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The fan and V stitch alternates rows of nine-double-crochet fans with rows of V stitches joined by chain-5 arches. Each V sits above the single crochet between two fans, and each new fan grows out of the center of a V. The fabric is open and lacy, with a scalloped look that reads as rows of shells leaning on each other.
It's rated beginner, though the pattern looks long. Only chain, sc, and dc are involved. What makes it work is the sc worked over the chain-5 arch, which locks the arch down and keeps the fans in line.
Watch: Fan and V Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch Row 3 for the sc worked over the chain-5 arch and into the fan below; that one move is what the whole pattern turns on.
What You Need
Worsted weight yarn with a 5.0mm (US H-8) hook matches the swatch. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows where each V and fan sits, which matters when you're hunting for the 5th dc of a fan.
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain; sc = single crochet; dc = double crochet; sk = skip; st = stitch; sl st = slip stitch; TC or tch = turning chain; sp = space; FS = fan stitch (9 dc in one stitch or space); V = V stitch (dc, ch 1, dc in one stitch or space).
Stitch multiple: multiple of 8 + 2 for the foundation chain. The swatch chains 26 for three fans. For any unfamiliar term, see 70 crochet abbreviations and definitions.
Fan and V Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 in DC = 11sts x 7 rows
Yarn: 17g of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook Size: 5.0mm
Abbreviations: CH - Chain; DC - Double Crochet; SC - Single Crochet; SK - Skip a Stitch; TC - Turning Chain; St - Stitch; FS - 9DC; V - DC, CH, DC
CH 26
Row 1: Working into the 2nd CH from hook, SC. *SK 3, 9DC, SK 3, SC* Repeat ** across. Turn. (3 FS)
Row 2: CH 3 (counts as 1 DC), 1DC into first st, *CH 5, skip 9DC group, work a V st of [DC, CH, DC] into next sc; rep from * ending 5CH, skip last 9DC group, 2DC into last SC. Turn.
Row 3: CH 3 (count as 1 DC), 4 DC into first st, *working over next 5ch so as to enclose it, work 1 SC into 5th DC of group in row below**, 9 DC into sp at center of next V st; rep from * ending last rep at **, 5 DC into top of tch, turn.
Row 4: CH 3, skip 5 DC, V st into next sc, *CH 5, skip 9DC group, V st into next SC; rep from * ending CH 2, sl st to top of tch, turn.
Row 5: CH 1, SC over sl st into first st of row below, *9DC into sp at center of next V st**, working over next CH5 so as to enclose it work 1 SC into 5th DC of group in row below; rep from * ending last rep at **, SC into first ch of tch. Turn.
Rows 6-14: Repeat Rows 2-3.
Row 15: CH 3, DC in same st, *CH 2, slst in 5th DC of 9DC group, CH2, V in SC* Repeat to end. 2 DC in final stitch.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Row 1 sets up the fans. Sc in the second chain, then skip 3 chains, work 9 dc into the next chain, skip 3, sc. Each fan sits between two sc and uses 8 chains. Three fans fit in 26 chains.
- Row 2 builds the arches. Chain 3 and dc in the first stitch (a half V at the edge), then chain 5, skip the fan, and work a V stitch into the sc. Repeat, finishing with chain 5 and 2 dc in the last sc.
- Row 3 makes new fans out of the Vs. Start with 4 dc in the first stitch (a half fan), then reach down: sc into the 5th dc of the fan below, working over the chain-5 so the arch is wrapped inside the sc. Then 9 dc into the chain space of the next V. End with 5 dc in the turning chain.
- Rows 4 and 5 are the offset pair: Row 4 puts a V on each sc with chain-5 between, and Row 5 puts a full fan in each V and the sc over the arch, so the fans line up with the Vs rather than the half fans. Rows 6 to 14 repeat Rows 2 and 3.
- Row 15 is a finishing row. It works a V over each sc and a slip stitch into the point of each fan with chain-2 on either side, which gives the top a neat, shallow scallop instead of open arches.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Count the 9 dc in every fan. Eight or ten throws off the 5th-dc landmark for the sc in the next row.
- The sc over the chain-5 must enclose the chain. If you work the sc in front of or behind the arch instead of around it, the arch flops loose.
- The right side is the face where the fans curve toward you. Mark Row 1 if you'll be seaming.
- This stitch uses noticeably less yarn than solid dc because of the chain spaces, so it's a good choice when you want size without weight.
What to Make With the Fan and V Stitch
It's a shawl and wrap stitch first: a sport or DK weight rectangle drapes well and looks finished with just the Row 15 edge. In worsted weight it makes a light baby blanket or summer throw. Since it's a yarn-saver, the ideas in which crochet stitches use the least yarn pair well with it.
Related Stitches
- Basic V Stitch — the V on its own, a good warm-up.
- Crochet Shell Stitch — the fan on its own, in a simpler row structure.
- Fantail Stitch — a related fan-based lace, next in difficulty.
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
The swatch is worsted weight recycled silk, but this stitch is at its best in lighter yarn. A sport weight on a 4.0mm hook gives a wrap with real drape, and Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn, hand-dyed by artisans in India, has the sheen that shows off open lace. For a blanket, stay with worsted weight.
If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.
Fan and V Stitch FAQ
How much yarn does the fan and V stitch use?
Less than plain dc at the same size, because every other row is mostly chains. The 6-inch swatch used 17g of worsted weight.
What's the difference between the fan and V stitch and the shell stitch?
A shell stitch repeats fans every row. Fan and V alternates fans with a row of V stitches and chain arches, which makes a lighter, lacier fabric with more drape.
