Forest Green Saddle Tan Accent Ruana Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Forest Green Saddle Tan Accent Ruana is the perfect first garment for a crocheter who has mastered the basics and is ready for something wearable. It is made from one simple flat rectangle, so there is no shaping, no increasing, and no complicated counting to worry about. The deep forest green body is worked in vertical half double crochet ribbing, giving it a soft, stretchy texture that drapes beautifully, while the rust contrast at the bottom edge and cuffs adds a warm western-inspired accent. Once folded and seamed, it becomes a cozy, poncho-style layer that looks and feels like a boutique piece but is genuinely beginner-friendly.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or wool blend. Forest green: 4 skeins, 200 yds each (about 800 yds). Rust: 1 skein, 200 yds.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, measuring tape, scissors
- Finished size: One size fits most: 40 inches wide and 30 inches long, including the bottom edging
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- st(s): stitch(es)
- blo: back loop only (work into the loop farthest from you)
- tog: together
Gauge
14 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet ribbing (hdc in back loop only). Work a small swatch in the back-loop ribbing and measure it flat without stretching; if you have more stitches than 14 per 4 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Always work into the back loop only after Row 1. This is what creates the vertical ribbed texture and the stretchy drape, so it is worth double-checking each stitch.
- Count your stitches at the end of every few rows. The rectangle should stay at 104 hdc throughout, and a quick count saves you from a lopsided ruana later.
- Measure the rectangle as you go rather than counting rows. Length matters more than row count here, so stop when the green section measures 28 inches.
- Keep your tension relaxed. Tight ribbing will make the ruana stiff and narrow, so let the fabric relax as you work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rectangle (worked flat in rows)
Row 1: With forest green, ch 106. Hdc in the 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across (104 hdc).
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in back loop only of each st across (104 hdc).
Rows 3-84: Repeat Row 2 (104 hdc). Continue repeating Row 2 until the piece measures 28 inches from the beginning, ending after a wrong-side row. Your exact row count may vary slightly with tension; the measurement is what matters.
Next row (rust): Change to rust. Ch 2, turn, hdc in back loop only of each st across (104 hdc).
Last row: Ch 2, turn, hdc in back loop only of each st across (104 hdc). Fasten off.
Edging (rust)
Edging row: Join rust at the bottom right corner of the rectangle. Ch 1, work 1 row of sc evenly along the bottom edge (104 sc). Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with right sides together, matching the short ends. Using rust or forest green yarn and your tapestry needle (or a slip stitch seam with your hook), seam each side from the bottom edge up 10 inches, leaving the armholes open above the seams. Fasten off securely. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working them through several stitches so they stay put. Block lightly to measurements: mist the ruana, pat it flat to 40 inches wide and 30 inches long, and let it dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- For a longer, more dramatic drape, add rows to the green section before the rust contrast rows, keeping the 104-stitch width the same.
- Swap the rust accent for saddle tan, mustard, or cream to change the western feel without altering the pattern.
- Add a simple sc border around each armhole opening for a neat, finished edge that also helps the armholes hold their shape.
