This is a very easy ruana to create. Select a wool or cashmere blend fashion fabric where both sides of the fabric look good. You will love the feel and look of this comfortable wrap – make it very warm and soft. Similar ruanas in department stores can cost as much as $100. or more. It measures 36 inches as it hangs from your shoulders to your knees. Each panel in front is 22 inches wide and across the back it is 44 inches in width.
It has a 4 inch (10 cm) fringe at each short edge.
Begin by purchasing 2 yds. (1.85 m) length of loosely woven 54″ (137 cm) wide fashion fabric (plain weaves are best).
Square up the two cut ends of your fabric to create a 72″ rectangle. This can be done by drawing the crosswise yarns across the short ends. Fray each short end about 4″ (10 cm). The frayed edges may be trimmed if necessary. Machine-stitch with matching thread across top of the frayed area. This will create a fringe. (A)
Next step is to fold the fabric along its length so that both selvedge edges align. Measure 32″ (81 cm) from one frayed edge, along the fold and slash to that point. (B)
Cut 4″ (10 cm) from each selvedge edge along its length.
Machine-stitch a narrow double-rolled hem (eg. turn in ¼” then turn ¼” again) along the slashed opening and along each of the selvedge edges. (C)
Voila! …your stylish ruana wrap is ready!
March 25, 2008 at 3:37 am
The ruana is one of the most versatile and flattering garments in many cultures. I this is a great pattern for making your own. Whether you choose heavy or light fabric, always make sure it drapes well, for the fluid folds are the secret of the beauty of this garment. I shall use this pattern often
July 17, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I bought a black 4 ply long wrap from Yours Elegantly on sale and converted it to a ruana for my mother’s 60th birthday. She loved it then I went back to the site http://www.yourselegantly.com and saw designer ready ruana wraps for such a reasonable price. My mother loved thew hand made ruana – a labor of love she said is appreciated more.
July 17, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I’d say you had a lucky Mom.
August 30, 2009 at 6:45 pm
My favorite accessory is the ruana, I hand paint satin-edged chiffon to make the most versatile ruana I have ever seen. There are so many ways to wear this garment. You can wear it with basic black for special occasions or put it around your neck for warmth and a great pulled together every day look with denim. Please check out my website Joysilk.com!
August 30, 2009 at 8:18 pm
very beautiful, Joy.
September 1, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I bought some lovely black & Grey Ruana Cape Wraps from Yours Elegantly and have to agree with above comments that their Ruana are affordable and chic.
The comfort of a 3 ply ruana far exceeds that of a burdensome jacket or wool coat. The Designer Ruana are easy to wear just throw it on and take it off they look so stylish and fashionable and the pricing of about $34.99 up is great.
I highly reccomend http://www.yourselegantly.com for quality rua
na wraps and good customer service. They took my phone order in 3 minutes and I got the order in 3 days with a gift. That’s a big wow!
September 1, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Great Nikkie…try making one of your own…it’s easy peasy to do.