Watch how to crochet the big fan stitch (video and written instructions)

The big fan stitch makes a dramatic statement that'll look superb on all your shawls and throws. It would also be perfect for a summer top or cardigan. It's a bold collection of giant interlocking shell shapes joined with lacy stitches that will take your crochet to the next level.
This pattern is perfect for intermediate crocheters looking for a new challenge. It uses chains, double crochet and single crochet to stunning effect. None of the stitches are complicated, so keep count carefully to make the big fan stitch a breeze.
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Watch the big fan stitch video tutorial:
Materials
You can use any yarn for the big fan stitch, but be aware that a very chunky weight could mean you lose definition in the stitch and risk it becoming clumsy. The stitch would look airy and delicate in a light fingering weight yarn but would have lots of satisfying body in a DK yarn. Check your manufacturer's band for hook size suggestions. You will also need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Abbreviations
* repeat from here as required
ch chain
dc double crochet
rep repeat
sc single crochet
sk skip
st(s) stitch(es)
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Written instructions
This stitch is made in multiples of 16 stitches. You may like to create a foundation chain and then work a row of double crochet into every ch as a basis for the pattern, as in the video tutorial above.
Row 1: ch 1, sc into 1st st. Ch 3, sk 2, 1 sc into 3rd st, *ch 5, sk 2, 1 sc, ch 5, sk 3, 1 sc, ch 5, sk 2, 1 sc, ch 3, sk 2, 1 sc, ch 3, sk 2, 1 sc. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3, 1 dc into 1st st, *ch 3, 1 sc into middle of 2nd ch loop, 9 dc into next ch loop, 1 sc into middle st of next ch loop. Ch 3, 3 dc into sc between next 2 ch loops. *Rep from here until end of row, finishing with 2 dc into last st. Turn.
Row 3: ch 1, 2 sc into next 2 sts, *ch 1, (1 dc, ch 1) into 9dc of previous row. Ch 1, 3 sc into 3 dc of previous row. Rep from * to end of row, finishing with 2 dc into last st.
Row 4: ch 1, 1 sc into 1st st, ch 1, *(1 dc, ch 1) into 9 dc from previous row. 1 sc into middle of 3 sc from previous row, ch 1, rep from * to end of row, finishing with 1 sc into last st. Turn.
Row 5: ch 7, 1 sc into 2nd ch sp, *(ch 5, 1 sc into 2nd ch sp) across 9 dc from previous row. Ch 3, 1 dc into sc from previous row, ch 3, repeat from * along row and end with 1 dc into last st.
Repeat rows 2-5 until your project reaches desired length.
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