String Gwen Colorblock Ruana Wrap Knitting Pattern

String Gwen Colorblock Ruana

What Is Being Made

The String Gwen Colorblock Ruana is a seamless, one-piece knitted wrap designed by Lidia Karabinech. This versatile shawl garment features a colorblock construction with three distinct yarn colors creating visual interest across the piece. The ruana measures 42 inches wide and 50 inches long, making it a generous wrap suitable for one size fits all wear. The design combines both stockinette stitch and ribbed sections for textural variety and a polished finished appearance.

Construction and Techniques

This ruana is worked flat on circular needles and constructed bottom-up in a single seamless piece. The construction method begins with the right and left fronts, then continues by working the left front, casting on center back stitches, and proceeding with the right front before finishing with the bottom back hem. This innovative approach eliminates the need for seaming while maintaining structural integrity throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch pattern, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This classic stitch provides a smooth, refined fabric surface ideal for showcasing the colorblock yarn transitions.
• 2x2 Rib: A textured stitch pattern using alternating knit and purl stitches in a two-by-two sequence. The ribbed sections appear strategically throughout the design, particularly at the edges and in the center back area, creating definition and visual structure.

Materials and Specifications

The Gwen Colorblock Ruana is crafted using STRING DOLCETTO yarn, a premium blend of 70% Merino wool and 30% cashmere. This fiber composition provides warmth, softness, and luxurious drape characteristic of high-quality wraps. The yarn specifications are 1.75 ounces per 50-gram ball with a yardage of 136 yards per 125 meters.

Yarn quantities by color:

• 7 balls in color 400002 ebony (A) for the primary colorblock section
• 2 balls in color 200073 silver (B) for accent colorblocking
• 2 balls in color 200580 brick (C) for additional colorblock contrast

The pattern calls for Size 9 (5.5mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches long, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include a stitch holder and yarn needle for finishing.

Gauge and Finishing

The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 21 rows equals 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure the finished measurements of 42 inches wide by 50 inches long are achieved. Blocking is an essential finishing step to set the stitches and achieve the intended drape and dimensions of this elegant wrap.