How to Crochet a Sunset Beach Cover

With the Summer Nights Throw Blanket out there in the crochet world, it only seemed fitting to bring the pattern that started the set over to my blog as well…the Summer Nights Ruana! I’m so excited to be adding this crochet ruana pattern to Crafting for Weeks. This colorful wrap garment made it’s debut on the back in June 2020 and has since been updated in August of 2024.

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The Inspiration

The Summer Nights was originally a guest post for E’Claire Makery. When I began throwing ideas around for an idea for Claire’s blog I knew I wanted something that incorporated colorwork. If you’ve visited E’Claire Makery, you know that Claire does a lot of designs that focus on tapestry crochet and colorful designs. So I wanted something that would appeal to her audience.

I knew right away that I would be making a crochet ruana and I settled on a sunset theme. I pictured this item as something that could double as a swim cover, and also as a blanket/wrap for bonfires at the beach. On top of all that, I wanted to make it look like I was painting a beach scene with yarn. The Summer Nights Ruana really ended up checking all the boxes, and I’ve gotta say that I’m pretty pleased with it for my first crochet ruana pattern.

Check out my original design below!

The Redesigned Pattern

For this pattern, I used Lion Brand Ice Cream Cotton Blend. This was a new release for Lion Brand back in 2020. I really loved the slightly variegated effect it had; I felt like this subtle color changing gave the ruana some dimension. This yarn also has flecks of white throughout it, so it really tied all the color in together and made the color changes flow. But alas, they discontinued the yarn in 2022.

So I started looking for a new yarn with some of those same attributes. And I’ve gotta say, it took me awhile to find something with a large enough color palette, a fiber content I liked, and the white heather effect. But I finally found in with Premier Yarns Home Cottons! It wasn’t a perfect substitute, but I’m so happy with the result and glad I don’t have to retire this pattern.

While making my new sample, I tried to address some feedback I’d received from my original pattern. I adjusted my row count, took out the reflection section on the water (apparently it was unnecessarily challenging), eliminated the need for seaming, and also included a link directly to the chart to work off of in my PDF. I’m always happy when I can better a pattern and make it easier to use.

The Yarn

As I mentioned, the yarn for the updated version of the Summer Nights Ruana is Premier Yarn Home Cotton. The “splash” colorways of this yarn collection all have white flecks in the yarn and some very slight tonal variations in the color. I used Ocean Splash and Turquoise Splash for the water, Tangerine Splash, Flamingo Splash, and Violet Splash for the sky, and Sunshine Splash for the sun. The only color section that they didn’t have a match for was the sandy section of the piece. For this section, I opted to use the Creme Stripe color way, but I think solid color would look good here too.

Yarn Substitution Ideas

I always like to provide alternate options for yarn on my projects. Since both the original and updated yarn choices are worsted weight yarns, you have a lot of options for substitution in the yarn weight categories. If you’re sticking with cotton, another great option for this would be I Love This Cotton from Hobby Lobby, or Dishie Cotton from WeCrochet. One great thing about the Dishie Cotton is that it also comes in Dishie Multi, which some of the colors have that variegated effect that I loved with the Ice Cream Cotton. Another potentially great option I’ve seen if Comfy Cotton Mist from WeCrochet. This yarn has some similar tones to the Ice Cream Cotton Blend, so I think it could be a great sub.

While I like to work with cotton for summer-y projects, ultimately any worsted weight yarn will work. Just be aware that if you’re using acrylic or wool, your drape might be a bit different.

If you love this ruana, be sure to check out the Summer Nights Throw Blanket. The throw blanket uses the same color scheme and techniques to make a home decor piece instead of a garment.

Special Techniques

Most of the color changes in the project are simple row changes. However, there is a bit of tapestry crochet involved. And there’s one area that I incorporated a special technique to get it a special effect.

I was trying to get the sunset reflection on the water, I wanted to use two strands of yarn without increasing the size of the stitches. To do this, I came up with a fun technique that I called HDC Fade Stitch. I have a full step-by-step tutorial on this technique right here! (UPDATE: the new version of this pattern excludes the HDC Fade section, but if you want learn it, you can still check out the post.)

For the bit of tapestry crochet involved, you can either work from a graph or from the written instructions. While I have included the written instructions below, I will link to a graph on Stitch Fiddle. It is a bit too wide to see well on the blog, but you can download it from there or work directly from the website.

Love it? Pin It for Later!

Let’s Get Started!

Materials Needed

11 Skeins of Lion Brand Ice Cream Cotton Blend (or similar Worsted Weight yarn)
- 4 Skeins of Premier Home Cotton in Creme Stripe (+1 Skein for fringe)
- 4 Skeins of Premier Home Cotton in Violet Splash (+1 Skein for fringe)
- 4 Skeins of Premier Home Cotton in Flamingo Splash (+1 Skein for fringe)
- 4 Skeins of Premier Home Cotton in Tangerine Splash (+1 Skein for fringe)
- 2 Skeins of Premier Home Cotton in Ocean Splash (+1 Skein for fringe)
- 2 Skeins of Premier Home Cotton in Turquoise Splash (+1 Skein for fringe)
- 1 Skein of Premier Home Cotton in Sunshine Splash
Size J (6.0mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Measuring Tape

Stitches Used

HDC – Half Double Crochet
Ch – Chain
HDC Mesh – Half Double Crochet Mesh (HDC, ch 1, sk 1 st)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Gauge

(With J hook) *HDC row, HDC row, HDC Mesh row.* Repeat from * to * until swatch reaches appropriated size. 12 stitches x 10 rows = 4” square

Finished Measurements

26” x 52”

Notes

This pattern is an update of a previous version. Please note that row counts, techniques, and sizing has changed slightly from the previous version.
Chains at the beginning of the rows do not count as stitches throughout this pattern.
This pattern repeats the same 3-row combination (Hdc, Hdc, Hdc Mesh) throughout the blanket. This pattern is continued through color changes as well.
There is a graph as well as written instructions to complete the color changes on this blanket.
If adjusting the width, it is recommended that you add stitches in increments of 4: 2 stitches to each end of the ruana and 2 stitches to each of the front panels. Keep the added stitches in mind when completing the sunset portion of the piece.
If adjusting the length of the piece, continue the 3-row combination adding whatever color changes you wish until the piece measures the desired length. Add the same number of repeats to the front panels.
You can add fringe to the outside edge of this ruana, in lieu of weaving all of the ends. You will additional skein of each color to complete 6” fringe.

Colorwork Chart

To access a digital copy of this chart for easier reading and adjustable view size, please visit my Stitch Fiddle Chart.

Pattern

BACK PANEL

SAND

Row 1: With Color A (Chocolate), Ch 162. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (161)

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each stitch across. (161)

Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. *Hdc 1, ch 1, sk 1 st. (HDC Mesh) * Repeat from * to * until you reach the last stitch. Hdc in last stitch. (81 Hdc, 80 ch sp)

Row 4: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in top of last hdc from previous row. *Hdc in ch sp, hdc in top of hdc from previous row.* Repeat from * to * across ending with hdc in last stitch. (161)

Row 5-12: Repeat Rows 2-4 three more times ending on a Row 3 repeat.

WATER

Row 13-18: Switch to Color B (Ocean Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4 two more times ending on a Row 3 repeat.

Row 19-24: Switch to Color C (Turquoise Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4 two more times ending on a Row 3 repeat.

SUN

NOTES: In this section, you will be carrying the “sky” color as you complete the “sun” stitches. You will work the sun stitches around the unused sky color. When you complete the last square of sun in a row, leave the accent color there to be picked up in the following row and finish the row with the sky color. Work over the sun yarn, when decreases are more than one stitch. In rows that there are chains between the hdc stitches, you will complete a chain stitch with both colors.

Row 25-30: Switch to Color D (Tangerine Splash) and Color E (Sunshine Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4 changing colors based on the following row instructions or use chart (page ). End on a Row 3 repeat.

Row 31 : (Color D) x 65, (Color E) x 31, (Color D) x 65

Row 32 : (Color D) x 65, (Color E) x 31, (Color D) x 65

Row 33 : (Color D) x 65, (Color E) x 31, (Color D) x 65

Row 34: (Color D) x 66, (Color E) x 29, (Color D) x 66

Row 35: (Color D) x 67, (Color E) x 27, (Color D) x 67

Row 36: (Color D) x 68, (Color E) x 25, (Color D) x 68

Row 31-36: Switch to Color F (Flamingo Splash) and Color E (Sunshine Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4 changing colors based on the following row instructions or use chart (page ). End on a Row 3 repeat.

Row 31 : (Color F) x 69, (Color E) x 23, (Color F) x 69

Row 32 : (Color F) x 70, (Color E) x 21, (Color F) x 70

Row 33 : (Color F) x 71, (Color E) x 19, (Color F) x 71

Row 34: (Color F) x 73, (Color E) x 15, (Color F) x 73

Row 35: (Color F) x 75, (Color E) x 11, (Color F) x 75

Row 36: (Color F) x 161

SKY

Note: Each of these color changes will end on a Row 3 repeat.

Row 37-39: Switch to Color D (Tangerine Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4.

Row 40–42: Switch to Color F (Flamingo Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4.

Row 43-45: Switch to Color G (Violet Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4.

Row 46-48: Switch to Color D (Tangerine Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4.

Row 49-51: Switch to Color G (Violet Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4.

Row 52-54: Switch to Color F (Flamingo Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4.

Row 55-60: Switch to Color G (Violet Splash). Repeat Rows 2-4 twice.

Leave yarn attached and move onto to Front Panels.

FRONT PANEL

Start by marking stitch 73 and 88 with a stitch marker. These will be the inside edges of your front panels.

SKY

Row 61: Continuing with Color G (Violet Splash). Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in top of last hdc from previous row. *Hdc in ch sp, hdc in top of hdc from previous row.* Repeat from * to * across ending with hdc in the marked first marked stitch from the edge. (73)

Row 62: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each stitch across. (73)

Row 63: Ch 1 and turn. *Hdc 1, ch 1, sk 1 st. (HDC Mesh) * Repeat from * to * until you reach the last stitch. Hdc in last stitch. (37 Hdc, 36 ch sp)

Row 64-66: Repeat Rows 61-63.

Row 67-69: Switch to Color F (Flamingo Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63.

Row 70-72: Switch to Color G (Violet Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63.

Row 73-75: Switch to Color D (Tangerine Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63.

Row 76-78: Switch to Color G (Violet Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63.

Row 79–81: Switch to Color F (Flamingo Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63.

Row 82-84: Switch to Color D (Tangerine Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63.

Row 85–90: Switch to Color F (Flamingo Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63 twice.

Row 91-96: Switch to Color D (Tangerine Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63 twice.

WATER

Row 97-102: Switch to Color C (Turquoise Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63 twice

Row 103-108: Switch to Color B (Ocean Splash). Repeat Rows 61-63 twice.

SAND

Row 109-117: Switch to Color A (Creme Stripe). Repeat Rows 61-63 three times.

Row 118: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each stitch across. (73)

Row 119: Ch 1 and turn. Hdc in each stitch across. (73)

Fasten off.

With Color G (Violet Splash), attach yarn to the second marked stitch. There should be 15 stitches between the inside edge of the first front panel and where you attach the yarn to start the second front panel.

Row 61: Hdc in top of hdc from previous row. *Hdc in ch sp, hdc in top of hdc from previous row.* Repeat from * to * across ending with hdc in each stitch across. (73)

Repeat Rows 62-119 from FRONT PANEL. Fasten off.

FINISHING

Weave ends along the inside edge of front panel. Leave ends on outside if adding fringe.
Block your piece.
Optional: Add fringe along the outside edges of front and back panel by cutting 14” strands of each color of yarn and attaching two strands in each stitch along outside edge according to color section.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love the Summer Nights Ruana as much as I do! This piece is so stunning when it’s finished; its basically a work of art in yarn. And I’d love to see some of your finished ruanas. Be sure to tag me @craftingforweeks on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #summernightsruana! And if you loved this project, be sure to check out the Summer Nights Throw blanket as well!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

How to Crochet a Sunset Beach Cover

The Inspiration

The Redesigned Pattern