept forever” feeling, but with enough simplicity to make it useful for everyday babywear too.

Next Pattern:

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