Garden Trellis Ruana: Free Crochet Pattern
Garden Trellis Ruana: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Garden Trellis Ruana is a lightweight, openwork wrap that brings a bright pop of color to any outfit. It is designed for beginners who know the basic stitches and want a project that looks impressive without complicated shaping. Worked as one long rectangle in a simple V-stitch mesh, it folds in half with a neck opening so it drapes over the shoulders like a cozy, airy poncho. The neon pink, orange, and lime gradient gives it a playful cottagecore feel, and the open mesh keeps it soft and breathable for layering all year round.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic yarn, approximately 600 yards total: 200 yards each in neon pink (A), neon orange (B), and lime green (C).
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
- Notions: Stitch markers (at least 3), tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape.
- Finished size: One size: 60 inches long x 20 inches wide before folding; fits most adults.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- sk – skip
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- V-st – V-stitch: [dc, ch 2, dc] worked in the same stitch or space
- sc – single crochet
- rep – repeat
Gauge
4 V-stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch in V-stitch mesh and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Count your V-stitches at the end of every row to keep the mesh even; you should always have 40 V-stitches.
- Keep your turning chain relaxed so the side edges stay straight and don't pull in.
- Change colors at the end of the last row of each band, finishing the final dc of that row with the new color for a clean transition.
- Mark the center of the folded edge before seaming so the 10-inch neck opening stays centered.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rectangle (worked in one piece)
Row 1: With A (neon pink), ch 122. V-st in 5th ch from hook (sk 4 ch, [dc, ch 2, dc] in next ch), *sk 2 ch, V-st in next ch; rep from * across, end sk 2 ch, dc in last ch. Turn. (40 V-sts)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), *V-st in next ch-2 sp; rep from * across, end dc in top of turning ch. Turn. (40 V-sts)
Rows 3-8: Rep Row 2. (40 V-sts) Fasten off A.
Rows 9-16: Join B (neon orange) and rep Row 2 for 8 rows. (40 V-sts) Fasten off B.
Rows 17-24: Join C (lime green) and rep Row 2 for 8 rows. (40 V-sts) Fasten off C.
Neck Opening
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with right sides together, matching the short ends. Mark the center of the folded edge. Measure 5 inches from the center mark on each side and place markers, creating a 10-inch opening.
Assembly Seam
Sew or crochet a seam from each short end to the marker, leaving the 10-inch opening unseamed.
Edging
Rnd 1: With right side facing, join C at the neck opening. Work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire outer edge and neck opening, working 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side. Gently block the ruana by misting it lightly and pinning it to the finished measurements (60 x 20 inches before folding), then let it dry completely to open up the mesh and even out the edges.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Try a softer gradient, such as blush to cream to sage, for a more muted cottagecore look.
- Add a second round of sc edging in a contrasting color for a bolder border.
- Work extra pattern rows in each color band to make a longer, more dramatic ruana.
