Historical Accuracy VS Knitwear in Period Dramas - Outlander, Emma, Little Women.

Long time no see, but I finally have a really exciting video to share!
I've looked into the knitwear in Outlander, Emma, Mary Shelley and Little Women, reviewing them on historical accuracy, characterdesign and practicality!
My website: www.fabelknitwear.com
My instagram: / fabelknitwear
For those interested - the pattern I'm wearing is coming later this year!
All images and clips from the films/shows reviewed are not mine and belong in their entirety to their respective production companies.

[@carolineLonnqvist]

The sweater you're wearing is just the loveliest I've seen! ❤️

[@Nenona1200]

Actually in season....4 I believe, she has a discussion with Ian, and she says she does not knit, she has just always bought her stockings, and he mentions that he knows how to knit and it's something they're taught back home as soon as you can hold a needle as a child. SO I think that kind of makes all this worse. Like I could explain the cardigan in season 5 with "oh well she knew how to knit" same for the chunkier yarn peices--I don't know if Brianna ever mentions she can knit or not. I guess--like the dress that Claire designs in season 2 with the help of a dressmaker--where you have the Dior Suit but in a historically accurate dress--so the thing that makes the most sense might be that Claire asked for "a knitted loop with thick yarn". And I would say the main reason the knitted garments are included is because they add texture to the mass of fabric, and seasons 1-4 had a lot of hand made, very expensive fabric and custom designed costumes--from what I remember, some of it involved hand-beading things--hundreds of hours just into making the costumes. Season 5 was not done by Terry Dresbach, and you get both princess seams on a dress and the knit cardigan in that same season. I would like to see a throwaway line where she mentions regularly just having things made/asking for things. Like clearly with the Dior Suit and the Red Dress--Claire has good design sensibilities, the chunkier knits just always felt out of place as something they bought from somewhere.

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Omg yes you're so right!! I only halfheartedly watched season 4 (not seen 5 yet just skinmed through) and completely forgot about that! I agree, having her explain her "wacky" 20th century ideas to an 18th century knitter would have been such a good scene and tone-setter for the knits she wears through the show!!

[@StrongImaginationA]

Absolutely, I just posted the same before I had scrolled down because that is such an interesting detail that I keep getting stuck on. HOW does she get the clothes to be her own style when she doesnt know how to knit or sew herself? That would have been sooo interesting to see!

[@charlotteillustration5778]

I seem to remember from the books that Claire and Jamie have a conversation about knitting, where she is utterly amazed that men learn to knit from childhood and he is amazed that in the 20th century they don’t.

[@erickaeckles4187]

Hi My friend Jenn knitted several pieces of knitwear for Little Women including the two sontags that you mention. She researched mid nineteenth knitting, and studied a lot of historical patterns from books of the period so both of those were knit as close as possible to authentic patterns/recipes.

[@kennedybastien583]

The sweater you're wearing is so so lovely! I can't wait until the pattern is released!

[@MorriganSlayde]

That imposter syndrom is so real lmao "I was a costume designer for film and TV and have been knitting like my whole life and am a knitwear designer so I THINK I have expertise here"....IF NOT YOU THEN WHO DOES? :P

[@audreyellardwalsh3368]

The first knitting machine was invented in 1589?! Amazing!

[@StrongImaginationA]

in ref to 17:30: Claire doesn't know how to knit at this point in the series! she is taught later somewhere in seasons 4 or 5 by Jamie and there is a scene in which she is knitting a straight scarf rather slowly. so the knit cowls and capelets from season 1 come from somewhere else ...

[@rachaeltrujillo9960]

I came to the comments to say the same thing! I’m glad I’m not to e only one who remembered that.

[@mrs.m.b.3630]

I really appreciate your time in explaining how filmmaking effects the design process! It makes sense now why some are choosing to not be historically accurate but it is nice when the directors do put in effort to make a film more accurate or allow the designers to do so. Just my preference. It would be great if you would pause the clip of the video at the point where the garment is best visible. I found it really hard to first find what they were wearing and then give it a look over when all you showed was a second of the clip and took it down.

[@ambermccabe9625]

Loved this video! So nice to watch a video focused on knitwear history, rather than just fashion history alone!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

It was so interesting to look into, so glad you liked it!

[@YarnNTea]

My favourite period knits were in Anne with an E (the Netflix remake of Anne of Green Gables). I particularly loved the knits worn by the poorer laundry ladies in The Bogg.

[@irenehaukeland7759]

This was so interesting, thanks for sharing! Would love to see more videos like this, and the sweater you are wearing is gorgeous! Can’t wait for the pattern.

[@dorotheecc8986]

Omg I’ve been eyeing your patterns recently and did not know you had KZbin channel! I love a good KZbin recommendation!

[@florenna]

I don't think one can expect total period-accuracy of knitwear of films / shows set in pre-1900's, as we just don't know enough, as you said, and most patterns have not survived. But I've seen one film, "Their Finest", set in 1940's wartime Britain, that was truly full of gorgeous, (IMO) period-accurate knitwear :) The film was great, but for a big part I was just ogling those gorgeous knits that especially the main character was wearing - the film's totally worth checking out! :)

[@boops1192]

That isn’t accurate. There are tons of folks who have studied the history of fashion. They know what was available, what things were made what fibers, size of knitting needles , etc. There are extant patterns, publications carried knit patterns. They’re so widely available you can download them for free. I have multiple knitting and lace making pattern books from the 1800s downloaded for free from Amazon as the publications are now in the public domain. Knowing how easy it is to find accurate patterns makes me wonder why they continue to ignore them. It’s actually confusing. The fibers available at the time, even home spun, were very fine, fingering weights and weaving threads.

[@laurarhi-sausi9323]

As a Knitter, big fan of your design and a costume designer assistant working in movies can you imagine how much I’ve enjoyed this episode, couldn’t agree more about “little women” costume...I’m Iooking forward a review for “Jo Jo Rabbit” knitwear designs. Ciao from Italy!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Yes Jojo Rabbit!!

[@ndbyers23]

I enjoyed your video very much. It would have been helpful for you to display the images you were referring to longer-maybe have only the images on screen while you discussed them. They went by in such a flash it was hard to see what you were referring to. 😢 Your sweater is so gorgeous! Looking forward to seeing the pattern! Your knowledge of working on film sets and discussing how the choices were made was fascinating. When the Academy Awards give the award for best costume design, I never considered how many people were involved in the costume design and the pieces in the movie. Thank you!

[@craftopiacollective]

Wonderful video and I'm so looking forward to this pattern release!

[@carola-lifeinparis]

Fellow knitter here, I loved your analysis

[@satsumamoon]

Im not sure if its your redording equipment , the room echo or what, but I cant easily work out what youre saying.

[@charlotteillustration5778]

Definitely an echo like distortion.

[@squidx876]

ditto, i cant wait for release of this jumper in video, beautiful!

[@ZackRekeSkjell]

I was about to ask and then checked the description box. I am very much looking forwards to the pattern for your jumper and will definitely make one for myself for next winter!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

So glad to hear it! 🥰

[@WholeLottaSewing]

Loved this! I hope you’ll make more videos on this topic :)

[@Karen-ik6uv]

Glad the costumes in Emma are perfect.

[@saulemaroussault6343]

Really useful and clear explanations. Also the sweater is gorgeous. May I point out however that the echo in the room is pretty distracting ?

[@Lindalupos]

Love this video! And yeaaahhh the Little Women costumes... Oof. Honestly the 1994 film wins by default because it shows Meg actually knitting! Haha. I would love a video on the knitwear in the tv show The Terror. It's set on a 1840s British navy ship and there is *so much good knitwear*. It's coming to the BBC on March 3th!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Ooh I'll check it out!

[@atrinka1]

oh, those welsh wigs!

[@Anna99378]

Thank you so much for this interesting video. I hope that you will make more of this type some time in the future!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Yay I'm so glad you like it! Absolutely 😊

[@Anna99378]

@@fabelknitwear2773 And being Russian I realy enjoyed you mentioning Russian orenburg shawls))

[@bimewa3352]

This is so interesting! It was great hearing your perspective from working in the industry too, and the reasoning behind the choices!!

[@bimewa3352]

I also didn't realise the sontags weren't around in the time period outlander is set in.. it kind of blends in!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

So glad you like! And I agree, the sontags fit in nicely - I think they would blend in to any period as we automatically see them as 'historical' regardless of period!

[@blackmorerose]

I really enjoyed watching this video, especially with your background in costume design. It certainly gave me a different insight into what goes into costume design and the fact that it's not always about historical accuracy. I'm not really a fan of Outlander. I watched the first season and enjoyed that but gave up after the second. I find the big chunky cowls that Claire wears very 21st century. Emma was a fantastic film and I haven't seen Little Women, but the lady that knit the shawls for the film has published the patterns on Ravelry.

[@knittedbywhitney]

There are some beautiful knitted pieces in early 20th century period dramas like Summer in February and Testament of Youth, as well as later ones like Call the Midwife (1940s-60s) and older like Poldark (1780s)

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Ooh didnt know where was knitwear in poldark!

[@knittedbywhitney]

@@fabelknitwear2773 I thought Demelza wore a knitting shawl sometimes, but I just looked for a picture online and it’s woven not knitted. It’s been a while since I watched the show

[@sewsew100]

Very interesting video. Thank you for taking the time to share this.

[@fabelknitwear2773]

My pleasure!

[@carolinemercer9779]

I think in the later seasons Claire’s fashion got a lot more anachronistic, which I done ~hate~ but also don’t love. She wears a lot of items that look more like mens fashion whilst in the surgery. Don’t get me started on the princess seams in the newest season 😤

[@Cassayowary]

Loved this 😍😍 I have knitted 3 items from the Highland Knits (Outlander inspired) book.

[@fabelknitwear2773]

I came across that when researching for this, so many great patterns!

[@JB-og8gn]

I love this sweater!!!

[@PashuWarrior]

I really enjoyed your take on the historical accuracy of knitwear in some shows and films . I really enjoy watching these types of KZbin episodes in the morning while drinking a tea ! Thank you

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Me too, love seing costume reviews! So pleased you liked it! :)

[@Knittingilove]

That is so interesting. I haven’t watched the first two movies. I need to catch up. Thank You. I have two of your patterns and I need to knit them one day 😊💕

[@fabelknitwear2773]

So glad you think so! 🤩 Omg yes you MUST watch Emma! Hope you like the patterns 🥰

[@Boggythefroggy]

I found this video randomly in my recommended section and was looking at the beautiful sleeves on your sweater and then I realized I’ve saved a bunch of your patterns on Pinterest! Small world haha.

[@teacheraprilrogers]

Watching this now after I have seen all the seasons of Outlander make the pieces Claire wears even harder to understand. Like the bolero in season 1. Claire admits in one of the last seasons when speaking to Ian that she has no idea how to knit. She never learned. So the knitting in the earlier seasons would have been pieces she would have been given. Ian says that everyone in his village in Scotland knows how to knit and even Jamie learned at a very young age because how else rae you going to get winter stockings.

[@mollipopification]

THANK YOU for this video!! i've been wanting a deep dive into historical knitwear in film for ages. also, have you seen ammonite? the knitwear in that was phenomenal.

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

Slightly off-topic (but not completely)- I **love** your sweater! Did you buy it, or make it? If the latter, I'd love to know the pattern

[@Lepetite26]

Hello can you have a look at the series of „All creatures great and small“ they have a stunning assortment of knitwear. I would love if someone’s going to publish the knitting patterns for all this sweaters and vests one day.

[@StitchesandPrayers]

That sweater is super cute!

[@joanaloneathome]

hey, I really enjoyed the video! It's so interesting to learn about the history of knitting and knitwear and listen to you talk about its portrayal in TV shows and movies. Now, I just have a question concerning the knitted mitten(s) in Outlander. At the beginning you mentioned that hand knitting in the 18th century was (only) done for accessories and you also count hand knit mittens as one of those items. But later you explain that hand knit mittens were not a thing (probably), so that got me a bit confused. Maybe it's just something that was lost in translation since English is not my native language. Anyway, thank you for this great video!

[@cindyfrye3026]

I don't know if you have seen it. The historic time is modern, WWII and present. I was fascinated by the knitware, mostly sweaters. Have you seen Red Joan? I would love your opinion on it.

[@sophiejones3554]

38:53 and there was a huge influx of immigrants from Norway to the United States at this time. So yes, these mittens would have been available in the United States at the time. They have also remained popular ever since: mittens with same pattern as Beth's were worn by Senator Bernie Sanders at the 2020 Inauguration, where he was caught prominently displaying them while looking very grumpy (and the internet had a field day). They are pretty much the mittens you'd expect to find if you went to a ski resort store. That being said, the Alcott family (on whom the March family is based) would likely not have worn mittens like this. New Englanders like the Alcotts were slow to adopt new trends, and this one was associated with an immigrant community. Although the war and the popularity of skiing as an athletic pursuit made the trend escape the Norwegian enclaves very quickly, New Englanders would generally have avoided anything that resembled what people going to ski resorts might wear. There is however a very good reason why a filmmaker might want to avoid what actually *was* historically accurate: it's extremely racist. A LOT of children's mittens surviving from the period have Wampanoag-style beadwork (if they are knitted, the knitting is plain with the beadwork on top). It's not clear whether this was a trend only on children's clothing, or a general trend but either way... yikes. It would also not look right to a modern audience: we associate that kind of bold, high color contrast, floral design with Art Deco.

[@deborahb.gerken5837]

you are wearing the most Beautiful sweater!

[@najlaaidi1290]

Hello, same here, the sweater you are wearing, is absolutly gorgeous. Have you the pattern for crochet ? Thank you

[@sparklinggrey3]

That new knit is 😍

[@laurarodgers7450]

FYI: Godzilla minus one has some great knits!

[@annanycz691]

hello, could you tell me the name of the vintage pattern you showed as a comparison to Claire blue cardigan (Outlander), I'm looking for proper one for such a long time and if you have time it would be so helpful. sending greetings and bing thank you for this lovely video.

[@arielcapaldi1938]

I love your sweater! Is it one of your designs?

[@fabelknitwear2773]

It is! 😊 Not been published yet

[@imojjenelmer4832]

Oh my goodness!! This was so wonderful! I LOVE Emma and totally agree with you about Little Women. I would love to hear you talk about other period dramas! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has some of my favourite knitwear ever! I’d love to hear how accurate they are!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Emma is just sooo good!! Great tips!

[@belindaf8821]

The tv show Home Fires has some lovely knitwear! I really didn’t mind the latest Little Women, but I don’t know much about fashion in that period, so that didn’t bother me. I also haven’t read the book, so I didn’t have that problem to worry about story wise.

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Great tip, will look into that one!

[@littlemonkeysandme3171]

I absolutely loved this episode!! And I have to agree with you, especially that I didn’t really like the latest adaptation of little women! I absolutely love the book, so I think this movie fell short! But I loved your video from a customer designer and knitwear designer, it was great!

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Yay so glad! 😊

[@myrany8407]

I think sometimes we need to remember that we do not have evidence of every single thing that existed in history. We have a relatively small portion. There comes a point where you just sort of have to say "It is reasonable to believe that this item/method was possibly used at this time." For example we do not as far as I have been able to find have evidence of small ridged heddles for bacstrap weaving being used by Viking women . Viking women did backstrap weaving and we have evidence for that. We have evidence Vikings visited places where the ridged heddles were being used. I would be willing to say that probably some of those ridged heddles were brought back and used but did not survive to become evidence.

[@mscreation101]

Great video! Have you seen the knits in Dickinson, Season 1? I want to knit and wear that whole wardrobe.

[@fabelknitwear2773]

Ooh no I have not!

[@WindingThreads]

The family that the Marches take food to is German if I remember correctly. Wrong region but shows there were immigrants in the area. So not a terrible stretch on the color work mitts?

[@valzahnzahn]

Why does the lighting have to be so dark in all of these period movies?

[@crisyarthurs6026]

Put ur mic on ur laptop higher can't hear u.

[@cheriecallettaatcomcast4590]

It's a 42 minute video. Eight minutes in, she finally gets to some kind of concrete point. Too many videos meander and talktalktalktalk before ever getting to ANY point at all. This weakens the presentation and few will have the patience to wait it out until some sort of concrete info is given.

[@introvert211]

Actually, (Outlander SPOILER) Claire didn’t know how to knit until she and Jamie went to America where Ian told her that everyone in his family knew how to knit. She started knitting from then on

[@missmsilence]

not period but Sex education has really fun knitted garments and crochet