How to Crochet Fan Lace

There are endless varieties of crocheted lace. Many of these stitch patterns use shells in different ways to add dimension and interest to the fabric. Fan Lace uses a basic double crochet shell in combination with the V-stitch, single crochet, and chain stitches to create an openwork pattern that is visually interesting but not too fussy. It’s a four-row, ten-stitch repeat, with every two rows being offset by the previous two rows by a half repeat. The stitch pattern is easily memorized once you get the hang of which stitches go where!

Here’s how to crochet Fan Lace, step by step.

Crochet Fan Lace: Step by Step Tutorial

Row 1:

Repeat Steps 3-4 until you get to the last 8 chains, then repeat Step 3 one more time. Skip the next 3 chains, single crochet in the last chain (Photo 4).

Since this swatch began with 31 chains and the repeat is 10 stitches, there are three pattern repeats. We can verify this because there are three fan stitches in the row. Turn your work.

Row 2:

Notice that we’re only working into chain spaces and never stitches, except at the beginning and end of rows.

Repeat Steps 3-6 until you get to the last fan stitch, then repeat Steps 3-4 one more time. Work 2 double crochets into the last single crochet (Photo 8). Turn your work.

Row 3:

Repeat steps 2-4 until you get to the last 2 chain 3 spaces. Repeat step 3. Then work 3 double crochets into the next double crochet and 1 double crochet into the last double crochet. The beginning and ending double crochets of this row are essentially half a fan stitch. This row is very similar to Row 1, except offset by half a repeat (Photo 13). Turn your work.

Row 4:

Repeat Steps 2-5, ending with the last single crochet in the final double crochet of the row (Photo 16). Again, notice that this row is offset by half a pattern repeat from Row 2 (Photo 17). Turn your work.

Row 5:

This is essentially a repeat of Row 1 but worked into the previous Row 4 instead of the beginning chain.

Repeat Steps 3-5 to the last V-stitch, work steps 3-4 one more time, single crochet in the last sc (Photo 18). Turn your work.

Repeat Rows 2-5 for the pattern. If you’d like to end with a straight/flat edge that matches the beginning chain edge, end on a Row 2 or 4 (Photo 19).

Fan Lace in Projects

Fan Lace is a great stitch pattern to have in your toolbox! It works well in a variety of projects including scarves, shawls, and garments, and can be used all over or just for decorative edges. It makes a wonderful fabric for the Shadow Purple Top, featured in the book Learn to Crochet Garments (available in print or as an eBook), giving it a lacy look without being overly open.

Have you crocheted a project using the Fan Lace stitch pattern or a similar shell pattern? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Originally from Iowa, Amy Gunderson lives in sunny Reno, NV. She’s been the creative director for Universal Yarn, yarn director for Jimmy Beans Wool, and all-around yarn enthusiast for over a decade. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in most major magazines, including Interweave Knits. When she’s not dreaming up a crazy sweater idea, you can find her violining, knitting at the dog park or smashing balls on the tennis court. Follower her on Instagram as @amyyounggunderson or on Ravelry as @amygunderson.