Wrapped in Love Ruana

Wrapped in Love Ruana by Creations By Courtney

What is Being Made

The Wrapped in Love Ruana is a crocheted cape-style garment designed as a versatile layering piece. This ruana features a heart-shaped back panel measuring 33 inches wide by 28 inches long, paired with front panels that measure 13.5 inches wide by 34 inches long. The design combines a dramatic heart motif with practical front coverage, creating an elegant wrap suitable for various occasions and body types.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several foundational and advanced techniques to create its distinctive structure. The pattern utilizes chainless starting double crochet (CSDC), a technique that eliminates the traditional foundation chain by pulling up loops directly into the working yarn. The ruana incorporates decrease stitches including double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) and double crochet 3 together (dc3tog), which shape the garment and create fitted areas. The construction method involves working separate geometric sections—a half-circle, triangle, and front panels—that are assembled together, allowing crafters to manage different stitch counts and gauges within a single project.

Stitches Used

The Wrapped in Love Ruana relies on a range of crochet stitches to build its structure and texture:

• Double Crochet (dc) – the primary stitch forming the foundation of most sections
• Treble (tr) – used for height and drape in specific areas
• Double Treble Crochet (dtr) – creates additional length and openness where needed
• Extended Double Crochet (edc) – adds texture and dimension
• Chain (ch) – creates spaces and foundation elements
• Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog) – decreases stitches for shaping
• Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog) – creates more pronounced decreases

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, a super-chunky weight yarn (#6) composed of 80% acrylic and 20% wool. The yarn blend provides warmth, durability, and easy care. The pattern requires 6 skeins of Claret (Color A), totaling approximately 565 yards, and 3 skeins of Fisherman (Color B), totaling approximately 269 yards. The two-color combination creates visual interest and allows the heart motif to stand out against the main body of the ruana.

Tools and Notions

Crafters will need a US P / 10.00 mm crochet hook, appropriately sized for the super-chunky yarn weight. Additional supplies include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembling pieces, scissors for cutting yarn, and a measuring tape to verify gauge and finished dimensions throughout the project.

Gauge Information

Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished size. The pattern specifies different gauges for different sections due to varying stitch types and construction methods. The half-circle section works at a gauge of 4 rows of double crochet equaling 4 inches in height. The triangle section maintains a gauge of 8 double crochet stitches by 4.5 rows measuring 4 inches. The front panels are worked at 7 stitches equaling 4 inches in width, with 2 rows in pattern equaling 1.5 inches in height. Working to these specified gauges ensures the finished heart back measures the intended 33 by 28 inches and the front panels measure 13.5 by 34 inches.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Wrapped in Love Ruana is accessible to crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques and multi-piece assembly. The project introduces decrease stitches and the chainless starting double crochet technique while maintaining straightforward stitch patterns, making it an excellent choice for advancing crafters seeking a wearable garment project.