Wren Rattan Crochet Top – FREE PATTERN
There is something deeply satisfying about a crochet top that manages to feel both breezy and structured at the same time. The Wren Rattan Crochet Top does exactly that. It is one of those designs that looks intricate from across the room but is actually built on a rhythm that becomes second nature after just a few rows. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a fresh warm-weather project or someone who has been building confidence and feels ready to tackle garment making, the Wren is a wonderful place to land.
At Lakeside Loopstide, we believe that free patterns should be genuinely generous — not teaser documents that leave you guessing at the most important details. This post includes everything you need to make the Wren Rattan Crochet Top from start to finish: materials, sizing guidance, stitch notes, gauge information, the complete pattern instructions, and tips for customizing the fit to your body.
What Makes the Wren Rattan Crochet Top Special
The name says it all. The rattan stitch gives this top its signature texture — an open, woven appearance that mimics the look of woven rattan furniture or a hand-woven basket. Up close it has a beautiful lattice quality. From a distance it reads as a sophisticated mesh. This combination of properties makes it ideal for layering over a bralette or bandeau for a bohemian beach look, but it works equally well worn over a fitted camisole for everyday wear or tucked into high-waisted pants for a more polished outfit.
The silhouette of the Wren is a relaxed, slightly cropped fit with a wide neckline that sits just off the shoulder when sized up or sits neatly at the base of the neck in a more fitted size. The hem falls at the natural waist or just below depending on your torso length, making it a flattering option for a wide range of body types. There are no set-in sleeves to worry about — the top is worked in the round from the hem upward and divided at the underarms, which keeps construction clean and relatively stress-free.
Materials and Tools
To make the Wren Rattan Crochet Top, you will need the following:
Yarn: 3 to 5 skeins of a DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn, depending on your size. We used a mercerized cotton in a warm natural colorway for the sample shown, but any smooth DK weight yarn with good stitch definition will photograph the rattan stitch beautifully. Avoid overly fuzzy or halo yarns for this pattern since the texture of the stitch relies on visual clarity.
For sizes XS through S, plan for approximately 400 to 500 yards. For sizes M through L, plan for 500 to 650 yards. For sizes XL through 3X, plan for 650 to 850 yards. Always check your yardage on the label rather than relying on skein count alone, since DK weight yardage varies quite a bit between brands.
Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook (US G/6). You may need to go up or down a hook size to achieve gauge — this is normal and expected. Your gauge swatch is your most important tool for a well-fitting garment.
Notions: Stitch markers (at least 4), yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, measuring tape.
Optional: Blocking mats and pins, a spray bottle with water or a steamer for finishing. Blocking makes a significant difference with the rattan stitch, helping the lattice open up evenly and giving the finished top a polished, store-bought appearance.
Gauge
18 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in rattan stitch pattern, blocked.
Please take the time to make a gauge swatch for this project. Crochet tops are forgiving in many ways, but even a small gauge discrepancy multiplied around the full circumference of the body can result in a top that fits very differently than intended. If your swatch is too tight (smaller than 4 inches across for 18 stitches), go up a hook size. If your swatch is too loose (larger than 4 inches), go down a hook size.
Sizing
The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is written in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, and 3X. The finished bust measurements for each size are as follows:
XS: 32 inches | S: 36 inches | M: 40 inches | L: 44 inches | XL: 48 inches | 2X: 52 inches | 3X: 56 inches
This pattern is designed with approximately 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, meaning you would typically choose a size 2 to 4 inches larger than your actual bust measurement. If you prefer a closer, more fitted silhouette, size down. If you prefer a looser, more relaxed drape, size up.
The sample shown is a size M with a finished bust of 40 inches, worn on a 36-inch bust for a comfortable, relaxed fit.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
dc — double crochet
hdc — half double crochet
sk — skip
st(s) — stitch(es)
sp — space
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
pm — place marker
sm — slip marker
Rattan Stitch (worked in the round, even stitch count required):
Round 1 (foundation): Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st; repeat from to end, sl st to first sc to join.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk sc, dc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from to last ch-1 sp, ch 1, sl st to top of ch-3 to join.
Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk dc, sc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from to last dc, ch 1, sl st to first sc to join.
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 for pattern.
Pattern Notes
This top is worked in the round from the bottom hem to the underarms, then divided into front and back panels which are worked flat. The shoulders are joined with a slip stitch seam or your preferred joining method.
The rattan stitch creates a slightly stretchy fabric with a natural openwork quality. Because of the open structure, it is recommended to wear this top over a garment underneath unless you prefer a more revealing look.
When joining rounds, always take care to keep your tension consistent through the join. A common issue with worked-in-the-round projects is a visible jog or seam line — placing your stitch marker at the join and being mindful of tension helps minimize this.
All chain spaces count as stitches and are worked into on subsequent rounds. Do not skip the chain spaces.
The Pattern
Body (Worked in the Round)
Foundation Ring:
Chain the number of stitches corresponding to your size:
XS: 144 | S: 162 | M: 180 | L: 198 | XL: 216 | 2X: 234 | 3X: 252
All stitch counts are multiples of 18 for the rattan pattern repeat. Join with a slip stitch to the first chain, being careful not to twist.
Round 1 (Hem): Ch 1, sc in each ch around. Join with sl st to first sc. (144, 162, 180, 198, 216, 234, or 252 sc)
Round 2 (Hem): Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with sl st. Repeat this round once more for a total of 3 rounds of sc hem.
Begin Rattan Stitch:
Work Rounds 1 through 3 of the Rattan Stitch as described in the stitch guide, then continue repeating Rounds 2 and 3 until the body measures approximately 10 (10.5, 11, 11, 11.5, 11.5, 12) inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length to underarm, ending on a Round 3 (sc round).
Place stitch markers at the side points to divide front and back. Each panel should have half the total stitch count:
XS: 72 | S: 81 | M: 90 | L: 99 | XL: 108 | 2X: 117 | 3X: 126
Back Panel (Worked Flat)
Attach yarn to the first stitch of the back panel with RS facing.
Armhole Decrease Round 1: Ch 1, skip first 2 sts, sc in next ch-1 sp, continue in rattan pattern as established to last 2 sts of back panel, turn.
Armhole Decrease Round 2: Ch 3, continue in rattan pattern as established to last 2 sts, turn.
Repeat these two decrease rows 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6) more times until you have the following stitch count remaining for the back panel:
XS: 60 | S: 69 | M: 74 | L: 83 | XL: 88 | 2X: 97 | 3X: 102
Continue working flat in established rattan pattern without decreasing until back panel measures 6.5 (7, 7.5, 7.5, 8, 8, 8.5) inches from underarm division, ending on a WS row.
Back Neck Shaping:
Work across the first 18 (21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30) stitches in pattern for the first shoulder. Fasten off.
Skip the center 24 (27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42) stitches for the back neck. Reattach yarn and work the remaining 18 (21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30) stitches for the second shoulder. Fasten off.
Front Panel (Worked Flat)
Reattach yarn to the first stitch of the front panel with RS facing.
Work armhole decreases exactly as for the back panel. Then continue in established pattern until front panel measures 4 (4, 4.5, 4.5, 5, 5, 5.5) inches from the underarm division.
Front Neck Shaping:
Work across the first 18 (21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30) stitches in pattern for the first shoulder. Turn and continue on these stitches only.
Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 3 times total for all sizes. Continue on remaining stitches until front shoulder matches back shoulder length. Fasten off.
Reattach yarn to the other side of the front panel, skipping the center 24 (27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42) stitches for the front neck. Work second shoulder to match, mirroring the neck decreases. Fasten off.
Joining Shoulders
Hold front and back panels with right sides together. Use a slip stitch seam or whip stitch to join shoulders. Alternatively, leave shoulders open by a few stitches on each end for a more open neckline effect. Both finishes look beautiful with the rattan texture.
Finishing the Edges
Neckline Edging: Attach yarn at the center back neck. Work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire neckline, working approximately 1 sc per stitch and 1 sc per row end along vertical edges. Join with sl st. For a slightly decorative edge, work a second round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) around the neckline. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Armhole Edging: Attach yarn at the underarm join. Work 1 round of sc evenly around each armhole, then work 1 round of reverse single crochet. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Hem: The hem is already finished with the 3 rounds of single crochet worked at the beginning. If you prefer, you can add a round of reverse single crochet here as well for a polished matching finish.
Blocking and Finishing
Once all ends are woven in, wet block your finished top by soaking it briefly in cool water, pressing out the excess moisture (do not wring), and laying it flat on blocking mats. Shape it to your desired finished measurements and pin the hem and neckline edges if needed. Allow to dry completely before wearing or photographing.
The difference between a blocked and unblocked rattan stitch top is remarkable. Blocking opens the lattice, evens out any slight tension irregularities, and gives the fabric a beautiful drape that you simply cannot achieve without this step. It is well worth the wait.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Working the rattan stitch in the round can feel unfamiliar at first because you are alternating between sc and dc rounds rather than staying in one stitch throughout. The easiest way to keep track is to remember that the sc round always works into the dc’s of the previous round (through the chain spaces), and the dc round always works into the sc’s of the previous round (through the chain spaces). Once that rhythm clicks, the pattern moves very quickly.
If you find that your rattan stitch is curling at the edges when worked flat on the front and back panels, this is normal before blocking. Trust the process and resist the urge to add extra chains or adjust your tension mid-project. Blocking will take care of the curl.
For a longer crop top or a full blouse length, simply continue working more rounds in the body before dividing for the armholes. Add approximately 5 to 6 rounds per extra inch of length, checking your gauge swatch to calculate precisely.
If you want to add short sleeves, you can work a small rectangle of rattan stitch and seam it to the armhole, or simply work additional rounds at the armhole edging rather than the single round described in the finishing section.
Yarn Substitution Ideas
This pattern was designed with a smooth mercerized cotton in mind, but there is a lot of room to experiment. Linen or linen-blend yarn gives an even more textural, earthy look that suits the rattan aesthetic beautifully. A bamboo or bamboo-cotton blend will give the finished top a silkier, drapier quality with a subtle sheen. For a more casual, soft result, a combed cotton or cotton-acrylic blend works well and tends to be budget-friendly.
Avoid yarns with too much stretch for this project. Rayon or modal-heavy blends can cause the rattan stitch to grow significantly in length after blocking and wearing, which may alter your fit. If you use a yarn with any stretch content, size down one hook size from your gauge recommendation and re-swatch.
Share Your Wren
We would love to see your finished Wren Rattan Crochet Top. If you share on social media, tag us and use the hashtag so the community can find and admire everyone’s versions. There is something special about seeing the same pattern in different yarns, colorways, and bodies — it is a reminder of how personal and alive a craft pattern can be even when shared freely.
If you have questions while working through the pattern, drop them in the comments below. We monitor questions regularly and do our best to respond within a few days. The crochet community is generous and knowledgeable, and other readers often jump in with helpful answers as well.
Happy crocheting, and we hope the Wren becomes a warm-weather staple you reach for season after season.
