Perfect 🌸 Let’s go into full instructions — slow and clear — for this beautiful red and white fan (shell wave) crochet stitch.
🧶 Crochet Fan Stitch (Red & White Pattern)
This pattern creates lovely scalloped shells that look raised and layered when alternating colors — perfect for blankets, scarves, table runners, etc.
🪡 Materials
- Yarn: Two contrasting colors (here, red & white)
- Hook: Size 4.0 mm (G) or as suitable for your yarn
- Scissors & tapestry needle
✨ Stitch Guide (US terms)
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| st | stitch |
| sk | skip |
🌼 Pattern Instructions
Step 1 – Foundation Chain
Make a chain that’s a multiple of 8 + 3 extra chains.
➡ Example: For a sample piece, ch 35 (8×4 + 3).
Step 2 – Row 1 (Color A – White)
- Start in the 4th chain from the hook.
- The first 3 ch count as 1 dc.
- Make 4 dc into the same chain (you’ll have 5 dc total).
- This forms a half shell at the beginning.
- Skip 3 ch, make 1 sc in the next ch.
- Skip 3 ch, make 7 dc in the next ch (this forms a full shell).
- Repeat this pattern:
Skip 3 ch, sc in next ch, skip 3 ch, 7 dc in next ch
until you reach the end of the row. - When you have 4 chains left, skip 3, and 5 dc in the last chain (another half shell).
- Cut yarn and fasten off neatly.
✅ You should now see alternating shell shapes with open dips between them.
Step 3 – Row 2 (Color B – Red)
- Turn your work.
- Attach red yarn to the first sc of the previous row.
- Ch 3 (counts as first dc), then 3 dc in same stitch → this forms the half shell.
- Skip next 3 dc, then sc into the 4th dc of the next shell below.
- Skip next 3 dc, then 7 dc in next sc (the small dip between shells).
- Continue this pattern:
Skip 3 dc, sc in 4th dc of shell below, skip 3 dc, 7 dc in next sc. - When you reach the end, make 4 dc (half shell) in the last sc.
- Cut yarn and fasten off.
Step 4 – Row 3 (Color A – White again)
- Turn and attach white yarn to the first sc.
- Repeat Row 2 pattern exactly, alternating between red and white rows.
Color Sequence
Alternate the colors every row:White → Red → White → Red → ...
Each color row overlaps slightly, giving the “fan” or “scale” illusion.
Step 5 – Finishing Touch
Once your piece reaches your desired length:
- Fasten off and weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
- You can add a simple border (like single crochet around) for a polished edge.
🌸 Visual Shape Notes
- Each “fan” or shell has 7 dc stitches (except for the halves on the edges).
- The sc between shells creates the inward curve.
- Alternating colors enhance the scale pattern, making it pop beautifully.
🧣 Tip for Beginners
- Keep your tension even — loose stitches make smoother fans.
- Always insert your hook under both loops of a stitch unless noted otherwise.
- Changing colors: complete the last yarn over of the final stitch with the new color for a cleaner transition.
