Pebble & Bramble Hedgehog Free Pattern – Crocheted Woodland Cuddle Companion
Meet the Pebble & Bramble Hedgehog: A Woodland Cuddle Companion
There's something deeply satisfying about creating a little piece of the forest with your own two hands. The Pebble & Bramble Hedgehog is a charming amigurumi project that combines soft, warm textures with a whimsical woodland aesthetic. With its plush cream face, cozy brown body, and a textured forest-green shell adorned with tiny spikes, this hedgehog is the perfect weekend companion for crocheters looking to craft a heartfelt gift or a new snuggle buddy for their own shelf.
This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using only basic stitches like single crochet (sc) and invisible decreases (sc2tog). The result is a sturdy, huggable friend that sits upright with a slightly pointed snout, ready to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Let's gather your materials and start stitching this adorable creature together!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, ensure you have the following supplies on hand. The gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining a tight tension will prevent the stuffing from showing through your stitches.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
- Warm Brown: For the body and head.
- Cream: For the face and belly.
- Deep Forest Green: For the shell and spikes.
- Black: A small amount for the nose and eyes (embroidery floss works well too).
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) hook.
- Fiberfill: Polyester stuffing for a plush finish.
- Yarn Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
- Stitch Marker: (Optional but helpful) to track your rounds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The hedgehog is worked in three main parts: the Head & Body (worked in one piece), the Shell, and the Spikes. We'll finish with assembly and facial features.
Part 1: Head & Body (Worked in One Piece)
Starting from the nose, we'll work in continuous rounds (spiral) without joining unless otherwise stated.
- Round 1: With cream yarn, make a magic ring. Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
- Rounds 5-7: Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
- Round 8: Switch to the warm brown yarn. Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches) Tip: Carry the cream yarn inside the work or cut and weave in later.
- Round 9: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
- Rounds 10-12: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches)
- Round 13: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (36 stitches)
- Rounds 14-18: Sc in each stitch around. (36 stitches) This forms the rounded body.
- Round 19: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet 2 together)*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
- Round 20: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
- Round 21: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
- Round 22: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
- Round 23: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
Finishing the Body: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approx. 12 inches) for closing. Firmly stuff the body with fiberfill, paying special attention to the nose area to ensure it holds its shape. Thread the tail through a yarn needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the hole. Secure with a knot and set aside.
Part 2: The Shell (Worked Separately)
This piece is worked flat-ish to create a dome that will sit on the hedgehog's back.
- Round 1: With forest green yarn, make a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
- Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (30 stitches)
- Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (36 stitches)
- Rounds 7-10: Sc in each stitch around. (36 stitches)
- Round 11: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (30 stitches)
- Round 12: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Round 13: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
Finishing the Shell: Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the shell lightly with fiberfill. You want it to be soft but flatter than the main body, so it sits nicely on the back without being too bulky.
Part 3: The Spikes (Make 5)
These small cones will give the hedgehog its signature bramble texture.
- Round 1: With forest green yarn, make a magic ring. Work 4 sc into the ring. (4 stitches)
- Round 2: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (6 stitches)
- Rounds 3-4: Sc in each stitch around. (6 stitches)
Finishing the Spikes: Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Do not stuff these; they should remain flat and flexible. Repeat to make a total of 5 spikes.
Part 4: Assembly & Facial Features
Now we bring our hedgehog to life!
- Attach the Spikes: Position the spikes on the top of the shell. Arrange them in a fan shape, starting from the back edge of the shell and curving slightly toward the front. Space them evenly. Sew each spike securely to the shell using their tails. Weave in the ends.
- Attach the Shell: Place the shell on the back of the body. The flat side of the shell should face the body, and the front edge of the shell should sit just behind the head so the cream face peeks out. Using the long tail from the shell, sew the shell to the body with a whip stitch around the entire perimeter. Leave the front edge open so the head remains free.
- Embroider the Nose: With the black yarn, embroider a small triangle or oval nose on the tip of the cream snout. Make it about 2 stitches wide and 1 stitch tall. Use a satin stitch for a smooth finish.
- Embroider the Eyes: Using the black yarn, create two small French knots or satin stitches for the eyes. Position them about 1 inch apart, just above the nose, on the brown section of the head. Ensure they are symmetrical.
- Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all remaining yarn tails using your yarn needle to ensure a clean, professional finish.
Your Pebble & Bramble Hedgehog is now complete! Give it a gentle squeeze to shape it, and admire your handiwork. This little woodland friend makes a wonderful gift for a nature lover, a comforting companion for a child, or a delightful addition to your own cozy collection. Happy crocheting!