Crochet Half Circle Pattern (Semi-Circle for Beginners)

The crochet half circle is a simple semicircle crochet shape worked in rows with evenly spaced increases to create a smooth curved edge. This beginner-friendly crochet shape is useful for shawls, rugs, bags, appliqués, rainbows, and decorative crochet projects because it can easily be adjusted to different sizes and stitch types. This tutorial will show you how to crochet a half circle step-by-step.

Easy Crochet Half Circle Pattern

A crochet half circle is a semicircle crochet shape created by increasing stitches evenly across turned rows instead of full rounds. Half circles are commonly used for shawls, rainbows, rugs, appliqués, bags, and decorative crochet motifs. This crochet half circle pattern is worked in rounds. Depending on what you match your semi-circle crochet piece with, you may do each row in a different color or all in one block color. For this tutorial, I used a different color for each row so you could clearly see the pattern.

New to Crocheting? If you are an absolute beginner, read my how to crochet guide, as well as how to do the basic crochet stitches.

How to Crochet a Half Circle (Step by Step)

Best Yarn for Crochet Half Circles: Almost any yarn works well for crochet half circles, depending on the final project. Cotton yarn creates structured semicircles suitable for rugs and coasters, while acrylic or lightweight yarn produces softer draping shapes for shawls and garments.

The most common stitches when making a crochet half circle are single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. You may use any of these stitches, but let’s start with the double crochet version.

Take note: The chain stitches at the beginning of each row are your turning stitches, but they also count as a dc. If you leave out that turning stitch, each row will have one less than you need!

You may previously have crocheted in circles. Full circles, especially flat circles, are more commonly crocheted than semicircles. They are worked in rounds, with no turning necessary. However, semicircles are worked in rows and then turned. You will also need to add turning stitches.

Finished Size– My rainbow was 10 inches in width x 5 inches high (22×12 cm) with a 4mm hook and worsted weight yarn. I used a cotton yarn from brand Paintbox.

Here is the written pattern:

1. First Round

1. Begin with a magic ring.
2. Chain 2. (counts as first dc)
3. Make 5 dc into the ring. (6 stitches).
4. Pull your magic ring tight to close up the hole.

BEGINNER TIP: Some of you may dislike using the magic circle ring, but it is the best for semicircles, as it flattens nicely to accommodate the crochet half circle shape.

2. Second Round Increase Every Stitch

1. Turn.
2. Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc into the same stitch.
3. 2 dc into each stitch till the end of the row.
4. The final dc is worked into the top of the turning ch. (12 stitches)

3. Third Row Increase Every Second Stitch

1. Turn.
2. Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in the same stitch.
3. *dc, 2dc.
4. Repeat from * until the end of the row.
5. The final dc is worked into the top of the turning ch. (18 stitches)

BEGINNER TIP: In every row of the crochet half circle, your final dc will be worked into the top of your turning ch.

4. Fourth Row Increase Every Third Stitch

1. Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc, 2dc into the next stitch.
2. 1 dc into each of the next 2 sts
3. *2 dc into the following st,1 dc into each of the next 2 sts
4. Repeat from * until the end of the row. (24 stitch count)

BEGINNER TIP: Odd rows should begin with an increase, whereas even rows begin with the stitch pattern. Even rows should end with an increase.

5. Fifth Row Increase Every Fourth Stitch

1. Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc into the same st;
2. *1 dc into the next 3 sts, 2 dc into the next st.
3. Repeat the pattern from * until the end of the row.

Crochet Half Circle Formula

If you have already made crochet circles, you will see that the principle for a crochet semi-circle is the same: you add an extra stitch before increasing in each row. The only difference in the increase pattern is that here you keep turning your work to work in rows rather than rounds.

• Row 6: Ch 2, 3dc, and 2dc into the next stitch. *1 dc into next 4 sts, 2 dc into next st. Repeat from * to the end.
• Row 7: Ch2, 4 dc, and 2 dc into next st. * 1 dc into next 5 sts, 2 dc into next st. Repeat from * to the end.
• Row 8: Ch2, 5 dc, and 2 dc into next st. * 1 dc into next 6 sts, 2 dc into next st. Repeat from * to the end.
• Row 9: Ch2, 6 dc, and 2 dc into next st. * 1 dc into next 7 sts, 2 dc into next st. Repeat from * to the end.
• Row 10: Ch2, 7 dc, and 2 dc into next st. * 1 dc into next 8 sts, 2 dc into next st. Repeat from * to the end.
• And so on.

You can keep working in this way until your crochet half circle is the size you require.

When your semicircle is the required size, weave in any loose yarn ends. This includes both your own tail from finishing the yarn and the magic ring’s tail. If you have used more than one color, you will have more ends to weave in!

How can I make a Crochet Half Circle Bigger?

It is pretty easy to increase the size of a crochet half circle. To create a larger half circle, simply increase the number of rows, just as you would for a regular circle. Another way to make crochet half circles bigger is to increase the yarn weight, hook size, and stitch you’re using.

Variations on the Semicircle Crochet Pattern

The appearance of your crochet half circle will change depending on which stitch you choose. If you decide to make your semicircle with single crochet stitches, your semicircle will be smaller.

You can also make it with half double crochet stitches. Treble stitches will work too, but your semicircle will have larger spaces and may turn out a bit floppy!

Experienced crocheters who enjoy using patterns or designs of a higher skill level may like to use more elaborate stitches. This will work as long as you stick to the method of adding one extra stitch before increasing in each row. Keep in mind that if you choose a more detailed stitch technique, the qualities of your particular stitch may only be seen on the right side of the half circle. This means that every other row is going to work as a passing row, using basic stitches.

Crochet Half Circles Projects

An attractive shawl can be created from a huge crochet half circle. It is also possible to crochet rugs, tablemats, coasters, cushion covers, crochet bags, and purses using semicircles as a pattern theme. Your choice of yarn will have an important influence on the items that you want to create.

Use your perfect double crochet semi circle as a creative element in a variety of crochet patterns. Small semicircles can be used for any kind of appliqué or embellishments, or they are useful as patches to hide darns on clothing intended for youngsters.

If you are a fan of amigurumi, you may use semicircles to create scales, ears, eyelids, wings, and many other features for your amigurumi creations.

Crochet Half Circle Variations

Half circles can be crocheted using:

• single crochet
• half double crochet
• double crochet
• treble crochet

Using taller stitches creates larger semicircles with more drape, while shorter stitches create denser structured shapes.

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Crochet Half Circle FAQs

In Conclusion

The crochet half circle is a versatile crochet shape that can be adapted for everything from shawls and rugs to appliqués and rainbows. Because the shaping formula is simple and repetitive, it becomes easy to customize the size, stitch type, and yarn for different projects. Once you understand the increase pattern, crochet half circles become a useful building block for many creative crochet designs.