Dear fellow crocheter,

Thank you so much for visiting my blog! Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to my half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde.”

I created this free crochet pattern especially with crochet beginners in mind. The pattern is straightforward and consists of just a few stitches that are repeated throughout. After only a few rows, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy crocheting without constantly having to think about what comes next.

The name is, of course, not entirely coincidental. Blaue Stunde is the German term for the blue hour, the period between sunset and the onset of darkness. The sun has already disappeared, but the sky is not yet completely dark.

During this short period, the surroundings often appear particularly calm and atmospheric. Depending on the weather, the sky shimmers in different shades of blue, gray, and violet, giving the landscape a very special atmosphere.

This mood reminded me of the blue hour when I designed my shawl. The three shades blend harmoniously into one another and give the shawl its calm and peaceful appearance.

In this Crazypatterns blog post, I’ll show you which materials you need, how the pattern is constructed, and how you can easily modify the half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde” to create your own individual version—a true one-of-a-kind piece.

If you would like to crochet the half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde,” I recommend reading through the complete free crochet pattern once before you begin.

Don’t worry, though—this won’t take all evening! You may even get some ideas for your own version while reading. For example, you could use a different yarn, change the size, or put together your own color combinations.

If you decide on your plan beforehand, you can take it into account right from the beginning. This may save you from a little “Oh, I wish I’d known that earlier” moment later on.

To make everything easy to find, I’ve divided the pattern into several clearly arranged sections.

This Blog Post Includes

• crochet skills required for the shawl

• materials needed

• the pattern for the half-circle shawl

• the decorative edging

• finished size

• detailed crochet instructions, including information on changing colors

• tips for customizing the design

Crochet Skills Required for the Half-Circle Shawl

For this shawl, you should be familiar with the following crochet techniques:

• Magic ring or starting loop to begin the shawl; alternatively, you can crochet 5 chains and join them with a slip stitch to form a ring

• chain stitches

• single crochet

• double crochet

That’s all you need for this project. So there’s no need to worry about a long list of complicated crochet techniques—you’ll be spared that this time, too!

Materials Needed

For the half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde,” you’ll need:

• a beautiful cotton-blend yarn with generous yardage

• a suitable crochet hook

• a yarn needle for weaving in the ends

• scissors

For my shawl, I used a yarn in two beautiful shades of blue and a coordinating shade of gray. To me, these colors are a perfect match for the name “Blaue Stunde.”

The yarn I used is Lana Grossa Diversa in the following colors:

• Ink Blue – 17

• Light Gray – 28

• Gray Blue – 16

According to the yarn label, the recommended hook size is 3 mm, which is also the size I used.

The yarn has a yardage of 210 m per 50 g.

Fiber Content

74% cotton, 26% viscose

Care Instructions

Do not bleach. Wash at up to 30°C.

Of course, you can use a different yarn as well. A yarn with a gradual color change is particularly beautiful for this project. However, three or more individual colors can also be combined wonderfully.

So feel free to experiment a little and have fun playing with the colors.

The Pattern for the Half-Circle Shawl

The pattern consists of 3-dc groups and chain stitches.

See Crochet Chart I.

You begin with a 3-dc group, followed by a chain stitch and then another 3-dc group.

In the following row, each 3-dc group is worked around a chain space of the previous row. This is followed by a chain stitch and the next 3-dc group.

Continue working according to this principle throughout the following rows.

This differs from the classic granny stitch pattern because of the additional chain stitch. However, the extra chain stitch makes the pattern easier to crochet and gives the shawl a beautiful, flowing drape.

The increases at the beginning and end of the rows allow the shawl to grow evenly and create its half-circle shape.

After the first few rows, you’ll quickly get used to the pattern and can simply relax and crochet.

A single increase is worked every other row. Every two rows, a double increase is worked. I’ll explain exactly how these increases are made in the detailed instructions below.

And that’s precisely what I love about this pattern: you don’t have to solve a little puzzle before starting every row. Once you’ve got the pattern down, it almost works by itself.

Little by little, a light half-circle shawl with a harmonious play of colors emerges—perhaps just the thing for a cozy evening of crochet.

And if that cozy crochet evening suddenly turns into several evenings in a row: I won’t tell anyone.

Crochet Chart I

Chart showing the main pattern.

The Decorative Edging

The half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde” is finished with a decorative edging.

Of course, you can leave the edging off and replace it with a few rows of single crochet instead. This is a lovely alternative for a men’s shawl. In that case, I would also recommend using just one color and choosing a more muted shade.

For this shawl, I chose a fairly simple but still decorative finish. This edging is also suitable for beginners.

The free crochet pattern explains how to easily crochet the edging onto your granny-style shawl, both in written instructions and in crochet chart form.

Finished Size

You can make the half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde” in virtually any size you like.

You could crochet a large shawl to wear over your shoulders, or make a smaller version that can be wrapped around your neck like a scarf.

Would you like to make the “Blaue Stunde” shawl in the same size as the original? Here are the measurements of the original: depth 35 cm, width 170 cm.

Detailed Instructions for Crocheting the Half-Circle Shawl “Blaue Stunde”

The half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde” starts at the center of the top edge and is worked back and forth in rows.

Turn your work after every row.

Each row begins with 4 chains.

The shawl grows through the increases at the beginning and end of each row, creating the half-circle shape.

Each row is finished with 1 chain and 1 double crochet.

The original colors and their sequence are listed in a table following the written instructions.

Work according to Crochet Chart II, which you’ll find at the end of the written instructions.

Starting Ring

Begin with a magic ring, starting loop, or alternatively 5 chains joined with a slip stitch to form a ring.

For my shawl, I chose to make a ring from 5 chains. This works very well with the simple design of this granny-style shawl.

Row 1

Ch 4, 3 times (3 dc into the ring, ch 1), 1 dc. Turn.

You now have 3 3-dc groups.

Row 2 – Single Increase

Ch 4, 4 times (3 dc around the ch-sp of the previous row, ch 1), 1 dc. Turn.

You now have 4 3-dc groups.

Row 3 – Double Increase

Ch 4, 3 dc around the first ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 3 dc around the next ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 3 dc around the last ch-sp, ch 1, 1 dc around the same ch-sp. Turn.

You now have 7 3-dc groups.

Row 4 – Single Increase

Ch 4, 8 times (3 dc around the ch-sp of the previous row, ch 1), 1 dc. Turn.

You now have 8 3-dc groups.

Row 5 – Double Increase

Ch 4, 3 dc around the first ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 5 times (3 dc around the next ch-sp, ch 1), (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 3 dc around the last ch-sp, ch 1, 1 dc around the same ch-sp. Turn.

You now have 11 3-dc groups.

Row 6 – Single Increase

Ch 4, 12 times (3 dc around the ch-sp of the previous row, ch 1), 1 dc. Turn.

You now have 12 3-dc groups.

Row 7 – Double Increase

Ch 4, 3 dc around the first ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 9 times (3 dc around the next ch-sp, ch 1), (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 3 dc around the last ch-sp, ch 1, 1 dc around the same ch-sp. Turn.

You now have 15 3-dc groups.

Row 8 – Single Increase

Ch 4, 16 times (3 dc around the ch-sp of the previous row, ch 1), 1 dc. Turn.

You now have 16 3-dc groups.

Row 9 – Double Increase

Ch 4, 3 dc around the first ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 13 times (3 dc around the next ch-sp, ch 1), (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 3 dc around the last ch-sp, ch 1, 1 dc around the same ch-sp. Turn.

You now have 19 3-dc groups.

Row 10 – Single Increase

Ch 4, 20 times (3 dc around the ch-sp of the previous row, ch 1), 1 dc. Turn.

You now have 20 3-dc groups.

Row 11 – Double Increase

Ch 4, 3 dc around the first ch-sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 17 times (3 dc around the next ch-sp, ch 1), (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) around the next ch-sp, ch 1, 3 dc around the last ch-sp, ch 1, 1 dc around the same ch-sp. Turn.

You now have 23 3-dc groups.

Row 12 – Single Increase

Ch 4, 24 times (3 dc around the ch-sp of the previous row, ch 1), 1 dc. Turn.

You now have 24 3-dc groups.

Continue working the rows and increases according to the pattern until the shawl reaches your desired size.

For my original shawl, I worked a total of 39 rows in the granny-style pattern.

Decorative Edging

Once your “Blaue Stunde” shawl has reached the desired size, you can begin the decorative edging.

If you would like to make the edging exactly as shown on the original shawl, follow Crochet Chart III together with the written instructions.

Row 40

Ch 1, 3 sc around the first ch-sp of the previous row — this is where the increase for the granny pattern would normally have been.

Work sc across the entire row.

At the end of the row, work 3 sc around the last ch-sp.

Turn.

Row 41

Ch 3, 3 times (ch 1, 1 dc, working the dc into the next sc of the previous row = increase), *ch 1, 1 dc; repeat from * to the end of the row.

Skip one stitch of the previous row each time.

At the end of the row, work the final 3 dc into the individual sc of the previous row (= increase).

Turn.

Row 42

Ch 3, 3 times (2 sc around the next ch-sp of the previous row, 1 sc into the next dc) (= increase), *1 sc around the next ch-sp of the previous row, 1 sc into the next dc; repeat from * to the end of the row.

At the end of the row, work 2 sc around each of the last 3 ch-sps (= increase).

Turn.

Row 43

1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc across the row.

At both the beginning and the end of the row, work 3 stitches into each sc of the previous row (= increase), skipping one stitch of the previous row between each increase.

Crochet Chart II

This chart shows only part of the shawl.

Now it’s time for the decorative edging.

I have drawn a crochet chart for the edging that you can follow.

Work according to Crochet Chart III.

Crochet Chart III

This chart shows only part of the decorative edging.

Color Changes

How Do I Change Colors?

Changing colors neatly while crocheting is actually very easy.

The important thing is not to complete the final stitch in the old color completely.

Instead, when making the final yarn-over, use the new color to pull through the final two loops.

This prepares the color change neatly, and the new color begins with the next stitch.

How to Make a Clean Color Change

The color is always changed before the final yarn-over of the stitch worked in the current color.

Work the final stitch in the old color almost to completion. For the final pull-through, use the new color.

This works with single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and all other types of stitches.

This gives you a smooth and even color transition.

The same method is used for this shawl. It only takes a small adjustment, and the new color is ready to take over.

Original Color Sequence

Would you like to crochet your half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde” using exactly the same colors as the original?

Below you’ll find a table showing the colors I used. For clarity, I’ve listed the colors separately.

Of course, not everyone wants to use the same colors or follow the same color sequence.

Tips for Customizing Your Shawl

• As mentioned above, you can replace the decorative edging with two or three rows—or more—of single crochet. If you would like to continue making increases, double the first and last three stitches. Alternatively, you can finish your shawl all the way around with several rounds of single crochet.

• Instead of a crocheted edging, add fringe.

• Crochet the half-circle shawl “Blaue Stunde” using a gradient yarn or self-striping yarn.

• Work the shawl in one color.

• Change the number of rows worked in each color and create your own color sequence.

• Use leftover yarn to create a colorful, scrappy granny-style shawl.

• Decorate your shawl with tassels.

• Change the size of the shawl by crocheting more or fewer pattern rows.

• Use a different decorative edging.

Stitch Key

The pattern uses US crochet terminology.

• 3-dc group – 3 double crochets worked around a chain space

• dc – double crochet

• sc – single crochet

• ch – chain

• ch-sp – chain space

• 3-ch turning chain – 3 chain stitches used to provide the height of a double crochet

• 3-ch space – a space created by 3 chain stitches

Copyright and Sharing

The pattern for the half-circle granny-style shawl “Blaue Stunde” was created by Blickfang-Design and is protected by copyright.

You are, of course, welcome to use this pattern for your personal use and crochet your own “Blaue Stunde” shawl from it.

However, please understand that the pattern, including individual parts of it, may not be copied, distributed, published, or sold. Commercial use of the pattern is also not permitted.

If you like “Blaue Stunde” and would like to share this free pattern with other fellow crocheters, I’d be delighted!

You are expressly welcome to share and recommend this blog post.

Please simply link back to the original blog post. This allows others to find the free pattern directly and crochet their own shawl.

By treating my patterns fairly and respectfully, you support my work and help me continue creating new designs and sharing free patterns with you in the future.

Thank you so much, and I hope you have lots of fun crocheting—and, of course, a beautiful “Blaue Stunde”!

Warmest wishes,

Birte from Blickfang-Design