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Highland Knits: Knitwear Inspired by the Outlander Series
Be Transported with These Timeless Knits!
Inspired by Outlander, the romantic tale of time travel and adventure, Highland Knits is a rustic, yet sophisticated collection of quick-to-knit projects. These 16 simple, enduring designs will have you stylishly covered no matter what place, or time, you call home.
From Claire's "Rent Collection Shawl" to the "Sassenach Cowl," all your favorite pieces worn by the series' beloved heroine, and then some, are here, waiting to be knit. You'll find each piece relevant to your wardrobe, whether dressing for today or eighteenth century Scotland.
Inspired by Outlander, the romantic tale of time travel and adventure, Highland Knits is a rustic, yet sophisticated collection of quick-to-knit projects. These 16 simple, enduring designs will have you stylishly covered no matter what place, or time, you call home.
From Claire's "Rent Collection Shawl" to the "Sassenach Cowl," all your favorite pieces worn by the series' beloved heroine, and then some, are here, waiting to be knit. You'll find each piece relevant to your wardrobe, whether dressing for today or eighteenth century Scotland.
112 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2016
142 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 14, 2017
Must. Make. A. Cowl! Really, if I had yarn with me, I would cast on right now. This book is filled with many attractively-styled projects inspired by (and cutely named) the first season of Outlander. The patterns range from boot cuffs, arm warmers, shawls, capelets, and shrugs, many of them I'd like to own, if not make.
My one problem with this is that the patterns seem to range in skill level, but aren't marked as such. I am a decent-ish knitter but would love it if there was more organization to the difficulty levels.
My one problem with this is that the patterns seem to range in skill level, but aren't marked as such. I am a decent-ish knitter but would love it if there was more organization to the difficulty levels.
April 20, 2017
Oh this is delightful! There are patterns at a variety of skill levels. Most of the patterns use a chunky or bulky knit, which means your projects are going to knit up quickly. Given my love of instant gratification, I view this as a benefit. I could easily see Claire wearing most of these items. Do note, however, that you will not look like you're roaming the moors of Scotland unless you have skirts, jackets, and dresses consistent with the Outlander costuming.
May 11, 2024
I absolutely love all of these patterns 🥰
December 4, 2016
I was disappointed by this books failure to stay even somewhat true to what knitting would actually have been like at a time when wool would've been more costly than time (the patterns are somewhat more true to the show itself).
While some items of the time would likely have been knitted in aran/Worsted weight yarn, most would've been knitted in much much finer yarns (often at a gauge of 40-60 stitches per 10cm/4 inches), admittedly that wouldn't appeal to a modern audience, but having most of the books patterns in super bulky/chunky yarn (and no patterns in yarn thinner than aran/Worsted) is ridiculous. Not to mention the use of acrylic yarns.
It seems that this book was put together to cater to fans of the show that are new to knitting and as such are looking for quick and simple projects, and Highland Knits certainly does offer that.
However, if you're looking for interesting knits that would've been more true to the Highlands and the time, I would skip this one.
While some items of the time would likely have been knitted in aran/Worsted weight yarn, most would've been knitted in much much finer yarns (often at a gauge of 40-60 stitches per 10cm/4 inches), admittedly that wouldn't appeal to a modern audience, but having most of the books patterns in super bulky/chunky yarn (and no patterns in yarn thinner than aran/Worsted) is ridiculous. Not to mention the use of acrylic yarns.
It seems that this book was put together to cater to fans of the show that are new to knitting and as such are looking for quick and simple projects, and Highland Knits certainly does offer that.
However, if you're looking for interesting knits that would've been more true to the Highlands and the time, I would skip this one.
October 10, 2017
I think that the world is made for skinny and perfect women. Literally none of the designs would look good on the average female, let alone older and plumper women. When will designers realize that what looks good on starving women does not look good on the rest of us. Most women are size 16 or more.
That being said, the designs and color are resplendent, but a bit modern for their period, though that is quite typical of period TV. Instructions are clear, pictures are wonderful--But as someone else said, mostly chunky/aran yarn is called for, and these are more for beginners. I'm glad this was borrowed, but also glad I saw the designs. So, the four stars applies to thin fans of outlander who are beginning knitters, or more advanced knitters who can adjust or even rewrite the patterns for finer yarns and balanced size and shape for real women...two stars for anyone else.
That being said, the designs and color are resplendent, but a bit modern for their period, though that is quite typical of period TV. Instructions are clear, pictures are wonderful--But as someone else said, mostly chunky/aran yarn is called for, and these are more for beginners. I'm glad this was borrowed, but also glad I saw the designs. So, the four stars applies to thin fans of outlander who are beginning knitters, or more advanced knitters who can adjust or even rewrite the patterns for finer yarns and balanced size and shape for real women...two stars for anyone else.
May 15, 2018
The Boar Capelet pattern does not work! Even with the errata page online, it doesn't work. Apparently you have to purchase the correct pattern on Ravelry, which is bogus. I can understand mistakes, but that's super irritating to learn (from other commenters). Too bad. Would love to see corrections posted on the publisher's website rather than having to pay for a corrected pattern. For that, I'm giving the book 1 star.
May 25, 2016
Great patterns and named according to Outlander Season 1. Not sure what can be knit to the French standards of Season 2!
Most of these patterns would suit someone younger and/or taller than me, but I will certainly keep them in mind for my sister and daughter.
Most of these patterns would suit someone younger and/or taller than me, but I will certainly keep them in mind for my sister and daughter.
May 24, 2021
This book is great for any Outlander fan or a knitter looking for a quick project. Though not all of the patterns were look-alike patterns from the show, the patterns do carry that past-meets-present Outlander energy.
I am deducting 1-star from my review because the Time Traveler Reversible Vest pattern is made one-size-fits-most (16" across the back knit in super bulky yarn). Same for the Lallybroch Shrug, which is designed to be 32" wide. The Lallybroch shrug *does* include instructions to make it larger.
If you like this book, or want patterns that look closer to pieces worn in the show, check out Louise Bollanos' Outlander patterns via her blog or Ravelry. (I'm unaffiliated, just a big fan!)
I am deducting 1-star from my review because the Time Traveler Reversible Vest pattern is made one-size-fits-most (16" across the back knit in super bulky yarn). Same for the Lallybroch Shrug, which is designed to be 32" wide. The Lallybroch shrug *does* include instructions to make it larger.
If you like this book, or want patterns that look closer to pieces worn in the show, check out Louise Bollanos' Outlander patterns via her blog or Ravelry. (I'm unaffiliated, just a big fan!)
December 31, 2019
I agree with another review. Most everything shown in this book to knit is knit in chunky (#5) or super bulky (#6) yarn. I know I can change yarn sizes and convert the patterns but I was really hoping from more from this book. I was hoping to see some of the pieces I've seen on the Outlander series which I've always admired, but since this isn't an official publication sponsored by the Outlander series or books that wasn't possible.
There has been an official Outlander cookbook published so hopefully we'll see something like that in the future. In the meantime this sadly isn't it.
There has been an official Outlander cookbook published so hopefully we'll see something like that in the future. In the meantime this sadly isn't it.
June 20, 2020
I borrowed this from my local library and made the gorgeous Healer’s Hands Gauntlets over the course of two cold Adelaide winter nights sitting by my fire. I couldn’t be happier with the result. I have been wearing my gauntlets all morning feeling very Claire like and plotting how I can get my hands on my own copy.
January 6, 2018
Very simple patterns overall, great for the beginner, chunky outerwear that knits up fast. Not a great variety in patterns though, which I found disappointing. Very well-written, clear instructions though, and the photography was nicely done.
November 10, 2016
I can see Claire wearing everything in this book! There are so many things I want to make for myself, even though I live in southern California.
August 19, 2018
Great patterns, quite easy to follow and very wearable.
January 27, 2019
All wonderful patterns, but I'd like to find an in-person class where I could make them!
Want to Read
August 9, 2019Honestly just wanna make the ginormous cowl.
August 20, 2019
I like the patterns
This book the items Claire wears in the tv show, I like that about the pattern book. I hope to make some of the items real soon.
This book the items Claire wears in the tv show, I like that about the pattern book. I hope to make some of the items real soon.
December 1, 2019
If I could knit man I could do some damage. Great patterns that look pretty easy to follow.
April 14, 2020
Gorgeous settings and clothes. Too bad the knitwear is all clunky and nothing I would ever wear or gift.
May 17, 2020
Obviously missed the words "inspired by". The garments seen in the series Outlander are definitely more refined than the ones on offer in this book.
August 26, 2020
Purling!
August 17, 2021
Too many patterns using super bulky yarn - in my opinion.
December 30, 2021
Great book but not for beginners
Read
September 4, 2022The amount of chunky yarn in this book is an affront to the spinners of Scotland.
November 16, 2023
For those looking for bulky knits, this is for you!
February 9, 2024
Now this I liked a lot. I liked pretty much everything in it and there were a few that I wouldn’t wear but this one is worth buying there’s so much in here that I would love to make.
December 18, 2016
These patterns are so awesome. I'm a beginning knitter (just picked it up about 2 months ago), so it was really nice that these patterns were for all ability levels. Some of the scarves are simple garter stitches but look fabulous, but it also goes up to making shawls, cables, and even socks. There's so much potential here! I started off making the simple scarves, but because of this book, I've also learned how to cable and how to use double pointed needles. This was perfect!
The only reason it's a 4 instead of a 5 is that sometimes the directions are a bit challenging to understand. I don't know if it's partly because I'm new and still learning the knitting language, but sometimes it's just tricky to know what they're wanting you to do.
The only reason it's a 4 instead of a 5 is that sometimes the directions are a bit challenging to understand. I don't know if it's partly because I'm new and still learning the knitting language, but sometimes it's just tricky to know what they're wanting you to do.
February 7, 2017
After re-watching the first season of Outlander, I was dying to knit some of Clare's garments. Strangely, I couldn't find too many patterns online, but I did find this book and requested it. Mostly, I wanted to make her awesome cowl. This book has a pattern for several cowls, one of which is very similar to the one she wears, although I don't think it's an exact replica. I'm going to try it anyway. There were a few other interesting patterns, but they are definitely based on the show and try to look wearable in this century.
April 25, 2022
Great for fans of Outlander.
This is actually a really cute book of patterns for fans of Outlander. The focus is mainly on quick Knits. A lot of bulky projects that would knit up very quickly and smaller projects in a medium weight yarn.
This is actually a really cute book of patterns for fans of Outlander. The focus is mainly on quick Knits. A lot of bulky projects that would knit up very quickly and smaller projects in a medium weight yarn.
September 27, 2019
errata re: Brimstone Cowl (yarn is not held double)
June 16, 2016
Beautiful photos of the finished projects. Good thing my mother-in-law is an avid knitter, there's a few pieces I would love to wear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews