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Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern
4.3★Rating
10-15 HoursTime Needed
2.7KMade This
✂️

Advanced Level

Designed for experienced crocheters, these patterns involve intricate designs and complex techniques to challenge and inspire.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

🐰

Whimsical Buddy

Playful characters full of personality, designed to spark imagination and become cherished playtime favorites.

About This Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view

This interactive toy is the ultimate heirloom gift for a baby shower or a toddler's birthday. It looks stunning as nursery decor and doubles as a developmental stacking game that helps little ones with motor skills.

Why You'll Love This Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

I honestly fell in love with the clever construction of this little guy. The way the rings fit perfectly over the base is so satisfying. Plus, there’s something so relaxing about making the little needles while watching a movie. It's a big project, but seeing him all stacked up at the end is the best feeling!

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 1 Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 2 Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 3 Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 4

Switch Things Up

I've always been a fan of toys that do more than just sit there looking cute, which is why I was so drawn to this hedgehog stacking toy. There's something incredibly satisfying about the way the rings nestle together, and the texture from all those little needles is just amazing for sensory play. I'll be honest—making over 200 needles is a bit of a marathon, but it's the perfect 'couch project.' I found that if I made 20 or 30 needles an evening while listening to a podcast, I was done before I knew it!

One thing I experimented with was using different shades of gray for the needles to give it a more natural, variegated look, and it turned out stunning. If you're making this for a very young child, I highly recommend the snap-button trick for the acorn; it adds an extra layer of motor skill practice that parents really appreciate. Don't rush the assembly of the head—that's where all the personality lives. Take your time with the needle sculpting around the eyes, and you'll see your little hedgehog truly come to life. It’s a big project, but the proud feeling you get when it's all stacked up is worth every single stitch.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ When working Round 72 of the base, you're joining the current round to the front loops left behind way back in Round 47—if you don't align these perfectly, your base will lean to one side.✗ The needles for the rings are sewn on in specific counts per round; if you space them too widely, the ring will look 'bald' in spots, so pin them all in place before you pick up your needle.✗ For the head, the safety eyes go between Rounds 23 and 24, but if you've already stuffed the head too firmly, it can be really tricky to get the washers on, so place them while the head is still mostly open.✗ The oak leaf uses a mix of very tall stitches like triple crochets and chains; if your tension is too loose here, the leaf will lose its characteristic jagged shape and look more like a blob.

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern is such a treat for any crafter who loves sensory toys or interactive gifts. You'll be creating a lovable hedgehog that doesn't just sit on a shelf—it's a stacking puzzle! Each ring is covered in soft needles that are surprisingly meditative to make. It's a project that keeps you engaged from the first stitch of the base to the tiny acorn accessory. Grab your hook and let's get started on this prickly friend.

Advanced 10-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Light Gray yarn - Alize Cotton Gold (Sport weight cotton blend, 200g needed)
  • 02
    Dark Gray yarn - Alize Cotton Gold (Sport weight cotton blend, 200g needed)
  • 03
    Black yarn - Alize Cotton Gold (Small amount for nose)
  • 04
    Light Brown yarn - Alize Cotton Gold (Small amount for acorn)
  • 05
    Orange yarn - Alize Cotton Gold (Small amount for leaf)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    3.0mm crochet hook
  • 02
    Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
  • 03
    Sharp scissors
  • 04
    One pair of safety eyes
  • 05
    Tapestry needle for sewing and assembly
  • 06
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— 1. Base Cone :

Info :

Start with light gray yarn.

Round 1 :

6 sc into a MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

12 sc (12)

Round 4 :

(1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Round 5-6 :

18 sc (18)

Round 7 :

(2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Round 8-10 :

24 sc (24)

Round 11 :

(3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)

Round 12-15 :

30 sc (30)

Round 16 :

(4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)

Round 17-21 :

36 sc (36)

Round 22 :

(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)

Round 23-28 :

42 sc (42)

Round 29 :

(6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)

Round 30-36 :

48 sc (48)

Round 37 :

(7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)

Round 38-45 :

54 sc (54)

Round 46 :

(8 sc, inc) x 6 (60)

Round 47 :

FLO (9 sc, inc) x 6 (66)

Round 48 :

5 sc, inc, (10 sc, inc) x 5, 5 sc (72)

Round 49 :

(11 sc, inc) x 6 (78)

Round 50 :

6 sc, inc, (12 sc, inc) x 5, 6 sc (84)

Round 51 :

(13 sc, inc) x 6 (90)

Round 52 :

7 sc, inc, (14 sc, inc) x 5, 7 sc (96)

Round 53 :

(15 sc, inc) x 6 (102)

Round 54 :

8 sc, inc, (16 sc, inc) x 5, 8 sc (108)

Round 55 :

(17 sc, inc) x 6 (114)

Round 56 :

114 sc (114)

Round 57 :

44 sc, BLO 70 sc (114)

Round 58 :

114 sc (114)

Round 59 :

47 sc, BLO 65 sc, 2 sc (114)

Round 60 :

114 sc (114)

Round 61 :

44 sc, BLO 70 sc (114)

Round 62 :

114 sc (114)

Round 63 :

(17 sc, dec) x 6 (108)

Round 64 :

8 sc, dec, (16 sc, dec) x 5, 8 sc (102)

Round 65 :

(15 sc, dec) x 6 (96)

Round 66 :

7 sc, dec, (14 sc, dec) x 5, 7 sc (90)

Round 67 :

(13 sc, dec) x 6 (84)

Round 68 :

6 sc, dec, (12 sc, dec) x 5, 6 sc (78)

Round 69 :

(11 sc, dec) x 6 (72)

Round 70 :

5 sc, dec, (10 sc, dec) x 5, 5 sc (66)

Round 71 :

(9 sc, dec) x 6 (60)

Round 72 :

Join R71 to the BLO of R47 by working 60 sc through both layers. Add stuffing as you go. (60)

Round 73 :

(8 sc, dec) x 6 (54)

Round 74 :

(7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)

Round 75 :

(6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)

Round 76 :

(5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)

Round 77 :

(4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)

Round 78 :

(3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)

Round 79 :

(2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Round 80 :

(1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Round 81 :

6 dec (6). Fasten off and close the remaining gap.

— 2. Needles (Make 208 Total) :

Info :

Make 41 for base, 35 for large ring, 29 for middle ring, 23 for small ring, and 80 for the head. Use dark gray yarn.

Round 1 :

6 sc into a MR (6)

Round 2 :

(2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)

Round 3 :

(3 sc, inc) x 2 (10)

Round 4-9 :

10 sc (10)

Info :

Stuff lightly, cut yarn, and leave a long tail for attachment.

— 3. Feet Toes :

Tiny Toe :

Light gray: R1: 6 sc in MR. R2: 6 sc. R3: 3 sc. Fasten off.

Long Toe :

Dark gray: R1: 3 sc in MR. R2-3: 3 sc. Switch to light gray: R4: 3 inc (6). R5-7: 6 sc. Fasten off.

Short Toe :

Dark gray: R1: 3 sc in MR. R2-3: 3 sc. Switch to light gray: R4: 3 inc (6). R5-6: 6 sc. Fasten off.

— 4. Feet Construction :

Round 1 :

Join toes: short toe, 3 sc in first long toe, 3 sc in second long toe, 6 sc in second short toe, 3 sc in second long toe, 3 sc in first long toe, 6 sc in second short toe (24)

Round 2-6 :

24 sc (24)

Round 7 :

2 sc, sew tiny toe with 3 sc, 3 sc in outer tiny toe, 19 sc (24)

Round 8 :

24 sc (24)

Row 9.1 :

9 sc, turn

Row 9.2 :

Skip 1, 11 sc, turn (11)

Row 9.3 :

Skip 1, 10 sc, turn (10)

Row 9.4 :

Skip 1, 9 sc, turn (9)

Row 9.5 :

Skip 1, 8 sc (8). Place marker.

Round 10 :

2 sc in heel side, 12 sl st in front, 2 sc in other heel side, 8 hdc in back (24)

Round 11 :

16 sc, 8 hdc (24)

Round 12 :

(1 sc, dec) x 8 (16). Stuff and fasten off.

— 5. Large Ring :

Round 1 :

60 ch, sl st to first ch to join (60)

Round 2 :

(9 sc, inc) x 6 (66)

Round 3 :

5 sc, inc, (10 sc, inc) x 5, 5 sc (72)

Round 4 :

(11 sc, inc) x 6 (78)

Round 5 :

6 sc, inc, (12 sc, inc) x 5, 6 sc (84)

Round 6 :

(13 sc, inc) x 6 (90)

Round 7 :

7 sc, inc, (14 sc, inc) x 5, 7 sc (96)

Round 8 :

(15 sc, inc) x 6 (102)

Round 9 :

102 sc (102)

Round 10 :

42 sc, BLO 60 sc (102)

Round 11 :

102 sc (102)

Round 12 :

45 sc, BLO 55 sc, 2 sc (102)

Round 13 :

102 sc (102)

Round 14 :

42 sc, BLO 60 sc (102)

Round 15 :

102 sc (102)

Round 16 :

(15 sc, dec) x 6 (96)

Round 17 :

7 sc, dec, (14 sc, dec) x 5, 7 sc (90)

Round 18 :

(13 sc, dec) x 6 (84)

Round 19 :

6 sc, dec, (12 sc, dec) x 5, 6 sc (78)

Round 20 :

(11 sc, dec) x 6 (72)

Round 21 :

5 sc, dec, (10 sc, dec) x 5, 5 sc (66)

Round 22 :

(9 sc, dec) x 6 (60)

Info :

Sew Round 22 to Round 1, stuffing as you close.

— 6. Middle Ring :

Round 1 :

48 ch, sl st to first ch to join (48)

Round 2 :

(7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)

Round 3 :

4 sc, inc, (8 sc, inc) x 5, 4 sc (60)

Round 4 :

(9 sc, inc) x 6 (66)

Round 5 :

5 sc, inc, (10 sc, inc) x 5, 5 sc (72)

Round 6 :

(11 sc, inc) x 6 (78)

Round 7 :

6 sc, inc, (12 sc, inc) x 5, 6 sc (84)

Round 8 :

(13 sc, inc) x 6 (90)

Round 9 :

90 sc (90)

Round 10 :

40 sc, BLO 50 sc (90)

Round 11 :

90 sc (90)

Round 12 :

45 sc, BLO 45 sc (90)

Round 13 :

90 sc (90)

Round 14 :

40 sc, BLO 50 sc (90)

Round 15 :

90 sc (90)

Round 16 :

(13 sc, dec) x 6 (84)

Round 17 :

6 sc, dec, (12 sc, dec) x 5, 6 sc (78)

Round 18 :

(11 sc, dec) x 6 (72)

Round 19 :

5 sc, dec, (10 sc, dec) x 5, 5 sc (66)

Round 20 :

(9 sc, dec) x 6 (60)

Round 21 :

4 sc, dec, (8 sc, dec) x 5, 4 sc (54)

Round 22 :

(7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)

Info :

Sew Round 22 to Round 1, stuffing as you close.

— 7. Small Ring :

Round 1 :

36 ch, sl st to first ch to join (36)

Round 2 :

(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)

Round 3 :

3 sc, inc, (6 sc, inc) x 5, 3 sc (48)

Round 4 :

(7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)

Round 5 :

4 sc, inc, (8 sc, inc) x 5, 4 sc (60)

Round 6 :

(9 sc, inc) x 6 (66)

Round 7 :

5 sc, inc, (10 sc, inc) x 5, 5 sc (72)

Round 8 :

(11 sc, inc) x 6 (78)

Round 9 :

78 sc (78)

Round 10 :

38 sc, BLO 40 sc (78)

Round 11 :

78 sc (78)

Round 12 :

43 sc, BLO 35 sc (78)

Round 13 :

78 sc (78)

Round 14 :

38 sc, BLO 40 sc (78)

Round 15 :

78 sc (78)

Round 16 :

(11 sc, dec) x 6 (72)

Round 17 :

5 sc, dec, (10 sc, dec) x 5, 5 sc (66)

Round 18 :

(9 sc, dec) x 6 (60)

Round 19 :

4 sc, dec, (8 sc, dec) x 5, 4 sc (54)

Round 20 :

(7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)

Round 21 :

3 sc, dec, (6 sc, dec) x 5, 3 sc (42)

Round 22 :

(5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)

Info :

Sew Round 22 to Round 1, stuffing as you close.

— 8. Arms :

Short Finger :

Light gray: R1: 6 sc in MR. R2: 6 sc. Fasten off.

Long Finger :

Dark gray: R1: 3 sc in MR. R2-3: 3 sc. Light gray: R4: 3 inc (6). R5-6: 6 sc.

Round 1 :

Connect 3 long fingers into a hand (18)

Round 2-3 :

18 sc (18)

Round 4 :

Sew short finger with 3 sc, 3 sc in outer short finger, 15 sc in hand (18)

Round 5 :

18 sc (18)

Round 6 :

(1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Round 7-13 :

12 sc (12)

Round 14 :

6 sc, 2 dec, 2 sc (10)

Round 15 :

1 sc, 2 inc, 7 sc (12)

Round 16-20 :

12 sc (12)

Info :

Fold top flat and sc across both sides (6 sc) to close.

— 9. Head :

Round 1 :

Black yarn: 6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(3 sc, inc) x 3 (15)

Round 4-5 :

15 sc (15)

Round 6 :

(3 sc, dec) x 3 (12)

Round 7 :

6 dec (6). Switch to light gray yarn.

Round 8 :

(1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)

Round 9 :

(2 sc, inc) x 3 (12)

Round 10 :

(3 sc, inc) x 3 (15)

Round 11 :

(4 sc, inc) x 3 (18)

Round 12 :

(5 sc, inc) x 3 (21)

Round 13 :

(6 sc, inc) x 3 (24)

Round 14 :

(7 sc, inc) x 3 (27)

Round 15 :

(8 sc, inc) x 3 (30)

Round 16 :

(9 sc, inc) x 3 (33)

Round 17 :

(10 sc, inc) x 3 (36)

Round 18 :

(5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)

Round 19 :

(6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)

Round 20 :

(7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)

Round 21 :

(8 sc, inc) x 6 (60)

Round 22 :

15 sc, 10 inc, 35 sc (70)

Round 23-25 :

70 sc (70)

Round 26 :

15 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 10, 35 sc (80)

Round 27-31 :

80 sc (80)

Round 32 :

5 sc, join 12 needles with 5 sc each, 15 sc (80)

Info :

Reset marker here. Insert safety eyes between R23-24, 19 sc apart.

Round 33 :

60 sc, 18 ch, skip 18 sc, 2 sc (80)

Round 34 :

80 sc (80)

Round 35 :

3 sc, join 11 needles with 5 sc each, 22 sc (80)

Round 36-37 :

80 sc (80)

Round 38 :

1 sc, join 12 needles with 5 sc each, 19 sc (80)

Round 39 :

80 sc (80)

Round 40 :

(14 sc, dec) x 5 (75)

Round 41 :

Join 13 needles with 5 sc each, 10 sc (75)

Round 42 :

(13 sc, dec) x 5 (70)

Round 43 :

(12 sc, dec) x 5 (65)

Round 44 :

Join 13 needles with 5 sc each (65)

Round 45 :

(11 sc, dec) x 5 (60). Stuff as you go.

Round 46 :

(4 sc, dec) x 10 (50)

Round 47 :

Join 10 needles with 5 sc each (50)

Round 48 :

(3 sc, dec) x 10 (40)

Round 49 :

(2 sc, dec) x 10 (30)

Round 50 :

Join 6 needles with 5 sc each (30)

Round 51 :

(3 sc, dec) x 10 (40). Note: Stitch count check needed in source.

Round 52 :

(2 sc, dec) x 10 (30)

Round 53 :

Join 3 needles with 5 sc each (30). Fasten off and close.

— 10. Head Stacking Hole :

Info :

Return to the hole left between R32 and R33.

Round 33.1 :

BLO 36 sc (36)

Round 33.2 :

36 sc (36)

Round 33.3 :

(4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)

Round 33.4 :

30 sc (30)

Round 33.5 :

(3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)

Round 33.6 :

24 sc (24)

Round 33.7 :

(2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Round 33.8 :

18 sc (18)

Round 33.9 :

(1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)

Round 33.10 :

6 dec (6). Fasten off and close.

— 11. Ears & Accessories :

Ears R1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Ears R2-5 :

Inc 3 stitches each round to 18 sc.

Ears R6-12 :

18 sc (18)

Ears R13-14 :

Dec 3 stitches each round to 12 sc. Fasten off.

Acorn R1-8 :

Brown: Increase to 36 sc.

Acorn R9-17 :

36 sc. Switch to light brown.

Acorn R18-34 :

Increase to 48, then decrease gradually to 6 sc. Close off.

Oak Leaf :

Ch 21. Round 2: Sc, hdc, dc around. Round 3: Work trc and ch loops to form jagged edges. See diagram for exact placement.

Assembly Instructions

  • Start by attaching the 41 needles to the base cone at the specified rounds to create the textured backing.
  • Prepare the three rings by sewing their respective numbers of needles onto the back loop sections clearly visible on the rings.
  • Attach the arms to the smallest ring at Round 10, ensuring they are positioned symmetrically on either side next to the needles.
  • Sew the feet to the bottom front of the base cone so the hedgehog looks like it's sitting comfortably.
  • Assemble the head by attaching the ears and sewing on the 80 needles (if you didn't crochet them in as you worked).
  • Embroider the eyebrows with black yarn and use needle sculpting to define the face around the safety eyes for more character.
  • Finish by sewing the oak leaf to the head and the acorn to the hands, or use snap buttons for a removable toy acorn.

Important Notes

  • 💡Keep your tension consistent throughout the project so the rings slide easily over the base cone without being too loose or tight.
  • 💡When making the needles, leave a long enough tail for sewing unless you choose the crochet-in method for the head pieces.
  • 💡Stuff the rings firmly but evenly to maintain their circular shape without distorting the stitches or the stacking hole.
  • 💡Use a stitch marker for the head rounds, especially when transitioning between the gray and black yarn for the nose tip.
  • 💡The crochet-in method for the head needles saves a lot of sewing time, but requires careful counting to keep the placement even.

I hope you enjoy every moment of bringing this prickly friend to life! It's a labor of love with all those needles, but the result is a truly unique, high-quality toy that will be cherished for years. Don't forget to take a break between rings—your hands will thank you! I can't wait to see your finished hedgehogs on display or in the hands of a lucky little one. Happy crafting and enjoy the process! 🧶🦔✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use velvet or chenille yarn for this pattern?

While you can, the stacking rings might become too bulky and not fit over the base cone properly. Stick to a cotton or acrylic blend for the best structural results.

208 needles seems like a lot, do I really need them all?

The high needle count is what gives the hedgehog its iconic plush, textured look. You can use fewer, but the toy will look less full and more like a smooth cone.

How do I make the acorn removable for play?

Instead of sewing it directly to the hands, sew a small metal or plastic snap button to the acorn and the hands so kids can 'pick' the acorn.

What exactly is needle sculpting for the face?

It's a technique where you use a needle and yarn to pull parts of the face (like the eye area) inward to create depth and a more expressive character look.

My rings are too tight for the base, what should I do?

This usually happens if your tension tightened up. Try using a 0.5mm larger hook for the rings than you used for the base cone to ensure a smooth fit.