How to Crochet Fan Stitch (Fan and V Stitch Variation)

The crochet fan stitch creates decorative rows of layered, shell-like stitches with a beautiful, flowing texture and drape. This particular variation combines classic fan stitches with open V-stitches to create a lighter, airier fabric that works especially well for blankets, scarves, shawls, tote bags, and decorative crochet projects. Although the stitch looks intricate, it mainly uses beginner-friendly stitches in a repeating pattern that quickly becomes relaxing to crochet. This tutorial will show you how to crochet the fan stitch step by step.

What is Fan Stitch?

The crochet fan stitch is a decorative crochet stitch pattern made from groups of stitches worked together to form curved shell or fan shapes. Some fan stitch variations create a dense, layered texture, while others, like this fan-and-V-stitch variation, include chain spaces and V-stitches to create lighter openwork fabric with more drape.

Learn more textured and decorative patterns in the complete crochet stitches glossary.

This fan stitch is for confident beginners. It mainly uses double crochet, chains, and single crochet, and is a 4 row repeat. To crochet fan stitch, you’ll need to understand these basic stitches.

How to Crochet Fan Stitch (Step by Step)

Best yarn for fan stitch: Medium-weight yarns work especially well because they highlight the fan texture while still allowing the open spaces to remain visible. Solid colors usually show the stitch detail best, while striped or gradient yarns create dramatic layered effects.

1. Crochet a Foundation Chain

Foundation chain. You’ll need a foundation chain of 8 + 2 stitches for this pattern. This setup is essential for the perfect crochet fan stitch.

2. Wavy Row 1

• Sc into the second ch from hook.
• * 1 hdc, 1 dc into each of the next 2 stitches, 1 tr, 1 dc into each of the next 2 stitches, 1 hdc, 1 sc.
• Repeat from * to last stitch. Work 1 sc into the final chain. Completing this row is essential for setting up the fan stitch pattern.

3. Chains in Row 2

• Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1) then dc in the same stitch.
• Ch 5 and skip 7 stitches to the sc. This stitch is easy to find because it is the smallest in the row. In this stitch (dc, chain 1, dc).
• *Ch 5, skip 7 sts, in the top of the sc (dc, ch1, dc). This part helps form the crochet fan stitching pattern.
• Repeat from *

4. Fan Clusters in Row 3:

• Ch 3, turn, and place 4 dc in the ch 1 space.
• Skip three stitches, then sc at the top of the tr around the chains. Make sure you catch the chain within your sc.
• *9 dc in the next ch 1 space; The 9 dc in this space is referred to as a “fan”. You may feel as though your stitches are too squashed, but it is correct. 
• Work 1 sc on top of tr while capturing the chains, then place 9 dc in the next chain 1 space.
• Repeat from * to the end of the row. This row helps define the crochet fan stitch pattern clearly.
• Work 4 dc in the last ch1 space, and one dc in the third chain of ch 4.

5. Chain Stitches in Row 4

• Ch1, Turn. Sc into the first stitch, then chain 3.
• In the sc from the row below (dc, ch1, dc)
• Ch 5, and insert your (dc, ch 1, dc) into the next sc.
• Repeat to last sc.
• Ch 3, and sc into the top of the ch 3.

6. More Fan Clusters in Row 5

• Ch 1, turn. Sc in base of chain.
• *9dc in the ch-1 space, sc into the 5th dc (middle of the fan), continuing your crochet fan stitch pattern.
• Repeat from * to end. You will end with a sc.

And that’s it! Your fan stitch and v stitch rows are complete! Repeat the fan stitch from row 2 to row 5 until your fabric is the length you want.

Fasten off and weave in the ends with a yarn needle. Completing a crochet fan stitch project requires neatly woven ends.

Tips for Crocheting Fan Stitch

• Counting—make sure you keep track of your ch spaces and the number of dc’s to keep your pattern looking regular and even, especially when working on a crochet fan stitch.
• Blocking: It is worth blocking this stitch pattern, as it enhances the stitch definition .
• Color changes: Try using multiple colors to make each row of fans pop in your crochet fan stitches.

Fan Stitch Projects

This fan stitch makes a lattice-like pattern, which is excellent for many things. It makes beautiful crochet blankets and looks good on wearable items such as scarves and shawls.

• blankets
• shawls
• scarves
• cushion covers
• tote bags
• lightweight throws
• decorative crochet accessories

Because this variation creates flowing openwork texture, it is ideal for projects with soft drape and decorative stitch detail.

Fan Stitch vs Shell Stitch

Both fan stitch and crochet shell stitch create decorative curved stitch groups, but fan stitch usually creates wider, layered arches with more spacing between stitch groups. Shell stitch often creates a denser, scalloped texture with tighter stitch groupings.

Fan Stitch FAQs

In Conclusion

The crochet fan stitch creates flowing decorative crochet fabric using layered fan stitches and open V-shaped spacing. Although the stitch may look intricate initially, the repeating structure quickly becomes easy to memorize after a few rows. Because this fan and V-stitch variation creates beautiful drape and open texture, it is especially suitable for blankets, shawls, scarves, tote bags, and decorative crochet accessories. Now that you know how to crochet this beautiful fan stitch, make something unusual and different! Because it’s a repeating pattern, it’s easy to adjust to any size you want!

More popular crochet stitches:

• Arcade Stitch
• Paris Stitch
• Iris Stitch
• Primrose Stitch