Where does Cross Stitch fit into the Outlander book timeline?

There is a lot of confusion about Cross Stitch. Where does the novel from Diana Gabaldon fit into the Outlander book timeline?

With so many books by Diana Gabaldon within the Outlander universe, it’s easy to get confused over the timeline order. Whether you want to read in order the books were released or in chronological order for the storyline, there’s a popular question among readers. Where does the novel Cross Stitch fit in?

Well, there’s some good news for those who have read Outlander, the first book in the series. The two books are one and the same. Cross Stitch was just the name given to the novel when it was originally released in the UK. Since then, it’s taken on the globally-known name, but the original name is still out there.

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Think of it a little like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, which was adapted to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the United States. Many in the U.S. now, though, refer to it as “Philosopher’s Stone,” annoyed that it was ever changed.

Unlike Harry Potter, it’s the American title that has become more globally favored. The title Cross Stitch was a play on the phrase “a stitch in time,” which is something British fans loved. Gabaldon knew that Claire would cross the stones twice — 20th century to 18th century and back again — and that would make the basic “X” embroidery stitch, known as the cross stitch.

However, the U.S. publishers wanted something more “adventurous,” so Outlander was chosen. There was a time “Sassenach” was considered but the publishers didn’t think people would be able to pronounce it. It’s okay because it means we as fans can be known as Sassenachs instead.

So, when it comes to fitting the novel into the Outlander timeline, there’s no need to worry. It’s the first book of the series, so you’ve already read it!

Personally, while Cross Stitch is a great play on words, the term Outlander means more within the world of the series. After all, it is what Claire is, both in terms of geography and time.

Which version of the first book did you read first? What do you think of the title Cross Stitch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone is slated to be released at the end of 2019. Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for the latest updates straight to your feed.