Wren Rattan Crochet Top – FREE PATTERN

There is something quietly wonderful about a crochet top that manages to feel both breezy and intentional, casual and crafted. The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is exactly that kind of project — a wearable piece that works up faster than you expect, photographs beautifully, and earns compliments every time you wear it. Whether you are new to garment crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a satisfying summer project, this free pattern from Lakeside Loopstitle has everything you need to create a top you will actually reach for again and again.

In this post, you will find the complete free pattern for the Wren Rattan Crochet Top, including materials, sizing notes, stitch instructions, and helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible. Grab your hook, pour yourself something cold, and let’s get started.

What Makes the Wren Rattan Crochet Top Special

Before we dive into the pattern itself, it is worth talking about why this design stands out among the many crochet top patterns available today. The Wren Rattan Top gets its name from its signature texture — a woven, rattan-like surface created by a simple combination of stitches that mimics the look of natural wicker furniture or woven basketry. The result is a fabric that has visual depth and tactile interest without being complicated to execute.

The silhouette is relaxed and flattering across a wide range of body types. The hemline sits at a comfortable crop or can be extended to a full hip-length top depending on how many rows you work. The neckline is wide and gentle, giving the top a casual off-shoulder quality without forcing it, meaning it can be worn straight across the chest or pulled slightly to one side for a more editorial look.

What really makes this top shine is its versatility. Wear it over a swimsuit at the beach, pair it with high-waisted linen trousers for a farmers market morning, layer it over a slip dress for an evening out, or tuck it into a flowing skirt for a boho-inspired summer look. The neutral, earthy quality of the rattan stitch means this top pairs naturally with natural fibers, earthy tones, and relaxed silhouettes of all kinds.

Materials and Tools

Getting your materials right before you begin will save you time and frustration. Here is everything you need for the Wren Rattan Crochet Top.

Yarn: You will need a lightweight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a worsted weight (Category 4) or a chunky cotton (Category 5) depending on the drape you prefer. A tighter, more structured fabric comes from Category 5, while Category 4 gives a softer, drapier result. For the sample shown, a Category 4 cotton yarn in a warm cream or natural ecru colorway was used. You will need approximately 400–700 yards depending on your size. Lighter colors show the rattan texture most clearly, but any solid colorway works beautifully.

Hook: A 5.0mm (US H/8) crochet hook is the standard recommendation for this pattern. If your gauge runs tight, size up to 5.5mm. If your gauge runs loose, size down to 4.5mm.

Notions: You will need a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, and a measuring tape. Optional but helpful: blocking mats and rust-proof pins if you plan to wet block your finished top.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in the rattan stitch pattern. Always make a gauge swatch before beginning. Garment crochet is the one area where skipping the swatch will cost you more time than it saves. A swatch is not wasted yarn — it is an investment in a top that actually fits.

Sizing

The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is written for sizes XS through 3XL with approximately 2–4 inches of positive ease. Crochet garments generally benefit from a little extra room, and this design is intentionally relaxed, so the ease is built in from the start.

Finished bust measurements are as follows: XS fits a 30–32 inch bust, S fits a 32–34 inch bust, M fits a 34–36 inch bust, L fits a 36–38 inch bust, XL fits a 38–41 inch bust, 2XL fits a 41–44 inch bust, and 3XL fits a 44–47 inch bust.

When in doubt, size up rather than down. The rattan stitch has very little stretch horizontally, which is typical of crochet fabric, so fitting snugly through the chest will not result in the relaxed, flowing look the design is intended to have.

Stitch Guide and Abbreviations

Before beginning the pattern, familiarize yourself with the following abbreviations and stitches used throughout.

ch — chain

sl st — slip stitch

sc — single crochet

hdc — half double crochet

dc — double crochet

fpdc — front post double crochet. Insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch in the row below, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

bpdc — back post double crochet. Insert the hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch in the row below, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

The Rattan Stitch: The rattan stitch is the heart of this pattern. It is worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 2. Row 1 is a foundation row of double crochet. Beginning with Row 2, you alternate fpdc and bpdc across, always working each post stitch around the corresponding stitch from the row below. This creates the signature woven, ridged texture that gives the Wren Top its name. The key to clean rattan stitch is maintaining consistent tension and always working post stitches around the correct post.

Pattern Instructions

Foundation Chain and Body

The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is worked flat in two panels — a front and a back — that are seamed at the sides and shoulders. This construction is beginner-friendly and makes it easy to adjust fit as you go.

Front Panel

To begin, chain the number of stitches indicated for your size. The chain count for each size is as follows: XS — 54 ch, S — 60 ch, M — 66 ch, L — 72 ch, XL — 80 ch, 2XL — 88 ch, 3XL — 96 ch.

Row 1 (Foundation Row): Starting in the 3rd chain from the hook, dc across. Ch 2, turn. You should have the following stitch counts at the end of Row 1: XS — 52, S — 58, M — 64, L — 70, XL — 78, 2XL — 86, 3XL — 94.

Row 2 (Rattan Row): Work 1 fpdc around the first dc of the previous row, then 1 bpdc around the next dc. Continue alternating fpdc and bpdc across the row. Work the last stitch into the top of the turning chain. Ch 2, turn.

Row 3: Work 1 bpdc around the first fpdc of the previous row, then 1 fpdc around the next bpdc. Continue alternating across. The goal is to always work the opposite post stitch over each post stitch from the previous row, which is what creates the woven look. Ch 2, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your panel measures 12 inches from the foundation chain for a cropped top, or 15 inches for a hip-length top. For reference, the sample shown measures approximately 13 inches in length before the neckline shaping.

Neckline Shaping

Once your front panel reaches your desired length, it is time to shape the neckline. The Wren Top features a wide, gently scooped neckline that is flattering and easy to execute.

To shape the neckline, mark the center of your panel with a stitch marker. You will work the left and right sides of the neckline separately.

Right side: Work across in your established rattan stitch pattern until you reach approximately 6 stitches before the center marker (for XS/S), 7 stitches before center (for M/L), or 8 stitches before center (for XL/2XL/3XL). Turn here and work two more rows in pattern without decreasing, then fasten off.

Left side: Skip the center stitches to create the neckline opening, rejoin yarn at the corresponding stitch on the opposite side of center, and work in pattern for two rows, then fasten off.

The center stitches that you skip will naturally form the neckline scoop. You can choose to leave this raw edge as-is (it has a lovely natural look with cotton yarn) or finish it with a round of single crochet or slip stitches for a cleaner edge.

Back Panel

Work the back panel exactly as you worked the front panel, including the same neckline shaping. Alternatively, if you prefer a higher back, you can omit the neckline shaping on the back panel entirely and work it as a straight rectangle all the way to the top, then seam the shoulder straps accordingly.

Armhole Shaping

If you want more defined armholes rather than a simple open-sided silhouette, you can shape the armholes on both panels at the beginning of the neckline section. To do this, before beginning your neckline shaping rows, slip stitch across the first 4–6 stitches at each side of the panel (these become your armhole cutouts) and fasten off the final few stitches at each side of the last row as well. This trims the top of the panel to create a curved armhole. The exact number of slip stitches to work depends on how open you want the armhole to be.

For a very relaxed, open-sided look, you can skip armhole shaping entirely and simply seam just a few inches at each side seam, leaving the rest open. This gives a breezy, boho aesthetic that suits the rattan stitch beautifully.

Seaming

With your front and back panels complete, hold them together with wrong sides facing. Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, seam the shoulder straps together using a whip stitch or mattress stitch, working only across the shoulder strap sections and leaving the neckline opening free in the center.

Seam the side panels together starting from the bottom hem and working upward, stopping where your armhole begins. If you chose the open-sided style, seam only the bottom 2–3 inches at each side.

Finishing Touches

Neckline Edging

For the cleanest finish, work a round of single crochet around the entire neckline opening. Join your yarn at one shoulder seam, work sc evenly around the neckline edge, and join to the first sc with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in your end. This gives the neckline a polished, intentional look and helps the edge lie flat.

Hem Edging

A simple row of reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch) along the bottom hem gives the Wren Top a beautiful, textured finish that echoes the rattan stitch body. To work reverse single crochet, simply work single crochet from left to right instead of right to left. It feels awkward at first but creates a gorgeous twisted cord effect along the hem.

Blocking

Wet blocking is strongly recommended for this top, especially if you used a plant-based fiber like cotton or linen. Submerge your finished top in cool water, gently press out the excess water without wringing, then lay it flat on your blocking mats and pin it to the correct measurements. Allow it to dry completely before wearing. Blocking opens up the rattan stitch, evens out any tension inconsistencies, and gives the finished top that professional, refined look that elevates handmade garments.

Tips for Success

Tension is everything in garment crochet. If your tension is inconsistent, your rattan stitch rows will look uneven and the fabric will have a bumpy quality. Practice the stitch on your gauge swatch until it feels natural before beginning the top.

Count your stitches at the end of every row for the first several rows. Post stitches can be easy to miss, especially when you are building the rhythm of alternating fpdc and bpdc. A missed stitch throws off the stitch count and the pattern repeat.

Consider using a split stitch marker to mark the right side of your work. The rattan stitch looks slightly different on each side, and keeping track of your right side will help you stay consistent.

If you are new to garment crochet, work your swatch in the round if that feels more comfortable, but swatch in rows since that is how this top is constructed. Gauge can differ between working in rows versus in the round.

Cotton yarn can feel stiff or scratchy before washing and blocking. Once you have finished and blocked your top, the yarn softens considerably. Do not judge the hand of the fabric until you have washed it.

Styling the Wren Rattan Crochet Top

The natural, textural quality of the rattan stitch makes this top remarkably easy to style. For a beach or poolside look, wear it over a simple swimsuit with flat sandals and a wide-brimmed hat. The open stitch structure means it works as a functional cover-up as well as a standalone top.

For a market or casual weekend outfit, pair the Wren Top with wide-leg linen pants in a coordinating neutral and slide sandals. Add a woven bag and minimal jewelry for a look that is effortlessly put-together.

For an evening look, tuck the Wren Top into a flowing midi skirt in silk or chiffon. The contrast between the textural crochet and the smooth fabric of the skirt creates a beautiful tension that feels intentional and fashion-forward without trying too hard.

Layering is another great option. A fitted bodysuit or bandeau underneath the Wren Top adds a different dimension and means you can wear it in slightly cooler weather without sacrificing the open, airy aesthetic.

A Note on Yarn Substitutions

While the pattern was developed using a Category 4 cotton yarn, there is plenty of room to experiment with yarn substitutions. A linen yarn will give a crispier, more structured fabric with a gorgeous sheen that becomes softer with every wash. A bamboo-blend yarn will give a silkier, more fluid drape. A cotton-linen blend sits beautifully in the middle, offering some structure and some softness.

Avoid yarns with a lot of stretch, like those with high elastane content, as the rattan stitch works best with non-stretchy fibers that hold their shape. Also avoid highly textured or fluffy yarns, as these will obscure the rattan stitch pattern entirely. The beauty of this design lives in the texture of the stitchwork, so you want a smooth, clean yarn that lets the fabric speak for itself.

Share Your Make

The crafting community is one of the most generous and supportive spaces on the internet, and nothing brings more joy to a pattern designer than seeing makers bring a design to life in their own color choices, their own yarn selections, and their own unique bodies. If you make the Wren Rattan Crochet Top, please share your finished project on social media and tag Lakeside Loopstitle so the community can celebrate your work.

Leave a comment below if you have questions about the pattern, if you found a clever modification, or if you simply want to share what yarn you chose. Every bit of feedback helps improve future patterns and keeps the conversation going.

Whether this is your first crochet top or your fiftieth, the Wren Rattan Top is a pattern designed to feel rewarding at every step. The stitch builds quickly, the construction is clear, and the finished piece is something genuinely lovely to wear. Happy crocheting.