Stone Ridge Ruana

Stone Ridge Ruana by Two of Wands

What is Being Made

The Stone Ridge Ruana is a beginner-friendly knitted cape and poncho design created by independent designer Two of Wands. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a versatile layering piece available in multiple sizes ranging from XS/S through 3XL/4XL, with finished back widths spanning from 43.5 inches to 56.75 inches. The ruana features a structured construction with distinct back and front panels, making it an accessible introduction to garment knitting for crafters new to the technique.

Techniques Used

The Stone Ridge Ruana employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The primary construction method uses garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row on both flat and circular needles. This stitch choice provides excellent stability and creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern utilizes double-stranded yarn knitting, meaning two strands of yarn are worked together simultaneously, which increases fabric density and reduces the number of skeins required while maintaining the desired finished dimensions. The design incorporates basic garment assembly techniques including casting on, stitch holding for later joining, and finishing with a tapestry needle.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The sole stitch used throughout the entire garment, created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch produces a thick, spongy fabric with excellent drape suitable for a ruana silhouette.

Materials and Tools

The Stone Ridge Ruana requires Lion Brand Yarn Beautiful You in the colorway Pumice Stone (165-150), a sport-weight yarn. The yardage needed varies by size: 6 skeins for XS/S, 7 skeins for M/L, and 8 skeins for both XL/2XL and 3XL/4XL sizes. Knitters will need US Size 11 (8mm) circular knitting needles measuring 29 inches long to accommodate the wider fabric panels. Additional tools include a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches during construction, marking pins for tracking pattern sections, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern's success. The unblocked gauge measures 12 stitches plus 23 rows equaling 4 inches in double-stranded garter stitch, while the lightly blocked gauge is 11 stitches plus 19 rows equaling 4 inches. Finished dimensions accommodate multiple body sizes with back widths ranging from 43.5 inches for XS/S to 56.75 inches for 3XL/4XL. Back neck openings scale proportionally from 4.25 inches to 6.5 inches across sizes. Front panel widths range from 19.5 inches to 25 inches, and total length varies from 22.25 inches to 24.25 inches depending on the selected size.