Apricot Diamond Motif Ruana Free Crochet Pattern
Apricot Diamond Motif Ruana Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This ruana is a soft, open-front layer made from 48 identical apricot square motifs, each finished with a peach border and joined into a diamond grid. It is designed for crocheters who are comfortable with double crochet and slip stitches and want a project that travels well — one square at a time. The finished wrap is light and drapey, 48" wide across the back and 30" long, with a clean peach neck binding and a simple single-crochet edging around the whole outer edge. Worn over a tee or a dress, it reads preppy and easy, and the open front means no buttons, no zippers, and no fuss.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton blend. Color A (apricot): 900 yards. Color B (peach): 200 yards.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8), or size needed to match gauge.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, blocking mats and rust-proof pins.
- Finished size: One size — 48" wide across the back, 30" long from shoulder to hem.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
- sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice.
- sp — space: the gap between stitches, usually under a chain.
- st(s) — stitch(es).
- rep — repeat.
Gauge
One square motif measures 4.5" x 4.5" after blocking. Work one motif, block it, and measure across the middle; if it is larger than 4.5", go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.
Tips Before You Start
- Make and block one square first. All 48 squares must match in size or the diamond grid will not line up when joined.
- Work all 48 squares before joining so you can lay them out and check the diamond shape.
- Keep your tension even on the corner increases — the [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] corners are what keep each square flat.
- Label your squares by strip as you join them, since the diagonal strips are easy to mix up.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Square Motif (make 48)
With color A, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
R1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
R2: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
R3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 4 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in next 7 dc; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (44 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
R4: With color B, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each dc around, working 3 sc in each ch-2 sp. Join with sl st to first sc. (56 sc) Fasten off.
Block each square to 4.5" x 4.5".
Layout
Arrange the 48 squares in a diamond grid: 6 squares wide at the center, decreasing by 1 square every 2 rows to 1 square at the top and 1 square at the bottom. (Total 48 squares)
Joining
With color B, join squares with sl st through back loops, matching stitches. Join squares into 6 diagonal strips, then join the strips.
Neck Binding
With color B, join yarn at the right front neck edge.
R1: Sc evenly around the neck opening, working 1 sc in each st and 2 sc in each corner. Join with sl st.
R2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with sl st. Fasten off.
Edging
With color B, join yarn at the bottom right corner of the right front.
R1: Sc evenly around the entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Join the squares as described above: first into 6 diagonal strips, then the strips to each other, all with peach slip stitches through back loops. Weave in all ends on the wrong side with the tapestry needle. Block the finished ruana to 48" wide and 30" long, pinning the corners square and letting it dry fully before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap color A for any solid worsted shade and keep the peach border for the same diamond effect.
- For a warmer version, use a wool-blend worsted and add a third round of sc in color B to the edging.
- To make the ruana longer, add one more row of squares at the bottom of the diamond grid before joining.
