5 Unusual Ways on How to Crochet a Semicircle

Crochet semicircles are versatile and can be used in projects like shawls, hats, motifs for blankets, or decorative elements in larger crochet designs. They allow for interesting shapes and designs in crochet projects and can be customized in size and curvature based on the intended use or pattern requirements. I have even used them occasionally for amigurumi as well! 

different ways to crochet a semicircle

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    What is a crochet semi-circle? 

    A crochet semi-circle is a half-circle shape created by crocheting in increasing half rounds from a magic circle, to form a curved, semicircular piece. It's a partial circle shape that can be used in various projects, from decorative elements to garment design. 

    To crochet a semi-circle, you typically start with a magic ring and then crochet along the curve of the magic ring without completing a full circle. The number of increases crocheted along the curve determine the width and curve of the semi-circle. 

    semicircle crochet

    Can you crochet a semicircle for beginners? 

    Yes it is fairly simple to do, if you know how to start off with a magic ring. If you do not know how to crochet a magic ring, start off with this article “24 Easy Peasy things you need to know about Magic Ring in Crochet”. Alternatively, you could start off with chain 2 and single crochet method to create a semicircle with pretty much the same outcome at the end. 

    How do you crochet a half circle? 

    Making a semi-circle is essentially made up of half a circle or in this case, half a magic ring. Instead of how you would normally increase in the subsequent rounds to form a larger circle, this time, at the end of the row, chain and turn the whole piece. Then working along the curve, continue increasing the stitches and then at the end of the row, chain and turn the whole piece again. The short pattern example is answered with the next question.  

    How do you crochet a semi circle? 

    Here is a short pattern example on how to crochet a simple small semi circle.  

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5, ch1 and turn - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5, ch1 and turn – 10st 

    Round 3: (Sc1, 2sc1) x 5 – 15st  

    steps in how to crochet a semicircle

    How to single crochet a half circle? 

    Basically a crochet semicircle, or a semi-circle, or a semi circle is the same as crocheting a half circle. I thought I just include it here in case there is any confusion. The pattern listed below is the same for a half circle as it is for the semicircle above.  

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5, ch1 and turn - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5 – 10st 

    Round 3: (Sc1, 2sc1) x 5, ch1 and turn – 10st 

    Also, the example above specifically only involves single crochet stitches, while in the next 2 parts, we will be working with the same general pattern but with taller stitch heights and their corresponding turning chains as well.  

    How do you crochet a half circle with HDC? 

    To crochet a half circle with hdc, follow the single crochet pattern above but this time with taller stitches and an accompanying turning chain of 2.  

    Round 1: Magic ring ch2, hdc5, ch2 and turn – 5st  

    Round 2: 2hdc5, ch2 and turn – 10st  

    Round 3: (Hdc1, 2hdc1) x 5, ch2 and turn  – 15st  

    Continue the pattern as intended until you reach the size desired.  

    crocheting half double crochet semi-circle

    How to make a double crochet semicircle? 

    To crochet a half circle with dc, follow the single crochet pattern above but this time with taller stitches and an accompanying turning chain of 3. 
    Round 1: Magic ring ch3, dc5, ch3 and turn – 5st  

    Round 2: 2dc5, ch3 and turn – 10st  

    Round 3: (Dc1, 2hdc1) x 5, ch3 and turn  – 15st  

    Continue the pattern as intended until you reach the size desired. 

    crocheting double crochet semicircle

    How to crochet different sizes of half circles? 

    To crochet different sizes of half circles, tweak the patterns above based on the number of stitches in the starting round, the number of increases in subsequent rows and of course the stitch heights. All these crochet changes will help with experimenting in different variations in sizes of your crochet semicircles or crochet half circles.  

    How do you crochet a little half circle? 

    To crochet a little half circle, consider starter off with a smaller magic ring initially in the first round, fewer subsequent rounds and using single crochet stitches which is the shortest form of stitches. The fewest number of rounds you could work into a crochet semicircle is probably just 2 rows, including the initial magic ring and just the second row of increases.  

    crocheting different sizes of semicircles

    How do you crochet a large half circle? 

    As for crocheting a larger half circle, you could increase the number of stitches in the starting magic ring, increase the number of subsequent rows and finally, use taller stitches like double crochet or treble crochet stitches. All these can increase the size of your semicircle, for a detailed example, see the pattern below: 

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5, ch1 and turn - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5, ch1 and turn – 10st 

    Round 3: (Sc1, 2sc1) x 5, ch1 and turn – 10st 

    Round 4: (Sc2, 2sc1) x 5, ch1 and turn – 20st  

    Round 5: (Sc3, 2sc1) x 5, ch1 and turn – 25st 

    Continue the pattern as intended until you reach the size desired. 


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    Free Amigurumi Shaping Starter Guide

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    What are some crochet semicircle shape variations? 

    For this section, we will be talking a bit about different types of semicircle shape variations, both in 2D and 3D forms. For the 2D shapes, we will talk about circles and also ovals which can appear quite similar to semicircles. As for the 3D versions of a semicircle, that would include a hemisphere and a hemicylinder. Read on to see what I mean.  

    How to crochet a circle? 

    Crocheting a circle is very similar to the initial semicircle pattern above. There is no chain and turn and it involves working continuously in rounds. I have written a short pattern below which is similar to the initial semicircle pattern, but it is just the circle version.  

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5, ch1 and turn - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5– 10st 

    Round 3: (Sc1, 2sc1) x 5 – 10st 

    Round 4: (Sc2, 2sc1) x 5 – 20st 

    For a full breakdown of all the variations involved in crocheting a circle, check out this article “14 useful things you need to know about How to Crochet a Circle”.  

    How to crochet an oval? 

    An oval shape is very similar to semi-circle or a half circle shape. In fact, some of techniques involves in crocheting an oval can product a final shape quite similar to a semi-circle. There are 8 different ways I have found that can be used to produce a flat oval shape or a pointed oval shape. The closest one to a semicircle is listed below with its pattern: 

    Crocheting an oval with a foundation chain 

    Row 1: Ch9 

    Row 2: Sc2, hdc1, dc2, hdc1, sc2, go around chain and rotate, 

    Row 3: Sc2, hdc1, dc2, hdc1, sc2 

    As for all the other different techniques to crochet an oval, check out this article “8 extraordinary ways on How to Crochet an Oval Pattern”.  

    How to crochet a hemisphere? 

    Here we are moving onto some 3D shapes. So, a 3D version of a circle is technically a sphere, so by extension, a 3D version of a semicircle is a hemisphere. This is fairly simple to achieve, it involves the first part of crocheting a sphere but stopping midway to get half of the sphere. Below I listed a short sphere pattern and then a hemisphere pattern.  

    Sphere pattern:  

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5 - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5 - 10st 

    Round 3: 2sc10 - 20st 

    Round 4: Sc20 - 20st 

    Add stuffing to the sphere.  

    Round 5: Sc2tog10 - 10st 

    Round 6: Sc2tog5 - 5st  

    Close up in FLO in last round. 

    Hemisphere pattern: 

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5 - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5 - 10st 

    Round 3: 2sc10 – 20st 

    Round 4: Sc20 - 20st 

    You could continue on and make a larger hemisphere. To close it up, crochet a separate piece with the same Rounds 1-3 to form a flat circle and cover up the hemisphere above by sewing both pieces together.  

    How to crochet a half sphere? 

    Crocheting a half sphere is the same as crocheting the hemisphere above. For a larger pattern you could also try to continue the above pattern in the 2 different ways below: 

    Half sphere pattern – longer version: 

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5 - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5 - 10st 

    Round 3: 2sc10 – 20st 

    Round 4: Sc20 – 20st 

    Round 5: Sc20 – 20st  

    crocheting hemisphere

    Half sphere pattern – larger version: 

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5 - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5 - 10st 

    Round 3: 2sc10 – 20st 

    Round 4: Sc20 – 20st 

    Round 5: (Sc1, 2sc1) x 10 – 30st  

    Round 6: Sc30 – 30st  

    How to crochet a 3d semicircle? 

    As for a 3D semicircle, rather than looking like a hemisphere, a 3d semicircle ends up looking like hemicylinder, if that is the right term. It basically looks like a cylinder that has been sliced down the middle, so a hemicylinder. The short pattern is below and its appearance as well. I have used this unusual shape to crochet part of a spaceship! 

    Hemicylinder pattern: 

    Round 1: Magic ring sc5 - 5st 

    Round 2: 2sc5, ch1 and turn - 10st 

    Round 3-12: Sc10, ch1 and turn, continue along the curve - 10st  

    Continue until desired length of hemicylinder. 

    crochet hemicylinder

    What can I make with a semicircle crochet? 

    A crocheted semicircle offers a versatile base for various projects due to its curved shape. Here are several things you can create using a crocheted semicircle: 

    • Shawls or Wraps: Semicircles can be the starting point for creating beautiful shawls or wraps. By adding additional rows or lace patterns, you can expand the semicircle to create a larger, flowing garment. 

    • Hats: Use a semicircle as the crown or top part of a hat. Adding additional stitches or rounds can transform it into the crown of a beanie or a beret. 

    • Rugs or Doilies: Crochet semicircles can be the foundation for decorative rugs or doilies. Combine multiple semicircles to create larger circular patterns or use them individually as decorative mats. 

    • Garment Elements: Incorporate semicircles into garments as decorative elements or yoke patterns for sweaters or tops. They can be used to create unique sleeves or shoulder details. 

    • Appliques: Crochet small semicircles as appliques to adorn bags, clothing, or accessories. They can resemble petals for floral designs or be part of intricate motifs. 

    • Coasters or Placemats: Semicircles can be the starting point for creating circular coasters or placemats. Add borders or decorative elements to enhance their appearance. 

    • Baskets or Bowls: By shaping and stiffening the crocheted semicircles, you can create baskets or bowls for storing small items or as decorative pieces for your home. 

    The versatility of the crocheted semicircle allows for creativity in design and application. Depending on your preferences and the project at hand, a crocheted semicircle can serve as a starting point for various beautiful and functional items. 

    crochet semicircles in amigurumi

    How to use crochet semicircle in amigurumi? 

    In amigurumi, crocheted semicircles can be incredibly versatile and useful for creating various elements and characters. Here are some ways you can use them: 

    • Body Parts: Semicircles can serve as body parts for certain characters. For example, they can be used as the base for rounded animal bodies or as the curved shape of wings for birds or insects. 

    • Hats or Caps: Crocheted semicircles can function as hats or caps for amigurumi characters. Depending on the size and design, they can be transformed into berets, beanies, or even sunhats for amigurumi dolls. 

    • Clothing: Use semicircles to create clothing elements such as skirts or dresses for amigurumi figures. By varying the size and stitch pattern, you can craft adorable outfits for your amigurumi creations. 

    • Accessories: They can serve as elements for accessories like bags, purses, or backpacks. A semicircle can be folded or stitched to create a bag flap or a decorative part of an accessory. 

    • Faces: When partially stuffed and shaped, semicircles can become the rounded part of certain facial features, like cheeks or snouts, giving your amigurumi a cute and dimensional appearance. 

    • Tails or Fins: Use crocheted semicircles to craft tails for animals or fins for aquatic creatures in your amigurumi designs. 

    These semi-circular shapes are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various needs in amigurumi, adding depth and character to your creations. Remember to pin the image below if you found this article useful!

    how to crochet a semicircle

    Conclusion of how to crochet a semicircle 

    Crocheting a semicircle offers a versatile foundation for an array of projects, from shawls and hats to amigurumi elements and decorative pieces. By starting with a simple magic ring and gradually increasing stitches along the row, a curved and rounded shape emerges. Whether used as a standalone element or integrated into larger projects, the crocheted semicircle serves as a fundamental building block, offering endless possibilities for crafting charming and distinctive creations in the world of crochet, even in amigurumi! 


    free amigurumi shaping starter guide

    Free Amigurumi Shaping Starter Guide

    Learn how to create a toy for your child with your own hands in 5 simple steps.


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