Plaid Ruana in Noro Tennen - 15506 - Downloadable PDF

Plaid Ruana in Noro Tennen – Pattern Summary (15506)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Noro presents the Plaid Ruana, a relaxed, open-front wrap that falls somewhere between a cape and a poncho. Ruanas are a classic outerwear silhouette rooted in South American textile tradition — essentially a large, rectangular piece of fabric with a center slit or opening for the head and shoulders, worn draped over the body. This version is rated Easy, making it an excellent project for beginner knitters who want to create a stylish, wearable garment without navigating complex shaping or construction.

Finished Dimensions

The completed Plaid Ruana measures approximately 42 inches (106.5 cm) wide and 29 inches (73.5 cm) long after finishing. These generous dimensions give the wrap its characteristic draped, enveloping silhouette that works beautifully as a transitional-season outer layer.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Noro Tennen, a DK-weight yarn celebrated for Noro's signature hand-dyed, self-striping color progressions. Two colorways are used to achieve the plaid effect:

• 6 x 100g hanks of Noro Tennen in colorway #45 (Main Color / MC)
• 2 x 100g hanks of Noro Tennen in colorway #02 (Contrast Color / CC)

The interplay between the MC and CC, combined with Noro Tennen's natural color shifts, creates the plaid patterning that gives this ruana its name. Noro Tennen is a plant-based yarn known for its earthy tones and organic texture, making it well-suited to a relaxed, artisanal garment like this one.

In addition to yarn, the following tools are required:

• One US size 8 / 5mm circular needle, 24 inches (60 cm) long — sized to achieve gauge
• Stitch markers
• Crochet hook, US size H-8 / 5mm — used for finishing details

The pattern editor specifically recommends LYKKE® needles and hooks for best results with this project.

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is important for matching the stated finished measurements. The pattern specifies 14 stitches and 22 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) over Stockinette stitch using a US 8 / 5mm needle. Knitters should work a gauge swatch before beginning and adjust needle size as needed.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Despite its beginner-friendly difficulty rating, this pattern introduces knitters to a well-rounded set of foundational techniques. The primary fabric is worked in Stockinette stitch, the most classic of all knitting structures, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The plaid design is achieved through the strategic use of two yarn colors worked in sequence.

Additional techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Make One Purl (M1P) — a lifted increase worked purlwise, adding a single purl stitch by lifting the horizontal strand between two stitches and purling into it
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) and Slip, Slip, Purl (SSP) — left-leaning decrease stitches created by slipping two stitches knitwise or purlwise one at a time, then working them together through the front loops
• Slip stitch — passing a stitch from the left needle to the right needle without working it, used in both knitting and crochet contexts within this pattern
• Pick up and knit / pick up and purl — techniques for retrieving stitches along a finished edge to add borders or additional sections
• Yarn over (YO) — placing the yarn over the right-hand needle to create a new stitch, often used decoratively or in conjunction with decreases
• Selvage stitches — dedicated edge stitches worked at the beginning and end of rows to create a neat, seam-friendly