Crochet Sunburst Fan Stitch

The crochet Sunburst Fan Stitch is an eye-catching crochet pattern made from large, radiating fans that spread outward from central points. The tall stitches create the distinctive sunburst effect, while picots, clusters and open chain spaces give the fabric its decorative geometric appearance.

This is a more advanced stitch pattern, but the finished result is worth the extra concentration. Once several repeats are worked, the individual fans begin to connect into an intricate pattern of rounded, stunning motifs.

About the Crochet Sunburst Fan Stitch

The Sunburst fan Stitch combines tall groups of double crochet stitches with picots and clusters to form its dramatic fan shaped design. Each fan radiates from a central point, with the following rows joining and closing sections of the previous row to build the interlocking pattern.

One of the most unusual features is the way the picots become part of the structure of the following row. Rather than simply acting as a decorative edging, stitches are worked into different parts of the picot to help connect one sunburst to the next.

The stitch can be worked in one solid colour for a more subtle textured effect, or colours can be changed every two rows to emphasise the individual motifs. A smooth yarn is especially useful for this pattern because some of the clusters involve working across a relatively large number of stitches.

How to Crochet the Sunburst Fan Stitch

Begin with a foundation of 8 + 5

Row 1:

Work a sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in each of the next 3 ch (counts as a pst), sk 3 ch, 3dc in the next ch, sk 3 ch, sc in the next ch, *sk 3 ch, (3dc and pst)in the next ch, sk 3 ch, sc in the next ch, rep from * across. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 4 (counts as first tr), Cl over each of the first 8 sts (including the first sc), ch 3, sc on top of pst, *ch 3, Cl over the next 15 st by inserting hook in: bottom loop of pst, next 3dc, sc, 3 dc and then into the 4 sc of the next pst, then work a ch 3, sc in top of pst, rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 3:

Ch 1, sc in first sc, *sk 3 ch, (3dc, Pst, 3dc) in the closing loop of the Cl in row below, sk 3 ch, sc in next sc, rep from * to last 8-dcCl, sk 3 ch, 4dc in closing loop of Cl. Turn.

Row 4:

Ch 7 (counts as a tr and ch 3), Cl over next 15 st beginning with 5th ch from hook, *ch 3, sc on top of pst, ch 3, Cl over next 15 sts, rep from * to last pst, Cl over next 8 sts. Turn.

Row 5:

Ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each of the next 3 ch (counts as a dc and pst), 3dc in in first st, sk 3 ch, sc in next sc, *sk 3 ch, (3dc, pst, 3dc) in closing loop of Cl in row below, sk 3 ch, sc in next sc, rep from * across placing last sc in the 4th ch of turning ch. Turn.

Repeat:

Rep rows 2-5 for the stitch pattern.

Tips for Working the Sunburst Fan Stitch

The biggest challenge with this stitch is identifying exactly where the hook should go. For the first swatch avoid fuzzy, heavily textured or very dark yarn. You need to be able to see every single stitch.

When making the cluster, try and pull the loops up a little higher than usual. You’re gathering many loops onto the hook at once and tight loops make the final pull through much harder.

It’s also worth looking at your work after each fan. A missed stitch inside one of the large clusters can affect the alignment several rows later.

Can I Use More Than One Colour?

Absolutely. Changing colour every two rows emphasises the geometry of the stitch and makes the interlocking sunbursts much more obvious.

A single colour version would have a completely different look. Instead of the colour changes drawing your eye to each cluster fan, the shadows created by the tall stitches would become the main feature.

Crochet Sunburst Fan Stitch FAQs

Is this a beginner level stitch?

I wouldn’t recommend this as a first crochet stitch. You need to be comfortable with basic stitches and reading crochet patterns before tackling the unusual cluster and picot placement.

Once you understand how the first complete repeat fits together, the construction becomes much easier to recognise.

Why are the clusters difficult to close?

The loops have probably been drawn up too tightly. Pull each loop through fairly loose while building the cluster so there is enough room to draw your hook through all of them when you close it.

What yarn works best for this stitch?

A smooth yarn with good stitch definition is easiest to work with. Cotton is very good for learning the stitch because the stitches a clearer and the yarn generally runs smoothly over the hook.