Originating from the Andes region of Columbia, the ruana is traditionally a ‘rectangular, sleeveless, knee length, woven outer garment slit down the front from neck to hem’. This shorter, narrower, more delicate version is worked in a mosaic crochet technique and is a useful extra layer.

Skill Level - Intermediate

You can chose to work either from a chart or from full written instructions (or both).

For the most part you will be using only simple stitches (chain, slipstitch, single crochet and double crochet). However, you will need to be comfortable making a foundation single crochet row and ideally a PLT JAYG (pull loop through join as you go) join at the end.

This mosaic technique is worked in rows with the right side always facing you, alternating between the main colour and the contrast colour with each row - so you cut your yarn at the end of every row. Before you panic about all the ends … you will be creating a ‘built-in’ fringe as you go. There are no ends to weave in - in fact no sewing at all!

A specific gauge is not vital for this project and it could be worked in any weight of yarn, although the end effect might be rather different. It is easy to adjust shoulder to hem length. If you would prefer a wider ruana It is possible to repeat part of the pattern.

You will probably find you need to use a hook slightly larger than you normally would for the yarn you choose.

Obviously, the size, weight and meterage of your own work will be dependent upon your choice of number of repeats, rows, yarn, hook and personal tension.