Knitted Hedgehogs

Knitted hedgehogs are undoubtedly one of the most adorable and charming creations in the world of crafting. These fuzzy little critters bring a smile to everyone's face with their soft yarn bodies and tiny button eyes. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting out, making a knitted hedgehog is a delightful project that is both fun and rewarding. The best part about these cuddly creatures is that they make perfect gifts for both children and adults alike. So grab your knitting needles and some cozy yarn, and get ready to create your very own knitted hedgehog friend that will surely warm hearts and bring joy wherever it goes.

WHAT YOU NEED...

• DK yarn: pink, lilac, peach, 25g of each, dark brown and yellow oddments
  3.5mm knitting needles
  4.5mm crochet hook
  Safety toy stuffing
  Four 4mm sew-on eyes
  Tapestry needle

  Size: Length: 11cm

  Special abbreviations:

  ml (make loop): k first st but do not drop st from LH needle, bring yarn to front, wrap once around left thumb and take back between needles, k same st again and drop off LH needle, lift first st over second st and off RH needle to complete

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Head and body - Using 4.5mm needles and pink (lilac), cast on 20 sts
   Row 1 (WS): (k1, kfb) to end. 30 sts
   Row 2: ml in each st to end
   Row 3: k to end
   Rows 4-17: rep Rows 2-3 seven times more
   Row 18: rep Row 2
   Row 19: (k1, k2tog) to end. 20 sts
   Rows 20-25: rep Rows 2-3 three times more
   Change to peach
   Row 26: k to end
   Row 27: p to end
   Row 28: k5, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k to end. 18 sts
   Row 29: p5, p2tog, p4, p2tog, p to end. 16 sts
   Row 30: k5, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k to end. 14 sts
   Row 31: p5, (p2tog) twice, p to
   end. 12 sts
   Row 32: k5, k2tog, k to end. 11 sts
   Row 33: p4, p3tog, p to end. Nine sts
   Row 34: k to end
   Row 35: (p1, p2tog) to end. Six sts

   Cut yarn leaving a long tail, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off

2. Ear - Make four

   Using 4.5mm needles and peach, cast on five sts

   Row 1: p to end
   Row 2: k to end

   Cut yarn leaving a long tail, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off

3. Flower - Using 4.5mm hook and lilac, make 4ch
   Rnd 1: sl st in each ch to end
   Fasten off
4. To make up - With fastened-off yarn end, sew Head closed. With cast-on yarn end, work a gathering thread along cast-on edge and pull tightly. Stuff Body and seam. Sew ends of Ears together into a semicircle shape and attach to Head. Sew eyes to face. Using dark brown DK, make short back stitches for nose. Attach Flower to one Hedgehog and use two strands of yellow DK to make a French knot in centre. Weave in all ends.