How to Crochet the Fan Stitch: 5 Steps

Crocheting the fan stitch is a delightful way to add texture and visual interest to your projects. This stitch creates beautiful "fans" made of multiple treble or triple crochet stitches, separated by rows of single crochet. The fan stitch is versatile, making it suitable for a variety of projects, including blankets, shawls, and garments. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about crocheting the fan stitch, including materials, techniques, and tips for success.

The fan stitch is characterized by its unique design, which resembles a series of fans or petals. It is typically worked in rows, alternating between groups of treble crochet stitches and single crochet stitches. This stitch creates a lovely openwork pattern that looks intricate but is relatively easy to master. The fan stitch is also reversible, meaning it looks the same on both sides, making it ideal for projects where both sides will be visible.

Benefits of the Fan Stitch

• Visual Appeal : The fan stitch adds a decorative element to your projects, making them stand out.
• Versatility : This stitch can be used in a wide range of projects, from blankets and shawls to garments and accessories.
• Easy to Learn : While it may look complex, the fan stitch is straightforward and can be mastered by beginners.
• Reversible : The stitch looks great on both sides, making it perfect for items like scarves and blankets.

Before you start crocheting the fan stitch, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Choose a medium-weight yarn (worsted weight) in your desired color. Lighter colors are often easier to work with for beginners, as they allow you to see your stitches more clearly. Acrylic yarn is a great option due to its affordability and durability. You can also use cotton yarn for a more breathable fabric, especially for summer projects.
• Crochet Hook: A size H (5.0 mm) or I (5.5 mm) hook is recommended for worsted weight yarn. If you choose a different yarn weight, adjust your hook size accordingly. For example, if you opt for a bulky yarn, you might want to use a larger hook.
• Scissors: You'll need a pair of scissors to cut the yarn when you finish your project.
• Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is essential for weaving in the ends of your yarn and sewing any pieces together.
• Measuring Tape: A measuring tape will help you determine the size of your project and ensure it meets your desired dimensions.

Before starting the fan stitch, familiarize yourself with a few basic crochet stitches and techniques:

• Chain Stitch (ch): The chain stitch is the foundation for all crochet projects. To make a chain stitch, yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• Single Crochet (sc): The single crochet stitch is one of the most fundamental stitches in crochet. To make a single crochet, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops on your hook.
• Treble Crochet (tr): The treble crochet stitch is taller than the single crochet. To make a treble crochet, yarn over twice, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (you should have four loops on your hook), yarn over and pull through the first two loops, yarn over again and pull through the next two loops, and finally yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.

1. Chain the Desired Length : To determine the size of your project, decide how many chains you want to start with. For the fan stitch, you will need a multiple of 10 stitches plus 2 (10 + 2). For example, chain 32 stitches.
2. Yarn Over and Pull Through : Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front) and pull through the loop on your hook. This creates your first chain stitch.
3. Continue Chaining : Repeat the yarn over and pull through steps until you reach your desired length.

Once you have your foundation chain, you can start working the fan stitch.

Row 1: Single Crochet Foundation

1. Turn Your Work : After completing your foundation chain, turn your work.
2. Single Crochet : Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook (the first chain does not count as a stitch), yarn over, and pull up a loop. You should now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through both loops.
3. Continue Across the Row : Work a single crochet in each chain across the row. When you reach the end, chain 1 to turn your work for the next row.

Row 2: Begin the Fan Stitch

1. Single Crochet : In the first stitch, work a single crochet.
2. Skip Stitches : Skip the next four stitches.
3. Create the Fan : In the next stitch, work 5 treble crochets (this creates the fan). To do this, yarn over twice, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (you should have four loops on your hook), yarn over and pull through the first two loops, yarn over and pull through the next two loops, and yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops. Repeat this process for a total of 5 treble crochets in the same stitch.
4. Skip Stitches Again : Skip the next four stitches.
5. Single Crochet : In the next stitch, work a single crochet.
6. Repeat : Continue this pattern across the row: skip four stitches, work 5 treble crochets in the next stitch, skip four stitches, and work a single crochet in the next stitch. End the row with a single crochet.

Row 3: Alternate Rows

1. Chain 1 : At the beginning of the row, chain 1 and turn your work.
2. Single Crochet : Work a single crochet in each of the first stitches across until you reach the fan stitches.
3. Spike Stitch : For each fan stitch, work a spike stitch by inserting your hook into the base of the fan (the stitch below it) and making a single crochet. This adds depth and texture to your work.
4. Continue : Continue working single crochets across, making spike stitches into the base of each fan.
5. Finish the Row : End the row with a single crochet in the last stitch.

Continue to repeat rows 2 and 3 for as long as you would like, alternating between creating fans and working single crochets. You can experiment with different colors by changing yarns at the beginning of each row.

1. Cut the Yarn : Once you have reached your desired size, cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in.
2. Pull Through : Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure it.
3. Weave in Ends : Use a tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends from your yarn. This will help secure your work and give it a polished look.