”

The Blood of My Blood Shawl is a free Outlander-inspired knit shawl pattern featuring a dramatic half-hexagon silhouette, intertwined cables and lace, and a romantic nod to Claire and Jamie Fraser's wedding vows in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander.

Worked center-out on US 4 needles in lace weight yarn, available in three sizes (S/M/L) with wingspans from 56½ to 68 inches. Skill level: adventurous beginner.

“Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.” If you know, you know. The Blood of My Blood Shawl is my free knit shawl pattern for every Outlander fan who has ever cried at a wedding scene (just me? okay, just me). And yes… the timing of the new Blood of My Blood Outlander prequel series on Starz could not be more perfect.

Whether you're rewatching Claire and Jamie's love story or diving into the new prequel about Brian and Ellen Fraser (Jamie's parents) and Henry and Julia Beauchamp (Claire's parents), this shawl is your fandom uniform. ❤️

Inspired by Claire and Jamie's vows from Diana Gabaldon's beloved series, this half-hexagon shawl pairs intertwined cables with delicate lace… a stitch-level symbol of two lives woven together.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you… and it helps keep these free patterns coming straight from my yarn-loving heart to yours. 💛

Hey, bestie 💛

If you've ever finished an Outlander book and immediately needed to cast on something wool, tartan-adjacent, and slightly dramatic… welcome home. This shawl is for you. It's for the Outlander reader. It's for the Starz viewer. It's for anyone who has ever thought “I'd like to look like I stepped out of 1743 but, you know, still have WiFi.” And here's something I rarely share: I got to interview Diana Gabaldon herself on my podcast back in 2014, and she was every bit as warm and brilliant as her books are. If you want to hear our conversation, it's still right here on the blog.

Now let's talk about this shawl.

What You Will Love About This Pattern 💖

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 It's a love letter to Outlander fans (including the new Blood of My Blood prequel series). The name comes straight from Claire and Jamie's marriage vows, and the intertwined cables and lace represent two lives woven into one. If you are an Outlander reader, a Starz Outlander viewer, or a fan of the new Blood of My Blood Outlander prequel, this shawl was made for you.

🦋 The half-hexagon shape has serious wingspan. At 56½ to 68 inches wide (depending on size), this shawl wraps, drapes, and absolutely makes an entrance. It's the kind of shawl you want on your shoulders when something dramatic is about to happen.

🧶 It's written in three sizes. Small, Medium, and Large. You get to pick the wingspan that feels right for your frame and your vibe.

✨ The body is garter stitch (meditative) and the edging is cables + lace (stunning). You get hours of easy knit-every-row flow followed by a dramatic finishing section that will make you feel like an heirloom knitter.

📚 It's perfect for bingeing the books or the show. The garter body is ideal for reading-while-knitting. Cue up Outlander Season 1 Episode 7 and cast on.

Quick Pattern Overview

🎯 Skill Level: Confident beginner. If you can knit, purl, YO, k2tog, ssk, and you're willing to try a simple 2/2 cable, you've got this.

📏 Finished Size: S (M, L). Wingspan: 56½ (62½, 68) inches. Maximum depth: 24 (26½, 29) inches.

🧶 Yarn: 2 (2, 3) balls of lace weight silk blend, originally Bijou Basin Ranch Shangri La (now discontinued… see substitute options below).

🪡 Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) circular, 32″ or longer.

📐 Gauge: 24 sts = 4 inches in garter stitch. Precise gauge is not essential… but it will affect total yarn yardage.

---

Is This Knit Shawl Right for You?

This pattern is a perfect fit if you want a project that feels meaningful but isn't technically overwhelming. The body is garter stitch center-out construction (knit every row, with simple yarn-over increases at the sides and center spine). That means hours of meditative knitting while you binge Outlander or re-read Dragonfly in Amber for the seventh time.

The cables-and-lace edging IS more involved… but it's also short (just 48-72 rows), well-charted, and every row is either working the 12-row pattern repeat or purling/knitting back. If you can follow a chart and count, you can absolutely do this.

If you've never cabled before, don't panic. I've got a quick video for the 2/2 Right Cable used in this pattern. Two minutes of watching, and you'll have it. Truly.

Explore More Knit Shawl Patterns

The Blood of My Blood Shawl is part of my growing collection of free knit shawl patterns. Browse the full Knit Shawl Patterns hub to find every free shawl organized by shape, season, and skill level.

If you love this one, you'll probably also love:

• Eowyn Cable Knit Shawl
• Return To Me Boomerang Knit Shawl… another cables-and-lace knit shawl, different shape (boomerang)
• Crazy Stripes Knit Crescent Shawl… a smaller crescent with mosaic colorwork
• Over 50 Free Knit Lace Patterns… the full knit lace collection if you caught the lace bug

What Is a Half-Hexagon Shawl, Anyway?

Great question. A half-hexagon shawl is a shawl shape worked from a small center point outward, with shaping placed at set “spokes” rather than evenly around a curve. Instead of forming a smooth half-circle, the increases create three flat edges that meet at angles… giving the finished shawl a structured, geometric silhouette with crisp angular lines.

Compared to a traditional triangle or a boomerang, the half-hexagon shape has a more even drape across both shoulders and gives you that dramatic wingspan when your arms are outstretched. It is also incredibly flattering on every body type because the angled construction sits across your shoulders without bulk and creates clean, modern lines that stand out from rounder shawl shapes.

The Blood of My Blood is a half-hexagon worked center-out, which means you cast on just 3 stitches, increase rapidly in the first few rows, then settle into an easy garter rhythm with regular increases at four shaping points (two edges + two center spine stitches). Those four shaping points are what give the shawl its angular half-hexagon outline… which, not for nothing, looks incredible spread across a castle wall or a Scottish moor. Just saying.

Build Your Skills with This Shawl

Even as an adventurous beginner project, Blood of My Blood gives you a handful of skills worth locking in. You'll practice center-out half-hexagon construction, working yarn-over increases at multiple points, reading from a chart, working a simple cable, and blocking a large lace-edged shawl to its final dramatic silhouette.

Need a refresher on any of the abbreviations? My knitting definitions page has every term you'll see in this pattern. Brand new to knitting or want to build your foundation before casting on? Start with my BiCrafty Bootcamp: Learn to Knit… it's where all my beginners start.

Want to go deeper into shawl knitting techniques like lace edgings, short row shaping, and advanced blocking? Come join me live at BiCrafty Stitch-Nite at Marly Bird House… that is where I teach the skills that turn a beginner into a shawl lover for life.

Yarn & Materials (Plus Substitute Yarns Because the Original Is Discontinued)

The original Blood of My Blood Shawl was designed in Bijou Basin Ranch Shangri La, a luxurious 50% silk / 50% yak down lace-weight yarn in the colorway Ruby. It was gorgeous. It also… is no longer being made 😭. So let's talk substitutes.

What to look for in a substitute: a CYCA #0 lace weight yarn with approximately 400 yards per 2-ounce ball. Silk content gives you that drape and subtle sheen the original is known for. A merino/silk blend is an excellent (and more budget-friendly) replacement. Pure silk gives you maximum drape and luxe feel. A silk/mohair or silk/alpaca blend gives you that halo-y, ethereal look that's very Claire-coming-home-through-the-stones.

My six recommended substitutes, from closest match to the original to fun alternatives worth considering:

• 🥇 KnitPicks Gloss Lace… 70% merino / 30% silk, lace weight. The closest substitute to the original Shangri La in fiber blend and drape. This is my top pick.
• 🥈 Malabrigo Silkpaca… 70% baby alpaca / 30% silk, lace weight. A luxe hand-dyed option with that dreamy halo. The baby alpaca content adds softness and warmth while the silk gives it shine. Gorgeous in a deep red.
• 🥉 KnitPicks Luminance Lace… 100% silk, lace weight. Maximum sheen and drape if you want to really lean into the heirloom vibe.
• ✨ Dream in Color Smooshy Cashmere… for the ultimate softness splurge. If you want this shawl to feel like a Jamie hug (I said what I said), the cashmere content is unmatched.
• ☁️ KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud Lace… 100% alpaca, lace weight. Incredibly soft and drapey with a subtle halo. A beautiful budget-friendly option.
• 📐 KnitPicks Gloss Fingering… 70% merino / 30% silk, fingering weight (not lace). Use this if you want a slightly larger shawl with more body. You'll need to adjust your yardage and will end up with a more substantial fabric than the original lace weight version. Great option if lace weight feels intimidating.

For the lace weight options (Gloss Lace, Silkpaca, Luminance, Smooshy Cashmere, Alpaca Cloud), you'll need approximately 800-1200 yards depending on your size (two or three skeins). For the Gloss Fingering option, aim for 1000-1400 yards since the fabric will be slightly denser and the shawl slightly larger. When in doubt, buy a little extra… running out on row 300 of a garter body is a form of heartbreak I do not recommend.

Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) circular, 32 inches or longer. I shop my KnitPicks needles for projects like this because you can grab exactly the size and length you need (and interchangeable sets are the ultimate shawl-knitter upgrade… trust me).

Notions for blocking: Blocking wires are ideal for the straight edges of a lace-edged shawl and make a massive difference in your finished result. If you don't already have them, grab a set of blocking wires… they are a forever investment in your knitting toolkit.

I also swear by Eucalan Wool Wash (no-rinse, conditions your yarn as it cleans, and the scent is my favorite)… perfect for wet-blocking a silk-blend shawl. And if you're working from hand-dyed hanks, a ball winder and swift will save you from tangled-yarn rage every single time.

Video Tutorials

If you are a visual learner, these videos will walk you through every technique in the pattern:

• Purl Stitch (Continental)
• Knit Stitch (Continental)
• How to Yarn Over Increase
• How to Knit Lace
• How to Cable: 2/2 RC
• How to Cable with No Cable Needle
• How to Fix Miscrossed Cables
• How to Add a Lifeline (3 ways)
• How to Tink
• How to Tink Cables
• How to Bury Ends
• Wet Blocking Tips

---

Love the Pattern but Want an Ad-Free PDF?

The full pattern below is 100% free… thank you for supporting the site by reading through the ads! But if you'd rather have a clean, printable, ad-free PDF (no pop-ups, no scrolling, just pure pattern + your knitting chair), I've got you.

🛒 Buy the ad-free PDF on Etsy
🛍️ Buy the ad-free PDF on Shopify
🧶 Buy the ad-free PDF on Ravelry

Blood of My Blood Shawl — Pattern Details

Skill Level

Adventurous Beginner

Measurements

To Fit Sizes: S (M, L)

Finished Measurements:
Wingspan: 56½ (62½, 68)” [143.5 (159, 172.5) cm]
Maximum Depth: 24 (26½, 29)” [61 (67.5, 73.5) cm]

Gauge

24 sts = 4″ [10 cm] in garter stitch (knit every row).

Note: Precise gauge is not essential for this item, but may affect total yarn amounts required.

Materials

Yarn: 2 (2, 3) balls of lace weight yarn (CYCA #0), approximately 400 yds / 366 m per 2 oz / 57 g ball. Original yarn: Bijou Basin Ranch Shangri La (50% silk / 50% yak down) in Ruby… now discontinued. See substitute yarn recommendations above.

Needles: US 4 [3.5mm] 32″ [81.5 cm] or longer circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.

Note: Shawl is worked back and forth in rows. Circular needles are used to accommodate the full width of the stitches.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, stitch saver cord, cable needle, notions bag, blocking squares, blocking pins, soaking basin, wool wash (I love Eucalan), blocking wires (ideal for lace work), ball winder and swift (great for yarn that comes in hanks), and a steamer.

Abbreviations

• 2/2 RC – 2/2 Right Cable (see Cable Stitches)
• CDD – Center Double Decrease (see Special Stitches)
• K – Knit
• K2tog – Knit Two Together
• P – Purl
• Pm – Place Marker
• RS – Right Side
• S2kp – Slip 2, Knit, Pass (see Special Stitches)
• Slm – Slip Marker
• Ssk – Slip, Slip, Knit (see Special Stitches)
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• WS – Wrong Side
• YO – Yarn Over

---

Special Stitches

⭐ Center Double Decrease (CDD): Slip next 2 stitches knitwise at the same time, knit next stitch, pass slipped stitches over knit stitch (same as S2kp) — 2 stitches decreased.

⭐ Slip, Slip, Knit (Ssk): Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit. Insert left needle into the front of these 2 stitches and knit them together from this position — 1 stitch decreased.

⭐ Flat Slip, Slip, Knit (Flat Ssk):
Note: This is an alternate ssk method that lies flatter and looks more similar to a reversed k2tog.
Insert needle in front leg of next st but do not knit it, insert needle in back leg of second st on left needle, yarn over and knit both of these sts together (1 st decreased).

---

Cable Stitches

⭐ 2/2 RC (2/2 Right Cable): Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in back, knit 2 stitches from left needle, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.

---

Stitch Pattern: Cables and Lace

Worked over a multiple of 17 sts plus 3 (minimum 37 sts).

Row 1 (RS): K1, k2tog, k2, YO, * p1, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p1, YO, k2, CDD, k2, YO; repeat from * to last 15 sts, p1, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p1, YO, k2, ssk, k1.
Row 2 (and all WS rows): P5, k3, p4, k3, * p7, k3, p4, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p5.
Row 3: K1, k2tog, k1, YO, k1, * p1, k1, p1, 2/2 RC, [p1, k1] twice, YO, k1, CDD, k1, YO, k1; repeat from * to last 15 sts, p1, k1, p1, 2/2 RC, [p1, k1] twice, YO, k1, ssk, k1.
Row 4: P5, k3, p4, k3, * p7, k3, p4, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p5.
Row 5: K1, k2tog, YO, k2, * p1, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p1, k2, YO, CDD, YO, k2; repeat from * to last 15 sts, p1, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p1, k2, YO, ssk, k1.
Row 6: P5, k3, p4, k3, * p7, k3, p4, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p5.
Row 7: K1, k2tog, k2, YO, * p1, k1, p1, 2/2 RC, p1, k1, p1, YO, k2, CDD, k2, YO; repeat from * to last 15 sts, p1, k1, p1, 2/2 RC, p1, k1, p1, YO, k2, ssk, k1.
Row 8: P5, k3, p4, k3, * p7, k3, p4, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p5.
Row 9: K1, k2tog, k1, YO, k1, * p1, k1, p1, k4, [p1, k1] twice, YO, k1, CDD, k1, YO, k1; repeat from * to last 15 sts, p1, k1, p1, k4, [p1, k1] twice, YO, k1, ssk, k1.
Row 10: P5, k3, p4, k3, * p7, k3, p4, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p5.
Row 11: K1, k2tog, YO, k2, * p1, k1, p1, 2/2 RC, p1, k1, p1, k2, YO, CDD, YO, k2; repeat from * to last 15 sts, p1, k1, p1, 2/2 RC, p1, k1, p1, k2, YO, ssk, k1.
Row 12: P5, k3, p4, k3, * p7, k3, p4, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p5.

Repeat Rows 1-12 for Cables and Lace pattern.

---

Charts

⭐️Charts for this pattern are available in the ad-free pdf only! Upgrade to the pdf for an uninterrupted knitting experience and get full written pattern, charts, links to stitch fiddle charts.

Schematic

Notes

Directions are for the smallest size; changes for larger sizes are in parentheses. When only one number is given, that number applies to all sizes.

Shawl is worked from center top outward, using yarn-over increases to grow the fabric.

Blood of My Blood Shawl — Pattern Instructions

Body

Cast on 3 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K1, YO, k1, YO, k1.
Count: 5 sts (+2 sts increased)

Row 2: Knit.
Row 3 (increase row, RS): K1, YO, k to last st, YO, k1.
Count: 7 sts (+2 sts increased)

Transition Rows

Rows 1-3 (begin WS): Knit.

Place 1 (2, 3) decrease markers evenly placed across needle.

Row 4 (RS): [K1, YO] twice, * k to marker, slm, k2tog; repeat from * for each marker, k to last 2 sts, [YO, k1] twice.
Count: 292 (309, 326) sts (+ 3 (2, 1) sts increased)

Remove all decrease markers.

Row 5 (WS): Knit.

Edging

Work 48 (60, 72) rows evenly in Cables and Lace pattern.

Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all loose ends.

---

Blocking Tips

Wet blocking is like sending your yarn on a spa retreat. It is the step where your yarn unwinds, enjoys a soothing cleanse, and settles gracefully into its final form, allowing its true beauty to flourish. Do not skip this step. I'm serious. A lace-edged shawl looks like crumpled fabric before blocking and like heirloom magic after.

Submerge your piece in a basin or sink filled with cool water. Add a touch of wool wash (I love Eucalan… no rinsing required, and the lanolin conditions the yarn).

Let it soak 20 minutes… no agitation, just let it drink.

Remove excess water without stretching or distorting the fibers. Press the piece against the basin. Gently squeeze between your hands (no twisting, no wringing). Always support the entire garment when lifting to prevent any part from stretching out of shape.

Lay the piece on a large towel without stretching it. Fold the towel's ends over your knitting and roll it up like a burrito to wick away more moisture. Aim for damp, not sopping… and definitely not dry.

Place your piece on the blocking board, aligning with the grid if your board has one. Gently expand to the desired wingspan and depth measurements, using the schematic for precision. 🚨 Use extra care to avoid overstretching.

Secure with pins, using them sparingly. Smooth the piece with your hands to ensure an even spread, then shape it while damp. Let your masterpiece dry completely (could take a full day… setting up a fan speeds it up). 🚨 Do not place the project in direct sunlight as it can discolor the yarn.

Want a deeper dive on blocking? Check out my full tutorial on Steam Blocking vs Wet Blocking… especially useful when you're working with silk blends.

More Outlander-Inspired Ideas for Fellow Fans 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Watching the new Outlander prequel? 📺 The Blood of My Blood Outlander prequel series follows the love stories of Brian and Ellen Fraser (Jamie's parents) and Henry and Julia Beauchamp (Claire's parents). If you've been binge-watching, this shawl pattern was practically made to be your prequel-watching project. Cast on, settle in, and let the love stories unfold.

Would you love more Outlander-inspired patterns? A Sassenach-worthy cowl? A Claire-style capelet? A Jamie-inspired cabled hat? Tell me in the comments which character or scene you would love me to design next… your vote shapes what I design. 💛

Want a Pashmina-style Outlander shawl right now? Check out my Kat Pashmina Shawl on Ravelry (also available as a video tutorial pattern on Etsy, and inside the BiCrafty Stitch-Nite collection at Marly Bird House). Lace knit shawl with full video walkthroughs.

And if you missed my 2014 podcast interview with Diana Gabaldon herself, it is sadly no longer available. She is every bit as warm and brilliant as her books. I even got a chance to meet her in 2015 at a book signing.

---

Favorite & Queue on Ravelry

Please favorite and queue the Blood of My Blood Shawl on Ravelry and tag your finished projects #BloodOfMyBloodShawl so I can see them. Seeing your color choices and blocking shots is the best part of my week… and Outlander-red projects? Absolute catnip.

More Knit Shawl Patterns You'll Love

• Make It Mine Easy Knit Triangle Shawl… beginner-friendly, customizable triangle
• Flirt Alert Knit Triangle Shawl… worsted weight, top-down triangle
• Peak Serenity One Ball Knit Shawl… beginner one-skein shawl, great confidence builder
• 23 Free Knit Summer Shawls Roundup… lightweight shawls for warm weather

Or browse the full Knit Shawl Patterns hub for every free shawl on the blog, sorted by shape, season, and skill level. Want to branch out beyond shawls? Check out my full library of free knit and crochet patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Outlander quote is this shawl named after?

The name comes from Claire and Jamie's wedding vows in Chapter 14 of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: “Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.” The intertwined cables and lace in the edging are my stitch-level tribute to those two lives woven into one.

What shape is this shawl?

It is a half-hexagon shawl, worked center-out with yarn-over increases at two edges and along a center spine. The four shaping points create three angular edges that meet to form a half-hexagon outline… a wide, geometric wingspan that drapes beautifully across both shoulders and feels distinctly different from a triangle, crescent, or boomerang.

The original yarn is discontinued. What should I substitute?

My top pick is KnitPicks Gloss Lace (70% merino / 30% silk) for the closest match to the original. For a luxe upgrade, try Malabrigo Silkpaca (baby alpaca + silk with a dreamy halo) or Dream in Color Smooshy Cashmere for maximum softness. Budget-friendly options: KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud (100% alpaca) or Luminance Lace (100% silk). Want a slightly larger, more substantial shawl? Use Gloss Fingering instead of lace weight.

Can I really do this as a beginner?

Honestly… yes, if you are an adventurous beginner who is willing to try a simple cable. The body is 100% garter stitch (knit every row) with easy yarn-over increases. The only “advanced” section is the 48-72 row cables-and-lace edging, which is a 12-row repeat you will quickly memorize. If you've never cabled before, my 2/2 RC video is two minutes long and you will have it.

How long will this take me?

The garter body is the longest section. Most knitters finish the full shawl in 30-60 hours, depending on size and your knitting speed. If you knit while watching TV (hello, Outlander binge), you can finish the body in one season of the show. The edging is shorter but slower because of the cables.

Do I really need blocking wires?

You don't absolutely need them, but for a large lace-edged shawl like this one, they transform the finishing process. They give you perfectly straight edges and dramatically reduce the number of pins you need. If you're going to invest in one piece of blocking equipment, wires are it.

Do you have other Outlander-inspired patterns?

This is my flagship Outlander design so far, and I loved creating it so much that I want to do more. If you have a specific character or scene you'd love to see in a knit or crochet pattern, drop a comment below or grab the newsletter… your votes shape what I design next. And if you missed my 2014 podcast interview with Diana Gabaldon herself, it is absolutely worth a listen.

Is this shawl related to the Blood of My Blood Outlander prequel TV series?

Great question! I designed this shawl years ago, named after the iconic Outlander wedding vow (“Ye are Blood of my Blood…”), long before the Blood of My Blood Outlander prequel series was announced on Starz. The naming is pure happy coincidence… and now the timing feels meant to be! The shawl is inspired by the vow itself, which carries through the entire Outlander universe (the books, the original series, AND the prequel). So whether you're an Outlander book reader, a Claire and Jamie fan, or you're loving the new prequel about Brian and Ellen Fraser and Henry and Julia Beauchamp… this shawl belongs in your hands. 🏴

Where can I get the ad-free PDF?

On Etsy, Shopify, or Ravelry. Same pattern, same price on all three… pick your favorite shop. Your purchase supports me as an indie designer and keeps the free patterns coming. 💛

---

Final Thoughts

I've been an Outlander reader for a long time. Diana Gabaldon's books were some of the first that made me cry, laugh, and immediately want to knit something in response. Blood of My Blood is my tribute to that feeling… to a love story told in stitches instead of words, to lives woven together in cables and lace.

Whether you're making this for yourself, for your favorite Outlander friend, or just because you need a dramatic half-hexagon shawl to throw over a white linen dress in your garden (yes please)… cast on. And if you post a finished project, please, please tag me @marlybird or use #BloodOfMyBloodShawl. I want to see every version in every color.

Sláinte, bestie. Go knit something beautiful. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Love, Your BiCrafty Bestie, Marly Bird

“