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Beginner-Friendly Crochet Ruana Pattern: Easy and Stylish

My crochet ruana pattern is a beginner-friendly project that is perfect if you’re looking to create a versatile and stylish piece with ease.

Constructed from two simple rectangles that are seamed together, this ruana shawl offers a straightforward approach for new crocheters while still delivering a stunning result.

The ruana has a long, flowing silhouette which adds a touch of elegance to any outfit, making it a go-to layering piece for both casual and dressy events.

Free to view here on the blog today, you can also upgrade to a PDF in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

One larger image and four smaller images show a crochet ruana in a turqouise open stitch pattern styled on a mannequin front view open, back view, wrapped over the shoulder, tied at the front, crochet belt threaded through
© Jera’s Jamboree

Wide and long enough to give you decent coverage, you’ll be able to wear when you’re at home as an extra layer to keep you warm or out in the evening as a stylish option for a cover up to complete your outfit.

Why you’ll Love to Crochet this Ruana

Featuring a relaxing two-row repeat, you can quickly get into a rhythm, making this a perfect project for those relaxing evenings or cozy weekends. Despite its simplicity, my design is far from ordinary, offering you multiple styling options to suit various occasions and your personal taste.
My ruana pattern provides a great opportunity for you to hone your skills and gain confidence. The construction and seaming of two rectangles are essential techniques that are foundational for more advanced projects. This ruana is a perfect stepping stone for those looking to advance their crochet abilities.
Whether you prefer to secure at the front with a button, drape one side over your shoulder like a wrap, tie it at the front like a shawl, or thread a crocheted belt through its lacy design, this ruana is easy and comfortable to wear.

How to Style Your Crochet Ruana

I love the different ways a ruana can be worn!  If you need some inspiration for how to style my free crochet ruana pattern, you’ll find this section useful.

Numbered images from 1 to 4 showing the different ways a ruana can be styled
© Jera’s Jamboree

The numbered list below corresponds to those in the image above.

1. Secured at the Front with a Button

Fasten the front of the ruana with a button to keep it closed.  You don’t need to crochet a button band, just sew the button on one side and use the open lace stitches to secure.

Position the button at your chest level or slightly lower for a neat and secure look.

This style keeps the ruana in place and adds a focal point to the garment.

2. One Side Over the Shoulder Like a Crochet Wrap

Drape one side of the ruana over your shoulder, allowing the other side to hang freely.

Adjust the drape so it falls elegantly over the shoulder, creating an asymmetrical look.

This style provides a cozy feel and showcases the ruana’s length and texture.

Looks great worn on lunch-time dates or to dress up an outfit in the evening.

3. Tied at the Front Like a Crochet Shawl

Gather the two front ends of the ruana and tie them together in a knot or bow at the chest or waist.

This style can create a more fitted appearance and adds a playful touch.

Adjust the knot to your preferred tightness and position for comfort and style.

4. Crocheted Belt Threaded Through Like a Crochet Cover Up

Use a crocheted strap or belt to thread through the open stitches of the ruana (instructions to crochet the belt are included in the pattern).

Secure at the front with a knot or bow.

This method of styling cinches the ruana at the waist, creating a defined silhouette and adding an extra design element.

Perfect for layering up out and about in the daytime.

You could just leave it as is but these styling options allow you to wear your crochet ruana in versatile and fashionable ways. You’ll be able to adapt to different occasions while taking into account your personal preferences.

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Skill Level

Beginner

Supplies and Materials

Yarn Choices

I used Scheepjes Scrumptious in the Bubblegum Ice Cream colour – it’s been in my stash for a long time!  I bought mine at Wool Warehouse.

I was drawn to the fact that this yarn uses recycled plastic bottles!  The fibre is 50% recycled polyester (from the plastic bottles) and 50% acrylic. 

I wasn’t sure how it would feel … it’s actually the softest yarn I’ve worked with for an age.  It doesn’t split and slides smoothly on the hook. And gives a fabulous drape!

I love that Scrumptious is sustainable and of course the plastic makes it very strong.  It’s also great value for the cost – you get a whopping 300 metres/328 yards in a 100g ball.

All the usual care instructions apply:

  • Machine washable at 30 degrees
  • Dry flat
  • Iron on low
  • Do not bleach
  • Do not dry clean
  • Do not tumble dry

Yarn Substitutions

You can substitute any DK yarn but you might get a different drape than I did.

These yarns fall within gauge of the yarn I used and fibre content is similar:

Cygnet Kiddies Supersoft DK

YarnArt Baby

Emu Classic Baby DK

Gauge

3 X 3 dc, 2 X sc, 4 x chain 3’s = 15 sts

Unblocked 15 stitches X 11 rows = 10cm X 10cm  (4in X 4in)

Although gauge isn’t critical for this ruana pattern, if your swatch is too far out you can use the stitch gauge converter tool to adjust your stitches.  Keep in mind that the pattern is worked in multiples of 8.

Glossary

Crochet Stitches

This pattern uses these stitches:

Single Crochet (sc)

Double Crochet (dc)

Slip Stitch (sl st)

If you need any help to work these stitches, you’ll find instructions in my crochet stitch library.

For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.

US Crochet TermsUK Crochet Terms
single crochet (sc)double crochet (dc)
half double crochet (hdc)half treble crochet (htr)
double crochet (dc)treble crochet (tr)
treble (tr)double treble (dtr)
double treble (dtr)triple treble (trtr)

Abbreviations

  • Chain (ch)
  • Wrong Side (WS)
  • Right Side (RS)
  • Skip (sk)
  • Chain Space/s (ch-sp/s)
  • Stitch/es (st/s)
  • Repeat (rep)
  • Each (ea)

Measurements (including Yarn Amounts)

To Fit SizePanel Width (inches)Total Width (inches)Length (inches)Approx. Yarn Amount (yards)
S/M2040601600
L/XL2448621984
XXL/XXXL2856642390

How the crochet ruana pattern is worked

My pattern uses a 2-row repeat throughout. 

Chains and single crochet stitches (the stitches anchor the chain to the row) are worked in one row. 3 double crochet clusters and single crochet are worked into those chain spaces for the second row.  Easy!

This creates a gorgeous lacy pattern.

close up of the open stitch used in the ruana crochet pattern

Two identical (long) rectangles are worked in this stitch pattern.  Once crocheted, assembly is easy!

The panels are laid side by side, halfway from the bottom is measured and stitch markers are placed on the edges of the fabric to mark the seam.

The seam is sewn from the bottom to the stitch markers.

the crochet ruana laid out flat with front and back identified

(Note: it was a bit difficult to capture the ruana laid out flat once assembled! –  the image above isn’t in perspective but I wanted to show you how it would look.  This can sometimes be hard to visualise, especially if you’re a beginner.)

The two front panels go over each shoulder.

If you choose a button closure, you’ll sew your button onto the edge.

If you choose a crochet belt, instructions are included in the pattern below.

You could opt for both of these to wear for different occasions!

Ruana Pattern Notes

  • Pattern is written in US crochet terms
  • Multiples of 8 + 5
  • Sizes are written thus; S/M, (L/XXL, XXL/XXXL)
  • Chain one does not count as a stitch
  • Chain 3 counts as a double crochet
  • Pattern repeats are shown with * for example: *ch3, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch, *rep to last st. You will chain 3, skip 3 chains, single crochet in the next chain and repeat this sequence to the last stitch
  • Weave in ends as you go

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The ruana crochet pattern includes everything you need including:

  • how to work the stitches
  • how the pattern is worked
  • pattern notes
  • clear written instructions

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Ruana Crochet Pattern Instructions (US terms)

Rectangle (make 2)

With a 5mm / H-8 crochet hook

Ch101, (117, 133)

Row 1 (WS): sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch3, sk 3 chs, sc in next ch, *rep to last st, sc in last st, ch3, turn

Row 2 (RS): 3dc in 1st ch3-sp, *ch3, sc in next ch3-sp, ch3, 3dc in next ch3-sp, * rep to last ch3-sp, 3dc in last ch3-sp, dc in last st, ch1, turn

Row 3: sc in base of ch1, *ch3, sc in next ch3-sp, *rep across to last st, sc in last st, ch3, turn

Rows 2 and 3 form pattern

Row 4 – 143, (149, 157) rep rows 2 and 3

Fasten off.

Assembly

Seaming

With WS facing outwards, lay both rectangles flat lined up with each other

  1. Find the halfway mark on your rectangles and place a st marker
  2. Sew seam from the bottom up to the stitch marker (see image below)

Fasten off

diagram showing marking the crocheted rectangle half way up with a line and a red arrow showing from the bottom to half way up for sewing the seam

Optional Crochet Belt

With a 5mm / H-8 crochet hook

Ch250, (275, 300)

Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in ea ch across, DO NOT TURN, fold in half, sl st through foundation loop and loop of dc sts across.

Fasten off

That’s it!  Your crochet ruana is ready to be blocked and worn.

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Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

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Pinterest pin showing two different styles of wearing a crochet ruana and a close up of the open stitch pattern in a circle.  Text reads: crochet ruana wrap free pattern

Happy crocheting!

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