Wren Rattan Crochet Top – FREE PATTERN

There is something deeply satisfying about picking up a hook and a ball of yarn and knowing that by the end of a project, you will have something genuinely wearable. The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is exactly that kind of pattern — a garment that looks like it belongs on a boutique shelf, made entirely by your own hands. Whether you are newer to garment crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a breezy summer project, this top is a wonderful addition to your pattern collection. It has an airy, textured look inspired by the warmth and natural feel of rattan weaving, and it works up beautifully in a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn.

At Lakeside Loopstide, we believe crochet should be both approachable and exciting. This free pattern walks you through every step, from the materials you will need to the finishing touches that pull the whole piece together. Grab your hook, settle into your favorite chair, and let us get started.

About the Wren Rattan Crochet Top

The Wren Rattan Top gets its name from two places. The wren is a small, spirited bird associated with warmth and creativity — and this top has that same energy. It is compact and clever in its construction, but it makes a real statement when worn. The “rattan” in the name refers to the stitch pattern at the heart of the design, a combination of front post stitches and open mesh that mimics the interlaced, woven look of rattan furniture. The result is a top with real visual texture — dimensional, tactile, and completely unique.

This is a pullover-style top with a relaxed, slightly cropped fit. It sits just at or slightly below the natural waist, making it perfect to wear with high-waisted jeans, linen trousers, or a flowing skirt. The neckline is wide and comfortable, and the sleeves are short cap sleeves that add just enough coverage without feeling heavy in the heat. The overall silhouette is relaxed and flattering across a wide range of body types, and the pattern includes sizing notes to help you customize the fit.

Materials and Tools

Before you cast on, gather everything you need so the process flows smoothly from start to finish.

Yarn: You will need approximately 400–700 yards of a DK or light worsted weight yarn, depending on your size. A 100% cotton yarn works beautifully here because it has the drape and breathability this design calls for. Some makers also love a cotton-linen blend for a slightly crisper hand. Avoid anything too fuzzy or textured, as the stitch pattern needs to show clearly to get the full rattan effect. Suggested yardage by size is listed below in the sizing section.

Hook: A 4.0mm or 4.5mm crochet hook is recommended. Gauge matters for garments, so do test a swatch and adjust your hook size as needed. A smooth, ergonomic hook will be your best friend over the hours you spend on this project.

Notions: You will also need a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, a few stitch markers to keep track of your rounds and stitch counts, scissors, and a measuring tape. A blocking mat and rust-proof pins are strongly recommended for finishing, especially if you are working in cotton.

Gauge

Gauge is important in any garment pattern, and this one is no exception. Take the time to work a gauge swatch — it only takes twenty minutes and it can save you hours of frustration later.

Gauge: 16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the main rattan stitch pattern, blocked.

Work a swatch of at least 6 inches by 6 inches, block it, and measure from the center of the swatch rather than the edges. If your gauge is too tight (meaning you have more stitches per inch than called for), go up a hook size. If your gauge is too loose, go down a hook size.

Sizing

The Wren Rattan Top is written in six sizes to fit a range of bust measurements. Because the design has a relaxed fit, we recommend choosing your size based on your actual bust measurement and then adding 2–4 inches of ease depending on how you like your tops to fit.

Sizes are written as follows, with finished bust measurements listed in parentheses:

Size 1 is designed for a 32–34 inch bust and yields a finished bust of 36 inches. You will need approximately 400–430 yards of yarn.

Size 2 is designed for a 34–36 inch bust and yields a finished bust of 38 inches. You will need approximately 440–470 yards.

Size 3 is designed for a 36–38 inch bust and yields a finished bust of 40 inches. You will need approximately 480–510 yards.

Size 4 is designed for a 38–42 inch bust and yields a finished bust of 44 inches. You will need approximately 530–570 yards.

Size 5 is designed for a 42–46 inch bust and yields a finished bust of 48 inches. You will need approximately 580–630 yards.

Size 6 is designed for a 46–50 inch bust and yields a finished bust of 52 inches. You will need approximately 640–700 yards.

Throughout the pattern, stitch counts and instructions for each size are listed in order, separated by commas or within parentheses in the format Size 1 (Size 2, Size 3, Size 4, Size 5, Size 6).

Abbreviations and Stitch Guide

This pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
FPdc — front post double crochet
BPdc — back post double crochet
ch-sp — chain space
sk — skip
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
st — stitch
pm — place marker
sm — slip marker

Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch (not through the top of the stitch), yarn over and pull up a loop, complete as a regular double crochet. This stitch creates a raised, dimensional line on the right side of the work.

Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, complete as a regular double crochet.

Rattan Stitch Panel (worked flat, multiple of 4 + 2):
Row 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st across. Turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, rep from across. Turn.
Row 3 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ch-2 sp, FPdc around next sc two rows below, rep from to last sp, 2 dc in last ch-2 sp, dc in last sc. Turn.
Row 4 (WS): Repeat Row 2.
Row 5 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ch-2 sp, FPdc around FPdc from two rows below, rep from to last sp, 2 dc in last ch-2 sp, dc in last sc. Turn.

Rows 4 and 5 form the repeating rattan pattern. Continue as established throughout the body of the top.

Pattern Instructions

Body (worked flat in two panels, then seamed)

The Wren Rattan Top is worked in two identical panels — a front and a back — that are then seamed at the sides and shoulders. This construction makes it easy to try on as you go and to adjust the length before finishing.

Foundation: Chain 73 (77, 81, 89, 97, 105).

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc), dc in each ch across — 71 (75, 79, 87, 95, 103) dc. Turn.

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next st, rep from across. Turn.

Row 3 (RS): Ch 3, 2 dc in ch-2 sp, FPdc around corresponding sc from Row 1, rep from to last ch-2 sp, 2 dc in last ch-2 sp, dc in last sc. Turn.

Continue working in the rattan stitch pattern (rows 4 and 5 as established) until the panel measures 12 (12, 12.5, 12.5, 13, 13) inches from foundation, ending on a WS row.

Armhole Shaping: On the next RS row, sl st across first 4 (4, 6, 6, 8, 8) sts, ch 3, continue in pattern to last 4 (4, 6, 6, 8, 8) sts, leave remaining sts unworked. Turn. You will now have 63 (67, 67, 75, 79, 87) sts.

Continue in pattern for another 6 (6, 6.5, 6.5, 7, 7) inches.

Neckline Shaping (Front Panel Only): Work across first 20 (22, 22, 26, 28, 32) sts in pattern. Leave center sts unworked (this forms the front neck opening). Attach yarn to corresponding position on the other side and work remaining 20 (22, 22, 26, 28, 32) sts in pattern. Work each shoulder section independently for 2 more rows. Fasten off.

Back Panel: Work the back panel exactly as the front through the armhole shaping. Continue in pattern without neckline shaping for the full armhole depth, so that the back neckline sits slightly higher than the front. Fasten off.

Cap Sleeves (worked in the round after seaming)

Once both panels are complete and seamed at the sides and one shoulder, work the cap sleeves before seaming the second shoulder.

With RS facing, attach yarn at the base of one armhole opening. Work a round of sc evenly around the armhole edge, placing approximately 3 sc for every 4 row ends and 1 sc in each stitch along any bound-off or chained edges. Join with sl st.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join.
Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each st around, working FPdc around every 4th st to echo the rattan texture of the body. Join.
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join.

Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for the second armhole.

Neckline Finishing

With RS facing, attach yarn at the center back neck. Work a round of sc evenly around the entire neckline, including across the front neck opening and around both shoulder sections.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join.
Round 3: Sl st in each st around for a neat, flat edging.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Hem Finishing

With RS facing, attach yarn at the side seam at the bottom hem. Work a round of sc in each foundation chain stitch around the full hem.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), FPdc around next sc, dc in next sc, rep from around. Join.
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join.

Fasten off and weave in ends. This small hem border echoes the rattan texture and gives the bottom edge a polished, finished look.

Assembly and Seaming

Lay both panels flat on your blocking mat. Use stitch markers or pins to align the side edges. Using a yarn needle and a length of matching yarn, seam the sides using a mattress stitch or whip stitch, working from the hem up to the armhole shaping on both sides.

Seam one shoulder completely, then work the sleeves as described above, then seam the second shoulder. This order makes working the sleeves much easier and gives you a cleaner finish.

Blocking

Blocking is not optional with a garment like this — it is transformative. Wet blocking cotton opens up the stitches, evens out the tension, and really brings the rattan stitch pattern to life.

Soak the finished top in cool water for about twenty minutes, then gently press out the excess water by rolling it in a towel. Never wring. Lay the top flat on your blocking mat and pin it out to your finished measurements, paying special attention to the neckline and hem to ensure they lie flat. Let it dry completely before removing the pins. You will be amazed at the difference.

Yarn Recommendations

Since the yarn choice really does make or break a garment like this, here are a few suggestions that work especially well with this pattern. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton is a widely available, affordable option with excellent stitch definition. Paintbox Simply DK Cotton is another great choice for its vast range of colors. For something a little more elevated, Rowan Handknit Cotton has a lovely drape and comes in a gorgeous range of naturals and earthy tones that pair perfectly with the rattan aesthetic. If you prefer a linen blend, Paintbox Simply DK with Wool or a cotton-linen hybrid like Fibra Natura Tierra would give the top a beautifully textured, slightly rustic feel.

Styling the Wren Rattan Top

One of the best things about this top is how versatile it is. In the warmer months, wear it with wide-leg linen trousers and sandals for a relaxed, elevated look. Tuck it into a high-waisted floral midi skirt for something softer and more feminine. Layer it over a fitted ribbed bralette for a relaxed beach-to-brunch outfit. In cooler weather, wear it over a fitted long-sleeve base layer for a textural, layered effect.

The rattan stitch texture means this top photographs beautifully, which is always a bonus if you love sharing your makes on social media. Natural light, warm tones, and earthy backgrounds bring out the handmade quality of the piece in a way that looks editorial and intentional.

Tips and Troubleshooting

A few things to keep in mind as you work through this pattern. First, the rattan stitch pattern can feel a little slow at first because of the front post stitches and the alternating mesh rows, but once you get into the rhythm it moves surprisingly quickly. Trust the process.

Second, keep your tension consistent, especially when working FPdc stitches. Post stitches worked too tightly can pull the fabric and distort the rattan effect, so try to work them with a slightly relaxed tension.

Third, if you find the top is coming out shorter than expected, simply add more repeats of the rattan stitch pattern before the armhole shaping. This is a very forgiving pattern when it comes to length adjustments.

Finally, if you are new to garment construction, do not let the seaming and shaping sections intimidate you. Read through the instructions once before you begin, keep a copy nearby as you work, and take it one step at a time. The construction is genuinely straightforward once you see how the pieces fit together.

Share Your Make

We would love to see your finished Wren Rattan Top. If you share your project on Instagram or Ravelry, tag it with #WrenRattanTop and #LakesideLoopstide so we can find it and celebrate your work. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing all the different color choices, yarn substitutions, and creative styling that makers bring to a pattern — and your version might be exactly what encourages someone else to cast on.

Happy making, and as always — keep your loops loose and your coffee strong.

This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not sell or redistribute the pattern itself. You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern with credit to Lakeside Loopstide.