How to Crochet Feathers & Fans
The feather and fan stitch is traditionally a pattern used in knitting, but a similar appearance can be achieved with crochet stitches. The stitch pattern employs increases in the form of the fan stitch alternating with decreases that result in lacy openwork to create a wavy appearance. The feather and fan stitch can be incorporated into a wide variety of projects, including scarves, shawls, sweaters and even blankets. The stitch is not difficult to accomplish, but some crochet experience is helpful when attempting this technique.
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Instructions
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1
Make a slip knot by making a loop in the yarn and pulling the tail through. Insert the hook into the loop and tighten the knot around the hook. Make 23 chain stitches. Do this by catching the working yarn with the hook and pulling the yarn through the loop on the hook. Repeat until you have created 23 chains.
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2
Create a series of double crochet increases to form a scallop or wave shape. To do this, make four double crochets in the third chain from the hook. To make a double crochet, wrap the yarn around the hook once, insert the hook into the stitch, wrap the yarn around the hook again and pull the yarn through the stitch. Wrap the yarn around the hook again and draw the yarn through two loops. Yarn over one more time and draw the yarn through both remaining loops on the hook.
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3
Make five double crochets in the next chain stitch.
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4
Double crochet in the next chain and then skip a chain stitch. Double crochet and skip a chain seven more times to create eight double crochets and eight skipped stitches. These skipped stitches will create the lacy appearance.
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5
Double crochet in the next chain stitch.
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6
Make five double crochets in each of the next two chains.
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7
Turn your work and make one chain.
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8
Make a single crochet in the back loop of the first double crochet. Then double crochet around the front post of each double crochet across the row to the last stitch. To double crochet into the front post, wrap the yarn around the hook and then insert the hook behind the post of the stitch below from right to left. Wrap the yarn around the hook and draw the yarn through two loops on the hook. Wrap the yarn around the hook again and draw the yarn through the remaining loops on the hook.
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9
Single crochet in the last stitch. Turn your work and make three chain stitches.
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10
Make four double crochets in the first stitch and five double crochets in the next stitch. Then make one double crochet around the front post and a chain stitch in each of the next eight double crochet stitches.
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11
Make a double crochet around the front post of the next double crochet stitch and then make five double crochets in each of the next two double crochet stitches.
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12
Repeat Steps 7 through 11 until the swatch reaches the desired length. Break the yarn and pull the tail through the remaining loop on the hook to secure.
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Tips & Warnings
To create a longer series of scallops, simply make extra repeats of the increase and decrease sequence.
The feather and fan pattern can be crocheted in any weight of yarn or size of crochet hook. Choose your yarn and hook to fit the project you are making. Use a heavier yarn with a larger hook for a blanket, but opt for a lighter weight yarn with a smaller hook for a lightweight scarf. You can even use kitchen cotton yarn to make a dishcloth with a feather and fan pattern.
Create additional visual interest by crocheting each row in alternating colors.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
