Wren Rattan Crochet Top – FREE Pattern
There is something undeniably satisfying about crocheting your own wardrobe staples, and the Wren Rattan Crochet Top is exactly the kind of project that reminds you why you started picking up a hook in the first place. This breezy, textured top features a beautiful rattan stitch pattern that creates a woven, basket-weave effect, giving it that effortlessly boho look that feels right at home at a summer farmers market, a beach bonfire, or just lounging around on a warm afternoon. Best of all, this pattern is completely free, and whether you are a confident beginner or an experienced crocheter looking for a satisfying weekend project, you will find this design accessible, enjoyable, and wonderfully wearable.
In this post, you will find everything you need to make your very own Wren Rattan Crochet Top from scratch — materials, sizing notes, stitch tutorials, step-by-step pattern instructions, and finishing tips. Bookmark this page, grab your yarn, and let’s get started.
What Makes the Rattan Stitch So Special?
Before we dive into the pattern itself, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate the rattan stitch and why it works so beautifully in garment design. The rattan stitch gets its name from the woven appearance it creates, mimicking the look of natural rattan furniture and woven baskets. It is constructed using a combination of chain spaces and extended stitches that interlock in a way that produces an open, airy fabric with just the right amount of drape.
For a crop top or fitted summer top, the rattan stitch is ideal for several reasons. It creates a lightweight fabric that breathes well, which means it keeps you comfortable in warm weather. The open mesh-like structure also gives the top a layered look that pairs beautifully with a bandeau underneath or a simple bralette. Unlike solid stitch patterns that can feel stiff or heavy in cotton yarn, the rattan stitch produces a fabric that moves with the body and holds its shape wash after wash.
The stitch is also wonderfully forgiving when it comes to sizing. Because the fabric has inherent stretch through the interlocking chain spaces, the top can accommodate a range of body shapes within each size, making it a great choice if you are between sizes or working with a yarn that is not perfectly matched to gauge.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials together before you begin is one of the best habits you can build as a crocheter. Here is everything you need to make the Wren Rattan Crochet Top.
Yarn: 400–700 yards of DK weight or light worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn. The exact yardage will depend on your size. Smaller sizes will use closer to 400 yards while larger sizes may need up to 700 yards. Cotton yarn is strongly recommended for this top because it provides the structure and breathability that makes the rattan stitch shine. Some excellent choices include Paintbox Simply DK, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Drops Paris, or any comparable yarn in that weight range.
Hook: A 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook. Experiment with both if you are close to the recommended gauge. The hook size can make a notable difference in the drape and openness of the fabric, so swatching before you begin will save you a great deal of frustration down the line.
Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers to keep track of your rounds or rows, and scissors. If you are working flat and seaming, you may also want a few straight pins to hold your pieces together before seaming.
Gauge: Approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows = 4 inches in the rattan stitch pattern after blocking. Always work a swatch and wash it before measuring, since cotton yarn in particular can relax and open up quite a bit after its first wash.
Sizing Information
The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is written for sizes XS through 3XL, with positive ease built in to give a relaxed, flowy fit. The following finished bust measurements will help you select your size.
XS: 32–34 inches finished bust with approximately 2 inches of ease
S: 36–38 inches finished bust with approximately 2 inches of ease
M: 40–42 inches finished bust with approximately 2 inches of ease
L: 44–46 inches finished bust with approximately 2 inches of ease
XL: 48–50 inches finished bust with approximately 2 inches of ease
2XL: 52–54 inches finished bust with approximately 2 inches of ease
3XL: 56–58 inches finished bust with approximately 2 inches of ease
To determine your size, measure around the fullest part of your bust and refer to the finished measurements above. If you prefer a more fitted look, size down. If you like a more oversized silhouette, size up. Throughout the pattern, instructions for each size will be written as XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL).
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference for all the stitches and abbreviations used.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sk — skip
sp — space
st(s) — stitch(es)
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
rep — repeat
pm — place marker
beg — beginning
rnd — round
yo — yarn over
Rattan Stitch (worked over a multiple of 2 stitches):
Row or Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st; rep from to end, turn.
Row or Round 2 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from to last sp, dc in last sp, turn.
Row or Round 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in ch-1 sp; rep from ending with sc in top of ch-3, turn.
Repeat Rows or Rounds 2 and 3 for the pattern.
Pattern Notes
This top is worked in two flat pieces — a front panel and a back panel — which are then seamed at the shoulders and sides. This construction method is beginner-friendly because it makes it easy to try the top on as you go and adjust the length to suit your preference.
The front panel features a slight V-neck shaping, while the back has a straight neckline for a classic look. Both pieces are finished with a row of single crochet around all edges to create clean, polished lines.
The pattern as written creates a cropped top that hits approximately 14 to 16 inches from shoulder to hem, which typically falls at or just above the natural waist. If you prefer a longer fit, simply add rows in even increments of the two-row rattan repeat before beginning the armhole shaping.
Pattern Instructions
Front Panel
Foundation: Ch a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1. For your size, chain the following number of stitches:
XS: 57 ch | S: 63 ch | M: 71 ch | L: 79 ch | XL: 87 ch | 2XL: 95 ch | 3XL: 103 ch
Row 1 (RS): Sc in the 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch; rep from across. Turn.
You should have the following number of sc across:
XS: 29 sc | S: 32 sc | M: 36 sc | L: 40 sc | XL: 44 sc | 2XL: 48 sc | 3XL: 52 sc
Rows 2 onward: Work in the rattan stitch pattern as described above, repeating Rows 2 and 3 of the stitch pattern until your piece measures approximately 8 (8, 8.5, 8.5, 9, 9, 9.5) inches from the foundation edge, ending on a WS row. This is the body of the top before armhole shaping begins.
Armhole Shaping: At the beginning of the next two rows, slip stitch across the first 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) stitches and the first 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) stitches on the other side to shape the armholes. Continue in pattern across the remaining center stitches.
Continue in rattan stitch pattern on the center stitches until the armhole measures 5 (5.5, 5.5, 6, 6, 6.5, 6.5) inches.
V-Neck Shaping: Find the center stitch or space of your work. Work across to the center, leaving the second half unworked. Continue on the right shoulder section only, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) times. Fasten off. Rejoin yarn to the left shoulder section and repeat the shaping in mirror image.
Back Panel
Work exactly as the Front Panel through the armhole shaping. Continue in pattern on the center stitches without any V-neck shaping, maintaining a straight neckline until the back panel matches the front in length. Fasten off.
Assembly
Block both pieces lightly before seaming. Pin the shoulder seams together with right sides facing and use a tapestry needle and matching yarn to seam using the whip stitch or mattress stitch method. Pin and seam the side seams in the same way, leaving the armhole openings unsewn.
Finishing Touches
The finishing on any garment can make or break the final look, and the Wren Top is no exception. Here are the finishing steps that take this top from handmade to truly polished.
Neckline Edge: With RS facing, join yarn at one shoulder seam and work a round of sc evenly around the entire neckline, including down both sides of the V and across the back. When you reach the bottom of the V, work 3 sc into the very center point to prevent the neckline from pulling inward. Sl st to join the round and fasten off.
Armhole Edges: Join yarn at the underarm seam and work a round of sc evenly around each armhole opening. The key here is even spacing — if you find the armhole is pulling or puckering, you may need to add or remove a few stitches on your next pass. Sl st to join and fasten off.
Hem Edge: Work a row or round of sc along the bottom edge of the top. For a decorative touch, you can follow this with a row of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) for a subtle rolled edge effect.
Weave in all remaining ends thoroughly using a tapestry needle, working the tails in two directions for security. Give the finished top one final block by soaking it in cool water, gently pressing out excess moisture in a towel, and pinning it to measurements on a flat surface to dry.
Tips for Success
A few hard-won tips can make a real difference when working on a crochet top.
Swatch generously. Make a swatch of at least 6 by 6 inches, wash it, and let it dry completely before measuring. Cotton yarn can grow by as much as 10 to 15 percent after washing, and adjusting your hook size at the swatch stage is far easier than reworking a finished garment.
Count your stitches regularly. The rattan stitch is easy to work but it is also easy to accidentally drop or add a stitch, especially when you are distracted. Count your stitches every few rows and you will catch any mistakes before they compound.
Work consistently. The tension you use on the first row should be the same as the tension you use fifty rows later. If you tend to crochet more tightly when you are tired or tense, consider taking breaks and noting where you stopped so you can resume with fresh hands.
Try it on as you go. One of the great advantages of flat construction is that you can hold the piece up or drape it over yourself to check the length and fit before finishing. If the body feels too short, add more rows before beginning the armhole shaping. Crochet garment-making is inherently flexible, and adjusting for your body is always encouraged.
Choose your yarn thoughtfully. While the pattern works in any DK or light worsted yarn, a smooth plied cotton will show the rattan stitch structure most clearly. Fuzzy, bouclé, or heavily textured yarns can obscure the stitch definition and make it harder to see where to insert your hook.
Styling the Wren Rattan Top
Once your top is finished and blocked, the fun really begins. The Wren Top’s open stitch structure and relaxed silhouette make it remarkably versatile.
For a beach or festival look, wear it over a simple bandeau bralette in a complementary color. The rattan stitch gaps let the color beneath peek through, which adds depth and dimension to the outfit without any extra effort. A high-waisted linen skirt and sandals complete the look effortlessly.
For a casual daytime outfit, pair the top with high-waisted denim shorts and slip-on sneakers. The cropped length sits perfectly with high-waisted bottoms and creates a flattering, balanced silhouette.
For an evening look, layer the top over a silk slip or camisole in a deeper tone — navy, rust, or forest green all look stunning under the neutral tones that cotton yarn tends to come in. Add some simple gold jewelry and heeled sandals and you have an outfit that reads as intentional and put-together.
Yarn Substitution Ideas
If you cannot find the specific yarns mentioned earlier or simply want to explore other options, here are some guidelines for choosing a suitable substitute.
Look for yarns labeled as DK or light worsted weight with a gauge of around 20 to 22 stitches per 4 inches on a 4mm to 5mm hook. Cotton is strongly recommended for its stitch definition and breathability, but a cotton-acrylic blend can work well if you want a bit more softness and elasticity. Avoid 100% acrylic yarns for this particular design, as they tend to stretch out over time and the rattan stitch needs a fiber with some body to maintain its shape.
Some great options to explore include Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4, Katia Capri, BC Garn Allino, and Scheepjes Catona worked double strand for a slightly chunkier texture.
Final Thoughts
The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is one of those patterns you will find yourself returning to again and again. Once you have made one, you will immediately start thinking about which colorways to try next — an earthy terracotta, a soft sage green, a classic off-white, a deep navy. The simplicity of the construction combined with the visual interest of the rattan stitch makes it the kind of pattern that feels both relaxing to work and exciting to wear.
Whether this is your very first crochet garment or one of many, the Wren Top offers that rare combination of accessibility and elegance that makes it genuinely worth your time. The free pattern above gives you everything you need to cast on today and have a beautiful, wearable top to show off in a matter of days.
If you make the Wren Rattan Crochet Top, share your finished project and tag it so other crocheters can find inspiration in your work. Happy crocheting — may your stitches be even and your ends be few.
