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.

I don’t often share knitting patterns for pets, mostly because I don’t think of it. I don’t have a dog, and I’ve never knit for my cats except a knit couch and a little cat bed I made on a knitting machine, both of which were pretty much ignored.

I have shared some pet bed knitting patterns, and both hats and sweaters for dogs.

But I don’t think I’ve shared a pattern for a cat sweater, until now.

This one is the Bunny sweater by Sarah Zhou, so named because her cat is named Bunny, of course.

It’s a made to measure pattern because cats come in all shapes and sizes, and you can also use any yarn you like and whatever gauge you are getting with that yarn.

The design is knit from the bottom up, that is, from the tail side up toward the head. Pairs of decreases shape the body as you work toward the armholes, which are made by binding off a few stitches. Then the belly and the back are worked flat, then joined and worked in the round for the chest part.

There are some design options in the pattern, from the look of the photos they include using a contrasting color for the edging, working a scalloped edging, maybe a foldover collar? But of course you can add your own embellishments, stripes, make it in team colors or for a Halloween costume. I’m sure they’re quick to knit so you can make a bunch if you have a cat who is willing to submit to such torture.

Bunny looks like a very good and mostly tolerant girl; I don’t think either of my cats would be willing to wear a sweater. But if you make one (the pattern is available on Ravelry) and successfully get your cat to wear it I would love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sarah Zhou]

Have you read?