Wren Rattan Crochet Top – FREE Pattern

There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own clothing, and a crochet top sits right at the intersection of wearable art and practical craft. The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is one of those patterns that manages to feel both breezy and elevated — the kind of piece you’d reach for on a warm afternoon when you want to look put-together without trying too hard. Best of all, this pattern is completely free, and whether you’re an intermediate crocheter looking for a weekend project or someone who’s been crocheting for years and wants a fresh summer staple, the Wren Rattan is going to check every box.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make the Wren Rattan Crochet Top from scratch — materials, sizing notes, stitch explanations, pattern instructions, and finishing tips. Pour yourself something cold, pull out your yarn stash, and let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

Before we dive into the technical details, let’s talk about why this top is worth your time.

The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is designed to have that open, netted texture that calls to mind woven rattan furniture — hence the name. The stitch pattern creates a beautiful visual rhythm that looks intricate but is actually quite repetitive once you get into the flow of it. That makes it a wonderful project for crocheting while watching television, sitting outside, or settling in for a long crafty evening.

The silhouette is relaxed and slightly boxy, which makes it incredibly flattering across a wide range of body types. It’s designed to be worn over a bralette or bikini top in the summer, or layered over a fitted tank for a more covered look in transitional weather. The hem hits right at or just below the natural waist, though you can easily adjust the length by adding or subtracting rows.

Because the fabric is so open and airy, this top works up quickly and uses far less yarn than a more solid stitch would. That means you can often complete it with one or two skeins of a medium-weight cotton, making it one of the more budget-friendly makes in a handmade wardrobe.

Materials You’ll Need

Getting your materials sorted before you start will make the whole process go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need for the Wren Rattan Crochet Top.

Yarn: The best choice for this top is a 100% cotton worsted weight or DK weight yarn. Cotton drapes beautifully, breathes well against the skin, and holds the open stitch pattern in a way that acrylic sometimes doesn’t. Some excellent options include Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or Drops Safran. You’ll need approximately 300–500 yards depending on your size, with larger sizes naturally requiring more yardage. A neutral color like cream, sand, or warm white will really show off the texture, but this pattern also looks stunning in terracotta, sage green, or a deep navy.

Hook: A 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook works well for this pattern. The size you choose will depend on your tension and the exact yarn you’re using, so always check your gauge before you begin. If your stitches are too tight and the fabric feels stiff, go up a hook size. If the fabric feels too loose and floppy, go down a half size.

Additional supplies: You’ll need a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the sides, a pair of scissors, stitch markers (especially helpful when working in the round or marking the start of rows), and a measuring tape for checking gauge and fit as you go.

Gauge

Gauge matters more for wearables than almost any other type of project, because the fit of a garment depends on getting the stitch count right. For the Wren Rattan Crochet Top, aim for approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the main stitch pattern.

To check your gauge, make a swatch that’s at least 6 inches square, block it lightly by wetting it and laying it flat to dry, and then measure the center portion. If your gauge matches, you’re ready to go. If not, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Sizing

The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is written in the following sizes:

XS/S (bust 32–36 inches), M/L (bust 37–42 inches), XL/2XL (bust 43–48 inches), 3XL/4XL (bust 49–54 inches)

The top is designed with approximately 4–6 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished garment is meant to be larger than your actual bust measurement to create that relaxed, flowy fit. If you prefer a slightly more fitted look, size down. If you want an even boxier silhouette, size up.

Throughout the pattern, instructions will be written for the smallest size first, with larger sizes in parentheses separated by commas — for example: chain 80 (90, 100, 110).

Abbreviations and Stitches Used

This pattern uses US crochet terminology. Here are the abbreviations you’ll encounter throughout:

ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
ch-sp – chain space
rep – repeat
sk – skip
sp – space
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
st – stitch
sts – stitches

The main stitch pattern used in the body of the Wren Rattan Top is a variation of the mesh stitch, combined with a v-stitch detail that creates the rattan-like texture. Both of these are very beginner-friendly stitches that you’ll pick up quickly.

Mesh Stitch: Work a double crochet, chain 1, skip one stitch, double crochet into the next. This creates an open grid-like fabric.

V-Stitch (V-st): Work 2 double crochets into the same stitch or space, separated by a chain 1. This creates a slight puff that adds dimension to the mesh.

Pattern Instructions

Foundation Chain

To begin, chain 80 (90, 100, 110). This forms the bottom edge of the front panel.

Row 1 (RS): Starting in the 4th chain from the hook, dc in same ch, ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc in next ch; rep from across to last ch, dc in last ch. Turn.

You should have approximately 38 (43, 48, 53) ch-1 spaces across.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc throughout), turn. V-st in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 3, turn. Dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from across, dc in top of turning ch. Turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from the foundation chain, or your desired length to the armhole. End on a Row 3.

Armhole Shaping

To shape the armholes, you’ll work in short rows, leaving sections of stitches unworked at each side.

Next Row (RS): Sl st across the first 5 (6, 7, 8) stitches and spaces to move in from the edge. Ch 3, continue in pattern across until 5 (6, 7, 8) stitches and spaces remain. Turn, leaving remaining stitches unworked.

Continue working in pattern on the remaining stitches for 7 (8, 9, 10) inches, or until the armhole measures the desired depth. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Make a second panel exactly the same for the back.

Shoulder and Neckline

Lay your front and back panels with right sides facing each other. Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, seam the shoulder portions together. For the Wren Rattan Top, each shoulder seam spans approximately 10 (11, 12, 13) stitches in from each side edge, leaving the center open for the neckline.

This creates a wide, slightly scooped neckline that frames the collarbone beautifully. If you’d like a narrower neckline, simply increase the number of stitches used for each shoulder seam.

Side Seams

With right sides facing, seam the front and back panels together along the side edges, starting from the bottom hem and stopping at the armhole opening. Leave the armholes open — there’s no edging needed here, as the open mesh fabric naturally forms a clean edge.

Bottom Hem Edging

Turn the garment right side out. Join yarn at any point along the bottom hem.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire bottom edge, working approximately 1 sc per stitch across the foundation chain and 1 sc per row end along the side edges. Join with sl st to first sc.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with sl st. Fasten off.

This creates a clean, simple hem that keeps the bottom edge from curling and adds a finished look.

Neckline Edging

Join yarn at any point along the neckline opening.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire neckline. Join with sl st.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around. Join with sl st. Fasten off.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all remaining ends carefully using your yarn needle. Try to follow the path of existing stitches so the ends are secure and invisible from the right side.

Block your finished top by soaking it in cool water, gently squeezing out excess water (never wring), and laying it flat on a blocking mat or clean towel. Shape it to your desired dimensions and allow it to dry completely. Blocking makes a significant difference with cotton yarn — it evens out the stitches, opens up the mesh texture, and gives the finished garment that clean, polished look you see in professionally photographed patterns.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about a pattern this versatile is how easy it is to make your own. Here are a few ideas to personalize your Wren Rattan Crochet Top.

Add fringe. Cut lengths of yarn approximately 8 inches long and attach them along the bottom hem using a lark’s head knot. Trim to an even length for a boho-chic finishing touch that pairs beautifully with the rattan-inspired texture.

Add straps or ties. Instead of a simple shoulder seam, crochet a chain strap on each side that you can adjust and tie. This gives the top more of a halter silhouette and makes it feel even more summery.

Change the yarn weight. If you use a fingering weight or lace weight yarn with a smaller hook, the fabric becomes even more delicate and sheer, making it feel almost like a net cover-up for the beach. Go up to a bulky yarn for a cozy layering piece in the fall.

Experiment with color. Stripes work beautifully with mesh patterns. Switch colors every two rows for a playful striped effect, or use a gradient yarn for an ombre look that transitions naturally as you crochet.

Lengthen it into a tunic. Simply add more rows before shaping the armholes to turn the Wren Rattan Top into a breezy tunic length. Pair with leggings or high-waisted shorts for a different vibe altogether.

Yarn and Care Tips

Since this top will be worn against your skin and likely washed fairly often, choosing a high-quality yarn and caring for it properly will ensure it lasts season after season.

Always wash handmade crochet garments in cool water on a gentle cycle, or by hand. Avoid the dryer — heat can cause cotton to shrink and can distort the shape of your stitches. Lay flat to dry, reshaping gently while damp.

If your yarn is a cotton-acrylic blend, check the care label on the yarn band for specific instructions. Many blends are machine washable and slightly more forgiving than pure cotton.

Store your finished top folded rather than hung. Hanging a crochet garment can cause it to stretch out of shape over time, especially in an open mesh pattern where there’s less structure to hold things in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beginner make this top? This pattern is best suited to someone who is comfortable with the basics — chains, double crochets, and slip stitches — and has made at least a few smaller projects. If you’ve made a dishcloth or a simple square, you likely have the skills needed. The stitch pattern itself is repetitive and easy to memorize.

How long will it take to make? With a few solid sessions of crocheting, most people complete the Wren Rattan Top in a weekend. The open mesh pattern works up faster than solid stitches, so you’ll see progress quickly, which is always motivating.

Can I sell items made from this pattern? Generally, free patterns posted for personal use allow you to sell finished items as long as you credit the designer. Since this is a free community pattern, making a few tops to sell at a craft fair or in an online shop is typically fine — but always read any licensing notes associated with the specific pattern source you’re using.

What if my top doesn’t fit right? Garment fitting with crochet can take a little trial and error, especially when you’re new to making wearables. The most common fix is adjusting the number of foundation chains to change the width, or adding and subtracting rows to change the length. Making a gauge swatch and checking your measurements against the size chart before you start is the single best thing you can do to get a great fit on the first try.

Styling the Wren Rattan Crochet Top

Now for the fun part — wearing your finished creation. The Wren Rattan Top is endlessly versatile, and here are a few ways to style it depending on the occasion.

For a beach day, wear it over a colorful bikini top with high-waisted linen shorts and strappy sandals. The open mesh fabric makes it a perfect cover-up that still lets you feel the sunshine.

For a summer brunch, layer it over a silky camisole or a fitted ribbed tank in a complementary color. Add wide-leg trousers and block heel mules for a look that feels effortless and a little bohemian.

For a festival or outdoor concert, pair it with denim cutoffs, a wide-brimmed hat, and lots of layered jewelry. The handmade texture of the top becomes a statement piece on its own.

For transitional weather, wear it over a fitted long-sleeve top when the evenings get cool. The open fabric still lets the layer underneath show through, so you get the look of the top without sacrificing warmth.

Final Thoughts

The Wren Rattan Crochet Top is the kind of pattern that reminds you why handmade clothing is so special. Every stitch is intentional, every row brings the finished piece closer to something beautiful, and when you finally slip it on, there’s a satisfaction in knowing you made it yourself. Whether you’re crocheting it for yourself or as a gift for someone who appreciates handmade things, this top is a project worth slowing down for.

Take your time with the gauge swatch. Block your finished piece. Don’t be afraid to customize the sizing or add your own flair. And when you’re done, wear it with pride — because a crochet top you made yourself will always fit your style perfectly.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy your new Wren Rattan Crochet Top.