How to Crochet the Fantail Stitch

The crochet Fantail Stitch creates dramatic, curved fans using groups of tall double crochet stitches. Between the fan rows V-stitches and chain spaces add contrast and give the pattern its distinctive layered appearance.

What makes this stitch especially interesting is the way some of the single crochet stitches are worked two rows below. The hook passes over a chain 5 space before being inserted into the stitch below, connecting the rows and helping to define the shape of the fans.

The Fantail Stitch has a four row repeat and uses familiar crochet techniques in a slightly different way. If you’re comfortable with single crochet, double crochet, chains and V-stitches, it’s a lovely pattern for practicing stitch placement and learning to read a more detailed repeat.

Crochet Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• ch-1 sp – chain one space
• dc – double crochet
• sc – single crochet
• sk – skip
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• tch – turning chain
• V-st – V-stitch
• rep – repeat

Understanding the Fantail Stitch Pattern

Unlike the simpler shell patterns we’ve looked at, Fantail Stitch doesn’t create every row in the same way. The large fans are formed with nine double crochet stitches while the alternating rows use V-stitches and chain 5 spaces. These chain spaces aren’t simply decorative. On the following rows you’ll crochet over them and into stitches from two rows below. This gives the fabric its layered structure and helps separate and define each fan.

There are four rows in the main repeat so don’t worry if the pattern doesn’t seem obvious after the first couple of rows. Once you’ve completed the full sequence , the fantail shapes become much easier to recognise.

How to Crochet the Fantail Stitch

The foundation chain is a multiple of 8 + 2.

Row 1:

Work a sc into the second ch from the hook, *sk 3 ch, Shell in to the next ch, sk 3 ch, sc in the next ch, rep from * across. Turn

Row 2:

Ch 3 (counts as the first dc), dc in the same sc, *ch 5, sk the next Shell, V-st in the next sc, rep from * across to the last sc, ch 5, 2 dc in to the last sc. Turn.

Row 3:

Ch 3, 4 dc in the same dc, *sc in the centre dc of the next Shell 2 rows below**, Shell in the ch-1 sp of the next V-st, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, 5 dc in the turning ch. Turn.

Row 4:

Ch 3 (does not count as a dc), *V-st in the next sc**, ch 5, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, ch 3, sl st to turning chain. Turn.

Row 5:

Ch 1, sc in to the first st, *Shell in the ch-1 sp of the next V-st**, sc in the centre dc of the Shell 2 rows below, rep from * across ending the last rep at **, sc in the last dc 2 rows below. Turn.

Repeat:

Repeat Rows 2 – 5 until you are happy with your swatch.

Why the Fantail Stitch has a Four Row Repeat

The four row repeat is what creates the alternating arrangement of shells. One set of rows establishes the large fans. The following rows introduce V-stitches and chain spaces which provide the positions of the next set of shells. The shells are therefore offset rather than stacked directly on top of one another.

It’s worth completing at least two full repeats when making a swatch. A single repeat shows you how the stitch is constructed, the second makes the overall pattern much easier to see.

Fantail Stitch FAQs

What is the stitch multiple for the Fantail Stitch?

This version of the Fantail Stitch uses a foundation chain of 8 + 2. For example, chaining 26 gives you three complete pattern repeats for a practice swatch.

How many rows are in the Fantail Stitch repeat?

The main pattern repeat contains four rows. After the foundation row, repeat Rows 2-5.

How many double crochets are in each shell?

Each Fantail Shell contains 9 double crochet stitches worked into the same stitch or space.

Where are the shells worked on the V-st rows?

The shells are worked into the chain one space in the centre of each V-stitch. This placement helps stagger the fans from one section of the pattern to the next.

Is the Fantail Stitch difficult?

The individual crochet stitches aren’t difficult but the placement is more involved than a basic shell stitch. The main technique to become comfortable with is working a single crochet two rows below while enclosing a chain 5 space. Once you understand that movement, the four row sequence becomes much easier to follow.