Diamonds Ruana

Diamonds Ruana by Divine Debris

What Is Being Made

The Diamonds Ruana is a crocheted wrap garment designed at an intermediate skill level. A ruana is a versatile, open-front shawl-like garment that drapes elegantly over the shoulders and can be worn as a layering piece or standalone cover-up. This particular design features a striking diamond pattern created through strategic color changes across the fabric.

Construction Method

The Diamonds Ruana is constructed in three separate pieces that work together to create the finished garment: one back panel and two front panels. Each piece is worked independently in rows using a back-and-forth flat construction method, with turns at the beginning and end of each row. This modular approach allows for easier color management and pattern execution, as you can focus on one section at a time before assembling the completed ruana.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques with a focus on post stitches to create dimensional texture and visual interest:

• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch throughout the entire pattern. Every stitch in the Diamonds Ruana is a double crochet, which creates a fabric with good drape and consistent texture suitable for a wearable garment.
• Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): Used to create raised stitches that sit in front of the fabric, adding dimensional detail to the diamond motif.
• Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Used to create raised stitches that sit behind the fabric, working in conjunction with front post stitches to enhance the three-dimensional diamond pattern.
• Chain (ch): Used for foundational chains and stitch construction throughout the pattern.

Color Work and Pattern Design

The diamond pattern is achieved through strategic color changes rather than complex stitch variations. The pattern uses three different colors of yarn, with specific color sequences indicated throughout the instructions as Color A, Color B, Color C, and additional colors as needed. The pattern notes recommend working with two skeins of Color A to facilitate color changes within rows, eliminating the need to carry yarn across the work. This technique keeps the fabric neat and prevents loose strands that could affect the garment's appearance and wearability.

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: Size #4 worsted weight yarn in three colors. Specific yardage requirements are detailed in the product dimensions section of the pattern.

Tools: US H (5.00 mm) crochet hook, scissors, measuring tape, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge: 14 double crochets by 7 rows equals 4 inches. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished garment to meet the intended dimensions and drape correctly.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated at intermediate difficulty, the Diamonds Ruana assumes familiarity with basic crochet fundamentals including chain stitch, double crochet, and color changes. The intermediate classification reflects the addition of post stitches (front post and back post double crochets) and the color-work complexity required to execute the diamond pattern accurately. Crocheters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations and following stitch counts to successfully complete this project.