Noro Rambler Ruana Vest Knitting Pattern

Noro Rambler Ruana

What Is Being Made

The Noro Rambler Ruana is an intermediate-level knitted vest designed as a versatile layering piece. This garment is sized for Small/Medium and Large/X-Large, with a finished back width of 28 inches (71cm) or 32 inches (81cm) respectively, and a length of 37 inches (94cm). The ruana style offers a relaxed, comfortable fit suitable for wearing over other garments.

Construction Technique

This vest is constructed using a bottom-up, seamless, worked-flat approach. The bottom-up method means knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the neckline, allowing for easier fit adjustments during construction. The seamless construction eliminates the need for seaming pieces together, resulting in a more polished finished garment. Working flat on straight needles creates distinct rows that form the fabric structure, contrasting with circular knitting methods.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques to create visual interest and shaping:

• Increases: The pattern uses the "make one" technique, which involves lifting the strand between stitches and knitting into the back loop to add stitches. This method creates minimal visible increases in the fabric.
• Decreases: Slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases are employed, where two stitches are slipped knitwise individually, then worked together through their front loops to decrease one stitch.
• Striping: The design features stripes, which are created by changing yarn colors or shades at regular intervals throughout the knitting process.
• Chart Reading: The pattern uses knitting charts with "no stitch" spaces indicated by shading, requiring knitters to skip over these areas where stitches have been decreased or not yet made.
• Selvage Stitches: Edge stitches are incorporated to facilitate easier seaming, though the seamless construction minimizes seaming requirements.
• Yarn Overs: These create new stitches and are often used in lace or textured sections to add decorative elements.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Rambler Ruana requires 5 or 6 balls of Noro Bachi yarn in colorway #01, depending on the size selected. Each ball weighs 200 grams, providing ample yardage for the complete garment. The pattern calls for size US 13 (9mm) needles for the main fabric and one size US 11 (8mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100cm) long, likely used for ribbing or edging. Additional notions include five 1¼-inch (32mm) buttons for closure, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and stitch holders for managing active stitches during construction.

The editor recommends using LYKKE needles and hooks for best results, indicating a preference for high-quality tools that provide smooth stitching and durability throughout the project.