Welcome to the cozy corner of our crafting blog! Today, we're diving into a delightful project perfect for novice and seasoned knitters: knitting your hedgehog toy. With its soft spikes and charming little face, this adorable critter will become a favorite companion or a cherished gift.
In this post, I'll share detailed instructions to ensure your hedgehog turns out right, regardless of your skill level. Whether you want to expand your knitting repertoire or create something irresistibly cute, our knitted hedgehog project is the perfect way to indulge your crafty side.
Skill Level
Beginner
Finished Size
13 cm / 5 1/8 in
Instruction of Knitting a Hedgehog Toy
This charming hedgehog toy is crafted by first knitting an egg-shaped body. The body is knit using needles in bigger sizes and fluffy teddy yarn to mimic the texture of quills. Once the body is complete, the head, ears, and other features are added using smaller needles and cotton yarn to provide a contrasting texture.
Needles
4 double-pointed needles 6” (15 cm) in 2 sizes
Needle Size
US 6 (4.00 mm) / US 3 (3.25 mm)
Yarn
(Medium) 100% Polyester (50 g/ 65 m/ 71 yds) *I used "Go Handmade - Teddy yarn here"
(DK) 100% Cotton (25g ~ 57.5 m)
Yarn Amount
100% Polyester: 25 g
100% Cotton: 3 g (Brown) / 6 g (Beige)
Gauge
Body: 18 sts and 23 rnds = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm
Other parts: 26 sts and 30 rnds = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm
Abbreviations
CO cast on
rnd(s) round(s)
st(s) stitch(es)
RS right side
WS wrong side
k knit
p purl
m1 make 1 stitch
m1L make 1 stitch left
m1R make 1 stitch right
k2tog knit 2 stitches together
ssk slip, slip, and knit
Body
Use US 6 (4.00 mm) needles, and knit with your fluffy yarn.
Circular CO 12 sts on 3 needles. *Always use a working needle to knit.
Rnd 1: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 2: *k2, m1*, repeat * (18 sts)
Rnd 3: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 4: *k3, m1*, repeat * (24 sts)
Rnd 5: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 6: *k4, m1*, repeat * (30 sts)
Rnd 7: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 8: *k5, m1*, repeat * (36 sts)
Rnd 9: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 10: *k6, m1*, repeat * (42 sts)
Rnd 11: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 12: *k7, m1*, repeat * (48 sts)
Knit until the height reaches 11cm (measured from the top). *Approx. 20 rounds
Decrease rnd 1: *k6, k2tog*, repeat * (42 sts)
Rnd 2: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 3: *k5, k2tog*, repeat * (36 sts)
Rnd 4: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 5: *k4, k2tog*, repeat * (30 sts)
Rnd 6: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 7: *k3, k2tog*, repeat * (24 sts)
Rnd 8: knit 1 rnd
Stuff the body now, then continue knitting.
Rnd 9: *k2, k2tog*, repeat * (18 sts)
Rnd 10: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 11: *k1, k2tog*, repeat * (12 sts)
Rnd 12: knit 1 rnd
Stuff more. Gather bind-off.
Head
Use US 3 (3.25 mm) needles and beige color cotton yarn.
CO 36 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1-3: knit 3 rnds
Rnd 4: ssk, k2, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k6, ssk, k6 (30 sts)
Rnd 5: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 6: ssk, k1, ssk, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k5, k2tog, k6, ssk, k5 (24 sts)
Rnd 7: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 8: *k2tog, k2*, repeat * (18 sts)
Rnd 9: knit 1 rnd
Rnd 10: *k2tog, k1*, repeat * (12 sts)
Rnd 11-14: knit 4 rnds
Gather bind-off.
Ears
Use US 3 (3.25 mm) needles and beige color cotton yarn.
CO 12 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1-3: knit 3 rnds
Rnd 4: k2tog, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, ssk (8 sts)
Gather bind-off.
Belly Patch
This is knit flat. Use US 3 (3.25 mm) needles and beige color cotton yarn.
CO 14 sts
Row 1(WS): purl
Row 2(RS): k1, m1R, k12, m1L, k1 (16 sts)
Row 3: purl
Row 4: k1, m1R, k14, m1L, k1 (18 sts)
Row 5: purl
Row 6-11: knit 6 rows of stockinette stitch
Row 12: k1, k2tog, k12, ssk, k1 (16 sts)
Row 13: purl
Row 14: k1, k2tog, k10, ssk, k1 (14 sts)
Row 15: purl
Row 16: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1 (12 sts)
Row 17: purl
Row 18: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1 (10 sts)
Row 19: purl
Row 20: knit and bind off.
Hands and feet
Use US 3 (3.25 mm) needles and brown color cotton yarn.
CO 12 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: knit 4 rnds
Rnd 5: k2tog, k2 (9 sts)
Rnd 6: knit 1 rnd
Gather bind-off.
Finishing
Stuff the head before sewing it on the body. * If you use safety eyes for this hedgehog toy, install them now.
Then, sew the belly patch right below the head.
Tips
You may see the fluffy yarn pressed along the sewing line. Use a tapestry needle to pick them up.
Fold the ears, and sew them above the head. Stuff all the hands and feet, and sew them up.
I made a simple embroidery for the eyes and nose at the end.
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