Interlocking Fan Stitch
The interlocking fan stitch is intricate-looking but do not be fooled- it is a simple stitch consisting of mainly basic techniques, so with the help of this tutorial you will have it mastered in no time!
It looks most effective when using alternating colours, whether it be stripy, rainbow or any combination! The variations are endless, I love that about the stitch. This is what I have done for my swatch, out of preference, but also so you guys can distinguish the rows better for learning.
This stitch is repetitive and works up quickly, so will make the perfect design for many projects- whether it be a blanket, scarf and more. I have listed some project ideas at the end of this stitch tutorial so be sure to check that out!
Helpful Tips
The interlocking fan stitch is incredibly beginner friendly as it only requires a combination of basic stitches! These include:
Chain (ch)
Single Crochet (sc)
Double Crochet (dc)
When chaining your initial row, make sure to do it in multiples of 6. This is important for yours fans to fit appropriately in the row. Like 6, 12, 18 chains- or more depending how big you want your project to be! Then add an additional two chains.
The way these rows are worked may seem a bit abstract. For example, on one row there are four fans and the next there are three. This may have you thinking your count is off, but never fear! By following this tutorial you will have a lovely patch or shape suitable for your project in no time.
Stitch Tutorial
(To start) Step 1: Slip knot yarn onto hook and chain to desired length (making sure it is in multiple of 6, plus 2!)
FIRST ROW
Step 2: Complete one row of single crochet.
SECOND ROW
Step 3: Chain 3 and turn work.
Step 4: Skip single crochet and double crochet into next stitch.
Step 5: Skip two single crochet, double crochet twice, chain 2 and double crochet twice again (2dc, 2ch, dc). This is what creates your fan shape!
Step 6: Skip two single chain, double crochet. Repeat until two single crochet remain.
Step 7: Skip 1 single crochet and double crochet into the last stitch. Check out below if you would like to change the colour like I did, or go on to step 8!
(Optional) Colour Change
What I like to do is go through the stitch as usual until last two loops remain on the hook. Then instead of pulling your original yarn through these, pull new colour through as I am doing below with changing from green to brown!
Cut original yarn and tightly double knot loose strands together for these to be woven in now or later. Continue as normal.
Step 8: Chain 3 and turn work.
THIRD ROW
Step 9: Skip 1 single crochet and double crochet into next stitch. This is above the double crochet from last row.
Step 10: Skip stitches and double crochet into middle of the fan from last row (between two sets of double crochets as represented below!).
Step 11: Skip stitches and complete a fan stitch (2dc, 2ch, 2dc) into the double crochet from last row.
Step 12: Continue alternating between double crocheting in previous double crochets and fans until you have two single crochets remaining. Skip one and double crochet into last stitch, like how we finished the previous row.
Repeat as per Second and Third Rows until desired length and congrats, you are done!
Video Tutorial
Here is a video tutorial by Desert Blossom Crafts that will walk you right through the interlocking fan stitch!
Project Ideas
Peacock Cowl
This stylish cowl will work up quickly and looks super effective when used with a gradient coloured yarn, and only uses one skein! The interlocking fan stitch is repetitive, making this pattern easy to memorise. You will be making cowls in a colours to match every outfit in no time!
Other project ideas include blankets (how cute would a baby blanket be in alternating pastel colours?!) or a table runner. Both of these would just involve aligning your stitch and row count right to the size you would like.
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