The Brambleberry Hedgehog: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Woodland Amigurumi

Introducing the Brambleberry Hedgehog: A Cozy Woodland Knit

Create an irresistibly cozy hedgehog with a textured 'bramble' stitch back and a soft, creamy belly. This pattern uses simple increases and decreases to shape a charming, palm-sized friend. Perfect for beginner to intermediate knitters, this free amigurumi pattern will guide you through every step to craft a textured, woodland companion that feels as good as it looks.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies based on the pattern's technical specifications:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • 50g Brown (for body/spines)
  • 25g Cream (for belly/face)
  • Small amount of black yarn for nose and eyes
• Needles: US Size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles (or circular needle for magic loop method)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional), polyester fiberfill for stuffing
• Gauge: 5 stitches and 7 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch (gauge is not critical for amigurumi, but consistency helps achieve the right size)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This hedgehog is knitted in the round from the nose to the tail, with the belly and back worked in separate sections and then joined. The 'bramble' texture is created by a simple slipped stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• M1: Make one (increase)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd: Round
• Rep: Repeat
• wyif: With yarn in front
• wyib: With yarn in back

Bramble Stitch Pattern (for the back section, worked in the round)

The back uses a 4-round repeat to create a nubby, textured surface resembling brambles or pine needles:

• Rnd 1: *K1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front (wyif)* rep around.
• Rnd 2: *P1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back (wyib)* rep around.
• Rnd 3: *K1, slip 1 wyif* rep around.
• Rnd 4: *P1, slip 1 wyib* rep around.

Hedgehog Body (Belly and Head)

Start with Cream yarn for the belly. This section forms the smooth underside and pointed snout.

• Rnd 1: Using magic ring, CO 6 sts. Distribute on 3 DPNs (2 sts each). Join for working in the round.
• Rnd 2: *K1, M1* rep around (12 sts).
• Rnd 3: *K2, M1* rep around (18 sts).
• Rnd 4: *K3, M1* rep around (24 sts).
• Rnd 5: *K4, M1* rep around (30 sts).
• Rnd 6: *K5, M1* rep around (36 sts).
• Rnd 7-10: Knit all sts (4 rounds).
• Rnd 11: *K4, K2tog* rep around (30 sts).
• Rnd 12: *K3, K2tog* rep around (24 sts).
• Rnd 13: *K2, K2tog* rep around (18 sts).
• Rnd 14: *K1, K2tog* rep around (12 sts).
• Rnd 15: *K2tog* rep around (6 sts). Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end. This forms the belly/head.

Back (Spines)

With Brown yarn, CO 6 sts using magic ring. Work in the round to create the textured back.

• Rnd 1: *K1, M1* rep around (12 sts).
• Rnd 2: *K2, M1* rep around (18 sts).
• Rnd 3: *K3, M1* rep around (24 sts).
• Rnd 4: *K4, M1* rep around (30 sts).
• Rnd 5: *K5, M1* rep around (36 sts).
• Rnd 6-9: Work Bramble Stitch pattern (4 rounds).
• Rnd 10: *K4, K2tog* rep around (30 sts).
• Rnd 11: *K3, K2tog* rep around (24 sts).
• Rnd 12: *K2, K2tog* rep around (18 sts).
• Rnd 13: *K1, K2tog* rep around (12 sts).
• Rnd 14: *K2tog* rep around (6 sts). Cut yarn, thread through, pull tight, and weave in end.

Assembly

• Place the belly piece and back piece together with wrong sides facing. Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, whip stitch the edges together, leaving a small opening for stuffing.
• Stuff firmly with polyester fiberfill, shaping the hedgehog into a rounded oval. Ensure the pointed end (head) is well-stuffed but not overly tight.
• Close the opening with a few neat stitches and weave in the end.

Face Details

• Nose: With black yarn, embroider a small triangle for the nose at the pointed end of the belly (the head). Use satin stitch or a series of small straight stitches.
• Eyes: Using black yarn, make two small French knots or satin stitches above the nose, about 1/2 inch apart. Position them symmetrically for a cute expression.
• Optional: Add a tiny pink embroidered mouth using a small straight stitch or a tiny 'V' shape.

Ears (make 2)

• With Cream yarn, CO 4 sts.
• Work back and forth in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) for 4 rows.
• Bind off. Fold the rectangle in half to form a small ear shape.
• Sew to the sides of the head, positioning them just behind the eyes.

Feet (make 4)

• With Cream yarn, CO 4 sts.
• Work in stockinette stitch for 3 rows.
• Bind off. Sew to the bottom of the body, spacing evenly—two near the front (under the head) and two near the back (under the tail area).

Weave in all ends. Your Brambleberry Hedgehog is complete! This charming, palm-sized friend features a rich, earthy brown back with a dense, nubby texture and a soft, creamy white belly. The pointed snout, tiny embroidered nose, and small black eyes give it a cozy, woodland appeal. Enjoy your handcrafted, slightly rustic companion!