Wren Rattan Crochet Top – FREE Pattern
There is something quietly magical about a garment that looks like it took years of expertise but comes together stitch by stitch in a way that feels completely achievable. The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is exactly that kind of project. It has the breezy, sun-soaked aesthetic of something you would find in a boutique near the beach, yet the construction is grounded in techniques that crocheters of an intermediate level can absolutely master. If you have been looking for a stylish summer top that shows off the beauty of open lacework and the texture of a rattan-inspired stitch pattern, this is the free pattern you have been waiting for.
This post will walk you through everything — the yarn and hook recommendations, the stitch guide, the full pattern broken down by section, finishing tips, and ideas for how to style it. Whether you are making this for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, the Wren Rattan Top is one of those projects you will want to return to in multiple colors and sizes.
What Is the Wren Rattan Crochet Top?
The name says it all. The Wren Rattan Top takes its aesthetic cues from rattan furniture and woven basket weaving — that warm, natural, interlaced look that has defined bohemian and coastal home decor for decades. Translated into crochet, it becomes an open mesh stitch with a twisted, interlocking quality that mimics the over-under weave of rattan without any actual weaving involved. The result is a top that looks textured and intentional without being heavy or stiff.
The silhouette is relaxed but not shapeless. It features a slightly cropped body length, wide shoulder straps, and a modest scoop neckline. The hem is left open for a casual, unfinished feel. The fabric breathes beautifully in cotton or cotton-blend yarn, making it ideal for warm weather wear over a bikini, bralette, or tank top.
Skill Level
This pattern is rated intermediate. You should be comfortable with the following before beginning: chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, and basic shaping techniques like increases and decreases. If you have completed at least one garment before — even a simple rectangle poncho or a beginner tank top — you will find the Wren Rattan Top a satisfying next step in your wearable crochet journey.
Materials Needed
Yarn: 300 to 500 grams of DK or light worsted weight cotton yarn, depending on your size. A cotton-linen blend works beautifully for extra drape and a slightly more refined finish. Look for something with good stitch definition so the rattan pattern pops.
Hook: 4.5mm crochet hook (or adjust to meet gauge)
Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, scissors, measuring tape, and a few locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats
Gauge: 14 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in the main rattan stitch pattern. Always swatch before beginning. Your gauge will determine how well the top fits, and cotton yarn in particular has very little stretch, so accuracy here really matters.
Sizing
This pattern is written in sizes XS through XL, with finished bust measurements as follows.
XS: 30–32 inches bust, finished top measures 34 inches
S: 34–36 inches bust, finished top measures 38 inches
M: 38–40 inches bust, finished top measures 42 inches
L: 42–44 inches bust, finished top measures 46 inches
XL: 46–48 inches bust, finished top measures 50 inches
The top is designed with positive ease of approximately 2 to 4 inches, meaning you want to choose a size that is a little bigger than your actual bust measurement for a relaxed, comfortable fit. If you prefer a more fitted look, you may want to size down.
Stitch Guide and Abbreviations
Before diving into the pattern itself, it helps to get familiar with the key stitch used throughout the body of the Wren Rattan Top. Below are the abbreviations and a written description of the rattan stitch, which is the heart of this design.
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
tr – treble crochet
sk – skip
sp – space
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
rep – repeat
st(s) – stitch(es)
The Rattan Stitch: This stitch is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2. It creates a twisted, interlocking mesh by combining chains and treble crochets worked into specific chain spaces from previous rows. The over-under quality comes from crocheting around the chain rather than into it, which gives the fabric its signature rattan-like appearance. You will find the rhythm quickly — after the first two pattern rows, your hands will know exactly what to do.
Rattan Stitch Pattern (worked flat):
Foundation chain: Multiple of 4 plus 2
Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), skip first 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st; rep from across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first dc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next dc; rep from across, working last sc in 3rd ch of turning ch-4. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), skip first 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st; rep from across. Turn.
Row 5: Ch 5, skip first dc and ch-1 sp, tr around the post of the dc two rows below the current dc, ch 1, skip the dc directly above, dc in next dc, ch 2, skip the ch-1 sp and next dc; rep from across, ending with tr around post of last dc from two rows below, ch 1, dc in 3rd ch of turning ch-4. Turn.
Repeat rows 2 through 5 for pattern.
Take your time with row 5 on your swatch. Once you see the rattan effect emerge, it becomes very intuitive to follow.
Pattern Instructions
The Wren Rattan Top is worked in two flat pieces — the Front and the Back — which are then seamed at the sides and shoulders. Straps are worked as part of the front and back upper sections.
Front Panel
Foundation:
Using your 4.5mm hook and chosen yarn, chain the number of stitches for your size as follows:
XS: ch 62
S: ch 70
M: ch 78
L: ch 86
XL: ch 94
Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across — 61 (69, 77, 85, 93) sc. Turn.
Work rows 2 through 5 of the rattan stitch pattern, then continue repeating rows 2 through 5 until your piece measures 10 (10.5, 11, 11.5, 12) inches from the foundation chain, ending with a RS row. At this point you are ready to begin the bodice shaping.
Waist Shaping (optional):
If you would like a more fitted silhouette, you can add very subtle shaping here. After the body reaches the desired length, decrease 1 stitch on each side of the piece by working sc2tog at the beginning and end of the next RS row, then continue in pattern for 4 rows before increasing back by working 2 sc in the first and last stitch of a RS row. This creates a gentle pull-in at the waist without significantly changing the stitch count. Skip this section for a boxy, straight fit.
Armhole Shaping:
When your front panel reaches 11 (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13) inches total length, it is time to begin shaping the armholes.
Slip stitch across the first 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) stitches, then work in pattern across until 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) stitches remain unworked. Turn. You now have 49 (55, 61, 67, 73) stitches remaining for the main body of the front.
Continue working in the rattan stitch pattern across the remaining stitches, decreasing 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) times total. You will have 43 (49, 53, 59, 63) stitches remaining.
Continue without further shaping until the armhole depth measures 4 (4.5, 5, 5, 5.5) inches.
Neckline Shaping:
Work across the first 14 (16, 17, 19, 20) stitches and place on hold. Work the center 15 (17, 19, 21, 23) stitches and fasten off (this creates the neckline opening). Rejoin yarn and work across the remaining 14 (16, 17, 19, 20) stitches to end of row.
You will now work each shoulder section separately.
Right Shoulder (as worn): Continue in rattan stitch across the 14 (16, 17, 19, 20) shoulder stitches for 1.5 (1.5, 2, 2, 2.5) inches to create the strap. Fasten off.
Left Shoulder (as worn): Rejoin yarn at the armhole edge and work as for the right shoulder. Fasten off.
Back Panel
Work the back panel exactly as the front panel up through the armhole shaping. The back neckline sits slightly higher than the front, giving the top a more modest back coverage.
After completing the armhole shaping and continuing to the same total length as the front, shape the neckline as follows.
Work across the first 14 (16, 17, 19, 20) stitches. Place the center 15 (17, 19, 21, 23) stitches on hold. Rejoin yarn and work across the final 14 (16, 17, 19, 20) stitches.
Work each strap section for 1.5 (1.5, 2, 2, 2.5) inches, matching the length of the front straps precisely so that when you seam the shoulders together, everything lines up neatly. Fasten off.
Assembly
Lay your two finished panels flat and check that they measure the same. Block both pieces before seaming if possible — blocking cotton makes a remarkable difference in the drape and stitch definition of this top.
Side Seams: With RS facing together, align the side edges and seam from the bottom hem up to the underarm using a slip stitch seam or your preferred method of joining. A slip stitch seam is slightly bulkier but very sturdy, while a mattress stitch gives a nearly invisible join. The choice is yours based on the look you prefer.
Shoulder Seams: Align the front and back shoulder straps with RS together and seam across the top of each strap. Turn RS out and the top is almost complete.
Finishing
Neckline Edging: Join yarn at the center back neckline with a sl st. Work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire neckline opening, working into the edges of rows and the held stitches across the center front and back. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends. For a crisper finish, work a second round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) around the neckline after the first round of sc.
Armhole Edging: Join yarn at the underarm seam and work 1 round of sc evenly around each armhole opening. Join and fasten off. Repeat the reverse single crochet edging here as well if you would like that extra polished detail.
Hem: The bottom hem of the Wren Rattan Top is intentionally left raw and open for a relaxed, casual finish. If you would prefer a more finished look, work 1 to 2 rounds of sc across the bottom edge. You can also add a simple picot edge — sc in 1 st, ch 3, sl st in first ch, sc in next 2 sts; rep from — for something a little more decorative.
Weave in all remaining ends, give the top a final block if needed, and try it on.
Styling the Wren Rattan Crochet Top
Part of what makes this top so versatile is how many ways it can be worn. Over a simple white bikini, it becomes the perfect beach cover-up that actually looks put together. With a pair of high-waisted linen trousers and sandals, it becomes a casual lunch outfit with a handmade edge that no one else will be wearing. Tucked into a midi skirt with espadrilles, it reads effortlessly summer-chic.
The open rattan stitch means this top is not fully opaque, so layering over a coordinating bralette or bandeau is part of the design intention. Neutral yarn colors like oatmeal, natural ecru, sand, warm white, and soft terracotta all lean into the rattan aesthetic beautifully. But do not rule out something unexpected — a dusty sage green, a faded denim blue, or a soft buttery yellow would all look stunning worked up in this stitch pattern.
Care Instructions
Because this top is most likely made in a cotton or cotton-blend yarn, care is relatively simple. Hand wash in cool water with a gentle soap, or machine wash on a delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry to preserve the shape. Do not hang a wet crochet garment, as the weight of the water will stretch the fabric unevenly. Store folded rather than hung.
Pattern Notes and Tips
A few things worth knowing before you begin. First, the rattan stitch pattern has a natural tendency to pull in slightly horizontally compared to a standard crochet fabric, so your gauge swatch should be generous — at least 6 by 6 inches — to get an accurate reading. Wash and block your swatch before measuring.
Second, when joining yarn after a break, try to do so at a side seam rather than in the middle of a pattern row so that your ends are easier to hide and less likely to show through the open stitch work.
Third, if you find the pattern getting away from you on row 5, use a locking stitch marker to mark the post of every dc two rows below as you go. It sounds fiddly but it genuinely makes the row go faster and reduces mistakes considerably.
Finally, do not be discouraged if your first swatch looks messy. The rattan stitch takes a few inches to settle into a consistent rhythm. By the time you have worked through two full repeats of the four-row pattern, it will look exactly as it should — open, textured, and beautiful.
A Few Words on Making Garments
If the Wren Rattan Top is your first crochet garment, welcome to one of the most rewarding branches of this craft. Wearable crochet has a way of connecting you to the long tradition of hand-making clothing that predates fast fashion by centuries. Every stitch is a small act of intention, and the finished object carries that energy in a way that factory-made clothing simply cannot.
Take your time with this project. Let yourself enjoy the rhythm of the rattan stitch and the way the fabric grows across your hook. Make the top in a color that makes you happy. And when you wear it, notice the way people look at it — that mixture of admiration and curiosity that always follows a beautiful handmade piece out into the world.
Share Your Wren Rattan Top
If you make this top, please share it! Tag your finished project and use the pattern name so that others in the crochet community can find it. Seeing the pattern worked up in different yarns, colors, and sizes is one of the greatest joys of sharing a free pattern, and your version might be exactly the inspiration someone else needs to pick up their hook and begin.
Happy crocheting. The Wren Rattan Top is waiting for you, and it is going to be gorgeous.
