Fan stitch is also commonly called ray stitch, I prefer the name fan as I thing it really describes what it looks like. To me this stitch conjures up images in my mind of large palm leaves and this stitch can be used to represent leaves.
Create the base of the fan by stitching one long straight stitch. It is generally about half the length of the fan centre line
Now create the central fan line. It should be in a straight line with the base stitch
Either draw on guide lines or imagine the shape of a diamond
Bring the needle through the fabric a few mm down from the top of the centre line and a few mm away from the centre line. Complete this stitch at the point at which the base and centre lines meet.
Repeat on the other side of the centre line, making a mirror image stitch.
Repeat for a further two pairs of lines so there are 7 lines in total coming from the base stitch (the centre line and 3 pairs of stitches)
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