How to crochet the extreme fan drop stitch (video and written pattern)

If you're a fan of really dramatic crochet, then the extreme fan stitch is for you. It's a fun stitch on a large scale that creates an eye-catching pattern, working wonderfully for hats, scarves and afghans.
The extreme fan stitch uses a drop stitch, similar to a puff stitch, which involves holding 23 loops on the crochet hook. If you're a beginner you may want to sit this one out, but intermediate level crocheters will have fun getting to grips with this unusual and striking pattern.
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Watch the extreme fan drop stitch video tutorial:
Materials
The video tutorial suggests a DK yarn with an I or 5.5 mm crochet hook, though you can choose any yarn, bearing in mind that a chunky weight will make managing all the loops a little complicated. Check your manufacturer's band for hook size suggestions. You will also need a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in your ends.
Pro tip: for this stitch, you need to choose a long, straight crochet hook with room for the 23 loops of yarn the stitch requires.
Pro tip: when sliding the 23 loops required off your crochet hook, hold your hook with the head downwards and pull quickly. Secure immediately with a chain stitch to prevent the loops escaping!
Abbreviations
* repeat from here as required
ch chain
ch sp chain space
dc double crochet
DFS drop fan stitch
rep repeat
sk skip
st(s) stitch(es)
yo yarn over
Special stitches involved in this pattern
This pattern requires a drop fan stitch (DFS) which is made by inserting your hook into five different squares (1ch sps) on three rows. In the first two squares you will yo and pull up loops twice. In the third square, on the bottom row, you will yo and pull up loops three times. In the fourth and fifth squares you will yo and pull up loops twice. The stitch is made as follows: yo, insert hook in 1ch sp, pull up a loop, yo, pull up loop. Yo, insert hook into 1ch sp from row directly below, pull up a loop, yo, pull up a loop. Yo, insert hook into 1ch sp from row below, pull up a loop, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull up a loop. Yo, insert hook into 1ch sp from row above, pull up a loop, yo, pull up a loop. Yo, insert hook into 1ch sp from row above, pull up a loop, yo, pull up a loop. 23 loops on the hook. Pull hook through loops with a fast downward motion, ch1 immediately to secure.
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Written instructions
This pattern is created in multiples of 8, plus 12. Create a foundation chain to suit the size of your project.
Row 1: sk 1st 2 chs, dc into next 4 chs. *Ch 1. Sk 1 ch. 1 dc in next 7 ch. Continue along row, finishing with 5 dc.
Row 2: ch 1, turn. 1 dc in next 3 sts. *Ch 1, sk 1 st, 1 dc, ch 1, sk ch 1, 1 dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, then 1 dc in next 3 dcs. *Continue along row, finishing with 3 dc.
Row 3: ch 5, turn. Sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next st. Ch 1, 1 dc in next dc. Ch 1. Sk ch1, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc in next dc, ch1, sk centre dc of the 3 dc from previous row, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc. *Continue across row.
Row 4: change color, attaching new yarn in 3rd ch of previous row. *Ch 1. 1 dc into same st. 1 dc into ch1 sp. 1 dc in next dc. Ch 1. DFS. Ch 1. *Continue across row.
Row 5: turn. *Ch 1, 1 dc into next 3 sts. 2 dc into ch1 sp. Sk DFS. 2 dc into ch1 sp. 1 dc in next 3 sts. *Continue across row.
Repeat rows 2-5 until project reaches desired length.
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