Hedgehogs are such adorable creatures! I’ve never seen a hedgehog in person (they’re illegal to own without a permit in my state). That being said, I follow a handful of hedgehogs on Instagram!

I named this little hedgehog Pepper for the variegated white and brown specks that look like salt n’ pepper. I worked with brown worsted weight yarn and a thin white crochet thread to mimmic the look of  quills. If you’re going for a realistic look, gray or black yarn might work well.

This hedgie works up to be approximately 5 inches long. After some research, I found that it’s about the same size as an actual hedgehog!

This pattern includes the first crochet diagram that I’ve ever published. Just scroll down below the written pattern to view the diagram. Feel free to let me know what you think! Do you prefer written patterns, diagrams, or having both to work from?

You can purchase the printable version of this pattern HERE for $1.99. Scroll down to see the free version.

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Pepper the Hedgehog

A Crochet Pattern by Picot Pals

Finished Size

5” (12.7 cm) x 3″ (7.6 cm)

Gauge

Because this is an amigurumi project, gauge isn’t necessary. Use a larger or smaller hook to adjust the size of your hedgehog. If you find that the stitches are too open when using the recommended hook, try using a hook that is one size smaller.

Materials

• 2.75 mm crochet hook (size C)
• Red Heart Super Savers yarn in coffee, aran, and buff
• white crochet thread or embroidery thread
• tapestry needle
• 6 mm safety eyes

Skills Needed

• single crochet in back loop only
• single crochet increase
• single crochet decrease
• crochet color change
• seamless amigurumi finish
• crochet in a magic circle

Pattern Notes

• The pattern is worked starting at the nose of the hedgehog.
• Begin each row with a ch 1, this does not count as a stitch.
• End each row with a sl st into the first stitch of the round.
• Combine the white thread and brown yarn together when working on the ‘quills’
• Each stitch is worked in the BLO

Abbreviations

BLO – back loop only

ch – chain

dec – single crochet decrease

inc – single crochet increase

mc – magic circle

sc – single crochet

sl st – slip stitch

Pattern Instructions

body

With coffee

Row 1: 4 sc in mc (4)

Change to buff

Row 2: inc around (8)

Row 3: *inc, sc* 4 times (12)

Row 4: *inc, 2 sc* 4 times 6)

Row 5: *inc, 3 sc* 4 times (20)

Change to aran

Row 6: 4 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc, 4 sc (24)

Row 7: 5 sc, inc, 4 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc,  4 sc, inc, 5 sc (28)

Row 8: 6 sc, change to white thread and brown yarn, 18 sc, change to off-white, 6 sc (28)

Rows 9-15: repeat row 8 (28)

Row 16: 5 sc, change to white thread and brown yarn, 20 sc, change to off-white, 5 sc (28)

Row 17: 4 sc, change to white thread and brown yarn, 22 sc, change to off-white, 4 sc (28)

Row 18: 3 sc, change to white thread and brown yarn, 24 sc, change to off-white, 3 sc (28)

Change to white thread and coffee

Row 19: 5 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec, 2 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec 5 sc (24)

Row 20: 4 sc, dec, 3 sc, dec, 2 sc, dec, 3 sc, dec sc (20)

Row 21: dec around (10)

Row 22: dec around (5)

Finish off, leave a long tail

Ears (make 2)

With buff

5 sc in mc

Finish off, leave a long tail.

Assembly

• Stitch the ears between rows 5 and 6 on either side.
• Insert the safety eyes between rows 3 and 4.

Use these photos for reference.

 

 Crochet Pattern Diagram

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Let me know if you have any questions at all about this pattern in the comments below.

Happy Crocheting!

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