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I have been so eager to design this Amigurumi hedgehog because I am very fond of these cute little creatures! Last year we had one move into our garden so we have been feeding it every night and have become great friends since then. 🙂 If you would like to make yourself a little spiky friend that is still soft to touch and cuddle then try this free crochet hedgehog pattern. And if you are not keen on sewing then you will love this pattern because there is no sewing involved at all!

Free Crochet Hedgehog Pattern – Notes

Skill level: intermediate crochet skills and knowledge

Finished size – length: 20cm / 8 inches

Finished size – height: 11cm / 4.5 inches

Free Crochet Hedgehog Pattern – Materials and Equipment

Yarn I used for this free crochet hedgehog pattern:

– Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply

– 55% cotton and 45% acrylic blend

– 1x ball of grey yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 80 – (50g/160m)

For the spines:

– Light Worsted #3 = DK

– 100% polyester

– 2x ball of black and white yarn – Kingcole Moments eyelash yarn – colour 498 – (50g/90m)

I like to purchase my YarnArt Jeans from Amazon HERE or from Etsy HERE. If you would like to check some great substitutes for YarnArt Jeans then have a read of my Best Yarn for Making Amigurumi tutorial. You can find the substitutes towards the end of the article.

Or just simply use any 100% cotton that will work just as well. You can also use 100% acrylic if you prefer to work with this type of yarn.

Other materials used: polyester fibre fill, black thread yarn for toe embroidery, black yarn for nose embroidery

Crochet hook: I used 2.5mm = B/1, if using different weight of yarn then refer to hook size recommendations on the yarn but go one size smaller. I highly recommend this ergonomic crochet hook set from Amazon as it comes in a stylish case and with other accessories such as stitch markers etc.

Other equipment used: scissors, yarn needle, pins with large heads, stitch marker or thin yarn to use instead, 10mm safety eyes

Choking hazard warning: the use of safety eyes or buttons poses a choking risk for children under the age of 3 therefore I recommend using embroidery instead.

Free Crochet Hedgehog Pattern – Let’s Get Started!

You may find these Amigurumi tutorials handy before you get started with this free crochet hedgehog pattern. And don’t forget to watch my step by step video tutorials for extra help with my patterns.

To view the free online pattern, please continue to scroll down. You can also download the ad-free and printable version of this pattern for a small fee here. Your generous contribution will help towards the cost of materials and running this website so I can continue to publish my free online patterns for everyone to enjoy.

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How to Crochet the Ears

Approach: crochet as a circle and fold up flat

Make two ears:

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet a magic ring for Amigurumi

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4-R5 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {18}

R6: Do not stuff, fold up flat and SC the opening together to close the ear {8}

Watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in a flat Amigurumi piece

FO and weave the yarn tail in

How to Crochet the Legs

Approach: crochet from the bottom of the leg upwards

Make four legs:

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3-R8 (6 rounds): SC in each ST around {12}

R9: Do not stuff and SC the opening together to close the leg {5}

FO and weave the yarn tail in

Toe embroidery:

Embroider the toes using a black thread yarn as shown in the photo below.

How to Crochet the Tail

Approach: crochet from the end of the tail

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}

R3: SC in each ST around {9}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 2, SC in next ST {12}

R5-R6 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {12}

R7:  Do not stuff and SC the opening together to close the tail {5}

FO and weave the yarn tail in

How to Crochet the Head and Body

Approach: crochet from the front of the head towards the back of the body

Crochet the head and the body using the grey yarn first.

Once the body is completed, you will then single crochet the eyelash yarn into the front loops of the body to create the spines.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}

R3: SC in each ST around {9}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 2, SC in next ST {12}

R5: SC in each ST around {12}

R6: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3 {15}

R7: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2, SC in next 2 ST {18}

R8: SC in each ST around {18}

R9: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 3 {21}

R10: SC in next 4 ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 4, SC in next 4 ST {26}

R11: SC in next 5 ST, INC, (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 4, SC in next 4 ST {31}

R12: SC in each ST around {31}

R13: SC in next 5 ST, INC, (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {37} – leave a stitch marker in at the start of R13 as you will need to refer to it when placing the eyes

R14: SC in next 6 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {43}

R15: SC in next 7 ST, INC, (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 5 ST {49}

R16: SC in each ST around {49}

R17: SC in next 7 ST, INC, (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6, SC in next 5 ST {56}

R18: SC in each ST around {56}

R19: SC in next 8 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 6, SC in next 5 ST {63}

R20: SC in each ST around {63}

R21: (SC in next 20 ST, INC) x 3 {66}

R22: attach the ears to the head in R22 – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to attach ears to your Amigurumi toy without sewing

– SC in next 18 ST

– SC in next 8 ST while attaching the first ear

– SC in next 14 ST

– SC in next 8 ST while attaching the second ear

– SC in next 18 ST {66}

R23: SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 10 ST, INC) x 4, SC in next 2 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 8 ST, INC {72}

R24: SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 53 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 10 ST {72}

R25: SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 11 ST, INC) x 4, SC in next 3 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 8 ST, INC {78}

R26-R27 (2 rounds): SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 59 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 10 ST {78}

R28: attach the first front leg to the body in R28 using the same technique you used for attaching the ears

– SC in next 9 ST

– work in BLO from now on, SC in next 59 ST

– stop working in BLO, SC in next 5 ST while attaching the leg; make sure the embroidered toes face the body

– SC in next 5 ST {78}

R29: attach the second front leg to the body in R29 using the same technique you used for attaching the ears

– SC in next 4 ST

– SC in next 5 ST while attaching the leg; make sure the embroidered toes face the body

– work in BLO from now on, SC in next 59 ST

– stop working in BLO, SC in next 10 ST {78}

Start stuffing the head and the body and continue to stuff gradually

R30-R36 (7 rounds): SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 59 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 10 ST {78}

You can now place the eyes:

– stuff the head well first

– it helps to use pins with large heads to first mark the spots where the eyes will be placed – you can make a decision whether you are happy with the placement and if it looks symmetrical before you insert the safety eyes; the safety eyes usually make a large hole in between the stitches so it is not recommended to change the placement of the eyes once they are in (Pic H1)

– place the eyes between rounds R13 and R14

– first eye – count 13 stitches from your marker at the start of R13 (count INC as 2 stitches) and place the eye between ST13 and ST14

– second eye – count 24 stitches from your marker at the start of R13 (count INC as 2 stitches) and place the eye between ST24 and ST25

– you can now insert the safety eyes and put the safety backs on (Pic H2)

Sculpting the eyes (indented eye look):

– I didn’t sculpt the eyes but if you wish, you can sculpt them using Method 2 in this step by step video tutorial on How to indent eyes in Amigurumi

– I recommend sculpting the eyes after you have completed the whole body.

R37: SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 2 ST, DEC, (SC in next 11 ST, DEC) x 4, SC in next 3 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC {72} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease for Amigurumi

R38-R39 (2 rounds): SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 54 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 9 ST {72}

R40: SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next ST, DEC, (SC in next 10 ST, DEC) x 4, SC in next 3 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC {66}

R41: SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 49 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 8 ST {66}

R42: attach the first back leg to the body in R42

– SC in next 9 ST

– work in BLO from now on, SC in next 50 ST

– stop working in BLO, SC in next 5 ST while attaching the leg; make sure the embroidered toes face the body

– SC in next 2 ST {66}

R43: attach the second back leg to the body in R43

– SC in next 5 ST

– SC in next 5 ST while attaching the leg; make sure the embroidered toes face the body

– work in BLO from now on, SC in next ST, DEC, (SC in next 7 ST, DEC) x 5, SC in next ST

– stop working in BLO, SC in next 7 ST {60}

R44: SC in next 10 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 43 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 7 ST {60}

R45: SC in next 10 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next ST, DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, DEC) x 5, SC in next ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 6 ST {54}

R46: SC in next 9 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 40 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 5 ST {54}

R47: SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC, work in BLO from now on, (SC in next 7 ST, DEC) x 4, SC in next 5 ST, stop working in BLO, SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC {48}

R48: SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC, SC in next 2 ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 4 ST, DEC, (SC in next 6 ST, DEC) x 4, stop working in BLO, SC in next 3 ST {42}

R49: SC in next 5 ST, work in BLO from now on, DEC, (SC in next 5 ST, DEC) x 4, SC in next 5 ST, stop working in BLO, INV DEC {36}

R50: SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC, SC in next ST, work in BLO from now on, SC in next 3 ST, DEC, (SC in next 4 ST, DEC) x 4, SC in next 2 ST {30}

R51: attach the tail to the body in R51 using the same technique you used for attaching the ears and legs

– SC in next 5 ST while attaching the tail

– work in BLO from now on, SC in next 25 ST {30}

R52: Work the whole row in BLO, (SC in next 3 ST, DEC) x 6 {24}

R53: Work the whole row in BLO, SC in next ST, DEC, (SC in next 2 ST, DEC) x 5, SC in next ST {18}

R54: Work the whole row in BLO, (SC in next ST, DEC) x 6 {12}

R55: Work the whole row in BLO, SC in each ST around {12}

Stuff well, close the hole using a yarn needle and weave the yarn end in

Watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in an Amigurumi piece

How to Crochet the Spines

Yarn colour: black and white eyelash yarn

How to crochet the spines:

– watch this step by step video tutorial on Easy way how to crochet Amigurumi with eyelash yarn

– single crochet into front loops on the back of the hedgehog’s body

– create a slip knot on your hook with the eyelash yarn

– insert your hook into the first front loop in R23 and single crochet across to the last front loop in R23

– in the next row, you will now need to single crochet in the opposite direction to get back to the other side of the body

– continue to single crochet in every row of the front loops

– you can start crocheting all the way round from R52 onwards

How to Embroider the Nose and Eye Brows

Nose embroidery:

Embroider the nose using a long piece of black yarn as shown in the photo below.

Eye brow embroidery:

Embroider the eye brows using a long piece of black thread yarn. I embroidered the eye brows between R16 and R17, leaving 11 stitches in between them.

Free Crochet Hedgehog Pattern – Your Finished Crochet Toy:

You have now finished your toy! I hope you found my free crochet hedgehog pattern easy to follow and enjoyed making the hedgehog!
I would very much welcome your feedback so please do leave a comment in the comment box at the bottom of this page. And don’t forget that I love to see your finished toys so please share your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #cuddlystitchescraft

Visit my free Amigurumi patterns for more crochet toys you will love!

More Free Amigurumi patterns for you to enjoy:

Free Crochet Octopus Pattern
Free Crochet Penguin Pattern
Free Crochet Shark Pattern