This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure here.
What was a Ruana then?
Are you asking yourself, what is a Ruana? Well, that is a great question. The official answer is this. While the true origin of the Ruana varies, it seems to date way back to the early 1800s. The Muisca, the indigenous people of the Columbian Andes, wore them. Back then, the Ruana was used as a blanket-like cloak to keep warm while traveling in the cold weather through the Andes. It was typically made of thick knee-length wool and it was very soft and comfortable. Like a blanket. Which is why the Muisca called them ruana, which means “Land of Blankets” in Chibcha. The language spoken by the Muisca people.
What is a Ruana now?
Today the Ruana is a statement piece. It is a coverup that compliments any outfit. It is similar to a cape, or a poncho because it is worn as an outer garment. However the Ruana is always sleeveless with a slit down the middle. The length of the Ruana can vary from above the knee to below the knee, giving it plenty of style and versitility.
How to wear a Ruana
If you like a coverup that stylish and fun to wear, a Ruana is that way to go. Wear it open and loose with a tee-shirt, jeans and boots to level up your casual look. Or, if you want to look chic and well put together, wear it over a dress on date night. Accessorize your Ruana by wearing a beautiful belt around you waist and only over the front of the Ruana while letting the back flow free. There are so many ways to wear this gorgeous piece.
How to Make a Ruana
You can make a Ruana fast and easy. In some cases you may not need to use a sewing machine or even a needle.
- First choose a nice soft wool, wool-blend, or wool like fabric such as soft Minky or Fleece.
- Next decide on the length and width that you would prefer. You may want the length of your Ruana to fall above your knees. I like mine shorter in the front and a few inches longer in the back. You may like the no-sleeve opening to fall just below you elbow or longer. So measure across your back from wrist to wrist, elbow to elbow or forearm to forearm. This design choice is what make the Ruana so much fun to make.
- Fold your fabric in half widthwise.
- Cut a slit up the middle to the fold. Or, cut a narrow rectangle that measures half of you neck circumference.
- If you used wool that frays, you can add binding to keep if from fraying or you can sew a stretch stitch all around the border. Try cutting fringes into bottom edge of a Minky or Fleece Ruana.
And there you have it.
Watch my Video to see just how its done!
Thanks For Reading!
