Harvest Moon Hedgehog Free Pattern – Knitted Textured Gourd Amigurumi

Harvest Moon Hedgehog Free Pattern – Knitted Textured Gourd Amigurumi

Bring a touch of woodland charm to your autumn decor with this whimsical knitted hedgehog! Inspired by the cozy harvest season, this little creature features a textured pumpkin-inspired body, a sweet stitched face, and tiny ears that make it utterly irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting your amigurumi journey, this quick and satisfying project is perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply adding a handmade treasure to your collection. Let's dive into creating your very own Harvest Moon Hedgehog!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses small amounts of yarn, making it an excellent stash-buster!

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Burnt orange (for the body and ears) – approximately 50 yards
  • Cream (for the face) – approximately 15 yards
  • Dark brown (for the nose and eyes) – small amount for embroidery
• Optional: Small amount of green yarn for a decorative leaf
• Knitting Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) – or size needed to match gauge
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and embroidery
• Fiberfill: Polyester stuffing for a plump, firm body
• Scissors

Note on gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but for reference, the pattern uses approximately 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Simply use the needle size that gives you a firm fabric that won't show stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This hedgehog is knitted flat in pieces and seamed together. The body uses a textured pumpkin stitch (a variation of seed stitch) to create those lovely gourd ridges. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a charming hedgehog in no time!

Body (Make 2 Pieces – Knit Flat)

Using burnt orange yarn, cast on 20 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end of row.
• Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1; repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. This textured seed stitch creates the pumpkin-like ridges.

Shaping the top:

• Next row (RS): K2tog across – you will have 10 stitches remaining.
• Next row (WS): Purl across all stitches.
• Next row (RS): K2tog across – you will have 5 stitches remaining.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining 5 stitches, and pull tight to gather. Leave the tail attached for seaming later.

Face (Make 1 Piece – Knit Flat)

Using cream yarn, cast on 10 stitches.

• Rows 1-6: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 6 rows, ending with a wrong-side row.
• Row 7 (RS): K2tog, K6, K2tog – you will have 8 stitches.
• Row 8 (WS): Purl across all stitches.
• Row 9 (RS): K2tog, K4, K2tog – you will have 6 stitches.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to gather. Leave the tail for seaming.

Ears (Make 2 Pieces – Knit Flat)

Using burnt orange yarn, cast on 4 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit across all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl across all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): K2tog, K2tog – you will have 2 stitches.

Cut yarn, thread through the remaining 2 stitches, and pull tight. Leave a tail for sewing.

Nose and Eyes – Embroidery

Nose: Using dark brown yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider a small triangle at the tip of the face piece using satin stitch. The tip is the gathered end of the face piece.

Eyes: Using dark brown yarn, embroider two small French knots or satin stitch dots on the face piece. Place them about 1 inch apart, centered above the nose. For a cute expression, position them slightly toward the sides.

Assembly – Bringing Your Hedgehog to Life

Now it's time to sew everything together. Take your time and use the long tails left from each piece for seaming.

1. Seam the body: Place the two body pieces together with right sides facing each other. Using a tapestry needle and the tail from one piece, sew along the curved edges using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Leave the straight cast-on edge open. Turn the body right side out.
2. Stuff the body: Firmly stuff the body with fiberfill. Make sure to fill the rounded areas well so the hedgehog holds its shape. Sew the cast-on edge closed with a whip stitch, using the remaining tail.
3. Attach the face: Position the face piece on the front of the body, with the gathered end pointing downward (this will be the nose area). Using a whip stitch, sew the face onto the body, leaving the top edge open. Lightly stuff the face with a small amount of fiberfill to give it dimension, then sew the top edge closed.
4. Sew the ears: Place the ears on the top of the face piece, about 1 inch apart. Sew each ear securely using a whip stitch, making sure they stand upright.
5. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to hide any remaining yarn tails inside the body or face.

Optional: Knitted Leaf Decoration

Add a final autumn touch with a tiny knitted leaf on top of the hedgehog's head!

• Using green yarn, cast on 3 stitches.
• Knit 4 rows in garter stitch (knit every row).
• K3tog (knit 3 stitches together), cut yarn, and pull through the remaining loop.
• Sew the leaf to the top of the hedgehog's head with a few small stitches.

Your Harvest Moon Hedgehog Is Complete!

Congratulations! You've just created a charming, textured hedgehog that's perfect for autumn displays, cozy gifts, or a sweet companion on your desk. The seed stitch body gives it a rustic, pumpkin-like appearance, while the hand-embroidered face adds personality and warmth. Feel free to experiment with different yarn colors to match your decor or create a whole family of hedgehogs. Happy knitting, and enjoy your new woodland friend!