🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern
4.5★ Rating
15-20 Hours Time Needed
3.6K Made This
✂️

Advanced Level

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

⏱️

All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Measuring 26 centimeters tall when completed, this stacking toy combines multiple advanced crochet techniques including back loop only stitching, color changes, and the unique method of crocheting needles directly into the body. The pattern includes helpful photos and clear step-by-step guidance for assembling all components into a sturdy, cuddly toy that's perfect for babies and makes an eye-catching decoration for any woodland-themed nursery.

Why You'll Love This Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern transforms simple stitches into a functional toy that sparks imagination and supports child development simultaneously. There's something incredibly satisfying about watching the three rings stack perfectly together, knowing that each one was crafted with care and attention to detail. The 208 needles might seem daunting at first, but I find the repetitive process meditative and rewarding, especially when you see how they bring the hedgehog's personality to life. What really captures my heart is the versatility of this design – you can customize the colors, add personality through needle sculpting on the face, and even create removable accessories like the acorn that make playtime more interactive. The pattern challenges your skills while remaining achievable, and the end result is a heirloom-quality toy that families will cherish through generations. Every time I see those adorable little feet with their tiny toes or the sweet black nose, I'm reminded why I fell in love with amigurumi in the first place.

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I absolutely love experimenting with color variations on this hedgehog pattern to create different seasonal versions or match specific nursery themes. Instead of the traditional gray colorway, I've made autumn hedgehogs using warm oranges, browns, and golden yellows that perfectly capture fall vibes, and even tried pastel versions in soft pinks, blues, and lavenders for a dreamy nursery aesthetic.

Another fun modification I enjoy is adjusting the needle density—you can make fewer needles for a softer, less spiky look that's perfect for younger babies, or go all out with extra needles for a truly dramatic hedgehog friend. I've also experimented with making the rings in coordinating gradient colors that transition beautifully from dark to light as they stack.

For a personalized touch, I sometimes embroider tiny flowers or leaves onto the rings, or add small felt details like a bow between the ears or a tiny vest on the body. The acorn accessory opens up wonderful customization opportunities too—I've made strawberries, mushrooms, apples, and even tiny pumpkins that can be swapped seasonally using snap buttons.

If you want to adjust the size, simply use thicker or thinner yarn with an appropriate hook size, though keep in mind this will change how many needles you need to maintain the proper coverage. I find that adding a rattle insert to one of the rings creates an extra sensory element that babies absolutely love during playtime.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Losing count of stitches in longer rounds can throw off the entire shape, so use stitch markers at the beginning of each round and count frequently to stay on track ✗ Stuffing the rings too tightly before closing will make them bulge unevenly and prevent proper stacking, so fill them firmly but leave enough room for the final closure stitches ✗ Forgetting to switch to back loop only when indicated creates visible ridges in wrong places and disrupts the needle attachment points, always read ahead to anticipate BLO rounds ✗ Positioning needles incorrectly or unevenly around the rings makes the hedgehog look sparse or lopsided, so follow the pattern's specific placement instructions and pin first before sewing

Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

Create an enchanting woodland nursery piece with this adorable hedgehog stacking toy pattern that combines playful design with developmental benefits for little ones. This comprehensive pattern guides you through crafting a soft, stackable educational toy featuring three graduated rings and an irresistibly cute hedgehog character complete with 208 handcrafted needles. Perfect as a thoughtful baby shower gift or nursery decoration, this charming hedgehog measures approximately 26 centimeters and offers endless hours of engaging play while helping children develop essential motor skills and hand-eye coordination through interactive stacking fun.

Advanced 15-20 Hours

Materials Needed for Hedgehog Stacking Toy Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Light gray yarn - Alize Cotton Gold 200 (2 balls, approximately 400 grams total)
  • 02
    Dark gray yarn - Alize Cotton Gold 87 (2 balls, approximately 400 grams total)
  • 03
    Black yarn - Alize Cotton Gold 60 for nose and details
  • 04
    Light brown yarn - Alize Cotton Gold 446 for acorn cap
  • 05
    Orange or yellow yarn - Alize Cotton Gold 83 for oak leaf decoration

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 3mm (or size appropriate for chosen yarn weight)
  • 02
    Safety eyes (size suitable for hedgehog head)
  • 03
    Fiberfill stuffing for all body parts
  • 04
    Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving in ends
  • 05
    Scissors for cutting yarn
  • 06
    Stitch markers to track round beginnings
  • 07
    Pins for positioning parts before final assembly
  • 08
    Optional: Sewable snap buttons for removable acorn accessory

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— BASE :

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

12 sc (12)

Round 4 :

(1 sc; inc)*6 (18)

Round 5-6 :

18 sc (18)

Round 7 :

(2 sc; inc)*6 (24)

Round 8-10 :

24 sc (24)

Round 11 :

(3 sc; inc)*6 (30)

Round 12-15 :

30 sc (30)

Round 16 :

(4 sc; inc)*6 (36)

Round 17-21 :

36 sc (36)

Round 22 :

(5 sc; inc)*6 (42)

Round 23-28 :

42 sc (42)

Round 29 :

(6 sc; inc)*6 (48)

Round 30-36 :

48 sc (48)

Round 37 :

(7 sc; inc)*6 (54)

Round 38-45 :

54 sc (54)

Round 46 :

(8 sc; inc)*6 (60)

Round 47 :

FLO (9 sc; inc)*6 (66)

Round 48 :

5 sc; inc; (10 sc; inc)*5; 5 sc (72)

Round 49 :

(11 sc; inc)*6 (78)

Round 50 :

6 sc; inc; (12 sc; inc)*5; 6 sc (84)

Round 51 :

(13 sc; inc)*6 (90)

Round 52 :

7 sc; inc; (14 sc; inc)*5; 7 sc (96)

Round 53 :

(15 sc; inc)*6 (102)

Round 54 :

8 sc; inc; (16 sc; inc)*5; 8 sc (108)

Round 55 :

(17 sc; inc)*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)*6 (108)

Round 64 :

8 sc; dec; (16 sc; dec)*5; 8 sc (102)

Round 65 :

(15 sc; dec)*6 (96)

Round 66 :

7 sc; dec; (14 sc; dec)*5; 7 sc (90)

Round 67 :

(13 sc; dec)*6 (84)

Round 68 :

6 sc; dec; (12 sc; dec)*5; 6 sc (78)

Round 69 :

(11 sc; dec)*6 (72)

Round 70 :

5 sc; dec; (10 sc; dec)*5; 5 sc (66)

Round 71 :

(9 sc; dec)*6 (60)

Round 72 :

connect round 71 with round 47 (BLO) with 60 sc (60) fill with stuffing as you go, then continue to work in rounds

Round 73 :

(8 sc; dec)*6 (54)

Round 74 :

(7 sc; dec)*6 (48)

Round 75 :

(6 sc; dec)*6 (42)

Round 76 :

(5 sc; dec)*6 (36)

Round 77 :

(4 sc; dec)*6 (30)

Round 78 :

(3 sc; dec)*6 (24)

Round 79 :

(2 sc; dec)*6 (18)

Round 80 :

(1 sc; dec)*6 (12)

Round 81 :

6 dec (6) cut the yarn, pull off hole, hide a tail

— NEEDLES (make 41 pieces for base) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

(2 sc; inc)*2 (8)

Round 3 :

(3 sc; inc)*2 (10)

Round 4-9 :

10 sc (10) fill with stuffing, cut the yarn, leave a tail for sewing

Info :

Sew the needles as shown in pictures: in round 57 - 14 needles, in round 59 - 13 needles, in round 61 - 14 needles

— LEGS (make 2) :

Info :

There will be 3 kinds of toes: long (make 2), short (make 2) and tiny (make 1)

Tiny Toe (make 1) :

Start with light gray yarn

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 sc (6)

Round 3 :

3 sc (3) cut the yarn, leave a tail for sewing

Long Toes (make 2) :

Start with dark gray yarn

Round 1 :

3 sc in MR (3)

Round 2-3 :

3 sc (3) change to light gray

Round 4 :

3 inc (6)

Round 5-7 :

6 sc (6) fasten off

Short Toes (make 2) :

Start with dark gray yarn

Round 1 :

3 sc in MR (3)

Round 2-3 :

3 sc (3) change to light gray yarn

Round 4 :

3 inc (6)

Round 5-6 :

6 sc (6) fasten off. Don't cut the yarn in one of the short toes, use it to connect other toes

— FEET :

Round 1 :

Connect toes: short toe + 3sc in first long toe + 3 sc in 2nd long toe + 6 sc in 2nd short toe + 3sc in 2nd long toe + 3sc in first long toe + 6 sc in 2nd short toe (24)

Round 2-6 :

24 sc (24)

Round 7 :

2 sc; sew tiny toe with 3 sc like in photo; make 3 sc in outer side of tiny toe; 19 sc in foot (24)

Round 8 :

24 sc (24) continue to crochet in rows

Round 9.1 :

9 sc; turn

Round 9.2 :

skip 1 sc; 11 sc; turn (11)

Round 9.3 :

skip 1 sc; 10 sc; turn (10)

Round 9.4 :

skip 1 sc; 9 sc; turn (9)

Round 9.5 :

skip 1 sc; 8 sc (8) put marker in last sc, continue in rounds from this point

Round 10 :

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

Round 11 :

16 sc; 8 hdc (24)

Round 12 :

(1 sc; dec)*8 (16) fill with stuffing, cut yarn, leave long tail for sewing

Info :

Sew legs to base from the front like in pictures, pin before sewing

— LARGE RING :

Round 1 :

60 ch; slst in 1st ch (60)

Round 2 :

(9 sc; inc)*6 (66)

Round 3 :

5 sc; inc; (10 sc; inc)*5; 5 sc (72)

Round 4 :

(11 sc; inc)*6 (78)

Round 5 :

6 sc; inc; (12 sc; inc)*5; 6 sc (84)

Round 6 :

(13 sc; inc)*6 (90)

Round 7 :

7 sc; inc; (14 sc; inc)*5; 7 sc (96)

Round 8 :

(15 sc; inc)*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)*6 (96)

Round 17 :

7 sc; dec; (14 sc; dec)*5; 7 sc (90)

Round 18 :

(13 sc; dec)*6 (84)

Round 19 :

6 sc; dec; (12 sc; dec)*5; 6 sc (78)

Round 20 :

(11 sc; dec)*6 (72)

Round 21 :

5 sc; dec; (10 sc; dec)*5; 5 sc (66)

Round 22 :

(9 sc; dec)*6 (60) sew round 22 with round 1, fill with stuffing as you go

Info :

Sew needles as shown: in round 10 - 12 needles, in round 12 - 11 needles, in round 14 - 12 needles. Total 35 needles for large ring

— MIDDLE RING :

Round 1 :

48 ch; slst in 1st ch (48)

Round 2 :

(7 sc; inc)*6 (54)

Round 3 :

4 sc; inc; (8 sc; inc)*5; 4 sc (60)

Round 4 :

(9 sc; inc)*6 (66)

Round 5 :

5 sc; inc; (10 sc; inc)*5; 5 sc (72)

Round 6 :

(11 sc; inc)*6 (78)

Round 7 :

6 sc; inc; (12 sc; inc)*5; 6 sc (84)

Round 8 :

(13 sc; inc)*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)*6 (84)

Round 17 :

6 sc; dec; (12 sc; dec)*5; 6 sc (78)

Round 18 :

(11 sc; dec)*6 (72)

Round 19 :

5 sc; dec; (10 sc; dec)*5; 5 sc (66)

Round 20 :

(9 sc; dec)*6 (60)

Round 21 :

4 sc; dec; (8 sc; dec)*5; 4 sc (54)

Round 22 :

(7 sc; dec)*6 (48) sew round 22 with round 1, fill with stuffing as you go

Info :

Sew needles same way as large ring: in round 10 - 10 needles, in round 12 - 9 needles, in round 14 - 10 needles. Total 29 needles for middle ring

— SMALL RING :

Round 1 :

36 ch; slst in 1st ch (36)

Round 2 :

(5 sc; inc)*6 (42)

Round 3 :

3 sc; inc; (6 sc; inc)*5; 3 sc (48)

Round 4 :

(7 sc; inc)*6 (54)

Round 5 :

4 sc; inc; (8 sc; inc)*5; 4 sc (60)

Round 6 :

(9 sc; inc)*6 (66)

Round 7 :

5 sc; inc; (10 sc; inc)*5; 5 sc (72)

Round 8 :

(11 sc; inc)*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)*6 (72)

Round 17 :

5 sc; dec; (10 sc; dec)*5; 5 sc (66)

Round 18 :

(9 sc; dec)*6 (60)

Round 19 :

4 sc; dec; (8 sc; dec)*5; 4 sc (54)

Round 20 :

(7 sc; dec)*6 (48)

Round 21 :

3 sc; dec; (6 sc; dec)*5; 3 sc (42)

Round 22 :

(5 sc; dec)*6 (36) sew round 22 with round 1, fill with stuffing as you go

Info :

Sew needles same way as large ring: in round 10 - 8 needles, in round 12 - 7 needles, in round 14 - 8 needles. Total 23 needles for small ring. Sew arms in round 10 from both sides next to needles

— ARMS (make 2) :

Info :

There will be 2 kinds of fingers: long (make 3) and short (make 1)

Short Finger (make 1) :

Start with light gray yarn

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 sc (6) cut yarn, leave tail for sewing

Long Fingers (make 3) :

Start with dark gray yarn

Round 1:

3 sc in MR (3)

Round 2-3 :

3 sc (3) change to light gray

Round 4 :

3 inc (6)

Round 5-6 :

6 sc (6) fasten off. Don't cut yarn in one long finger, use it to connect fingers

— HANDS :

Round 1 :

Connect fingers: long finger + 3 sc in 2nd long finger + 6 sc in 3rd long finger + 3 sc in 2nd long finger + 6 sc in 1st long finger (18)

Round 2-3 :

18 sc (18)

Round 4 :

Sew short finger with 3 sc like in photo; make 3 sc in outer side of short finger; 15 sc in hand (18)

Round 5 :

18 sc (18)

Round 6 :

(1 sc; dec)*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) fold in half, connect both sides, closing hole with 6 sc

— HEAD :

Info :

Start with black yarn to crochet nose

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 inc (12)

Round 3 :

(3 sc; inc)*3 (15)

Round 4-5 :

15 sc (15)

Round 6 :

(3 sc; dec)*3 (12)

Round 7 :

6 dec (6) change to light gray yarn

Round 8 :

(1 sc; inc)*3 (9)

Round 9 :

(2 sc; inc)*3 (12)

Round 10 :

(3 sc; inc)*3 (15)

Round 11 :

(4 sc; inc)*3 (18)

Round 12 :

(5 sc; inc)*3 (21)

Round 13 :

(6 sc; inc)*3 (24)

Round 14 :

(7 sc; inc)*3 (27)

Round 15 :

(8 sc; inc)*3 (30)

Round 16 :

(9 sc; inc)*3 (33)

Round 17 :

(10 sc; inc)*3 (36)

Round 18 :

(5 sc; inc)*6 (42)

Round 19 :

(6 sc; inc)*6 (48)

Round 20 :

(7 sc; inc)6 (54)

Round 21 :

(8 sc; inc)6 (60)

Round 22 :

15 sc; 10 inc; 35 sc (70)

Round 23-25 :

70 sc (70)

Info :

Insert safety eyes between rounds 23 and 24, 19 sc apart

Round 26 :

15 sc; (1 sc; inc)10; 35 sc (80)

Round 27-31 :

80 sc (80)

Round 32 :

5 sc; crochet in 12 needles5 sc; 15 sc (80) make 5 sc, put marker in last sc, start counting rounds from this point

Round 33 :

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

Round 34 :

80 sc (80)

Round 35 :

3 sc; crochet in 11 needles5 sc; 22 sc (80)

Round 36-37 :

80 sc (80)

Round 38 :

1 sc; crochet in 12 needles5 sc; 19 sc (80)

Round 39 :

80 sc (80)

Round 40 :

(14 sc; dec)5 (75)

Round 41 :

crochet in 13 needles5 sc; 10 sc (75)

Round 42 :

(13 sc; dec)*5 (70)

Round 43 :

(12 sc; dec)5 (65)

Round 44 :

crochet in 13 needles5 sc (65)

Round 45 :

(11 sc; dec)*5 (60) fill with stuffing as you go

Round 46 :

(4 sc; dec)10 (50)

Round 47 :

crochet in 10 needles5 sc (50)

Round 48 :

(3 sc; dec)*10 (40)

Round 49 :

(2 sc; dec)10 (30)

Round 50 :

crochet in 6 needles5 sc (30)

Round 51 :

(3 sc; dec)*10 (40)

Round 52 :

(2 sc; dec)10 (30)

Round 53 :

crochet in 3 needles5 sc (30) cut yarn, close off hole, hide tail

Info :

For head you need 80 needles total. If you prefer sewing over crocheting in needles, make BLO sc instead in rounds 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53 and sew needles after finishing

Info :

Return to hole left between rounds 32 and 33, continue to crochet in rounds

Round 33.1 :

BLO 36 sc (36)

Round 33.2 :

36 sc (36)

Round 33.3 :

(4 sc; dec)*6 (30)

Round 33.4 :

30 sc (30)

Round 33.5 :

(3 sc; dec)*6 (24)

Round 33.6 :

24 sc (24)

Round 33.7 :

(2 sc; dec)*6 (18)

Round 33.8 :

18 sc (18)

Round 33.9 :

(1 sc; dec)*6 (12)

Round 33.10 :

6 dec (6) close off hole

— EARS (make 2) :

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

(1 sc; inc)*3 (9)

Round 3 :

(2 sc; inc)*3 (12)

Round 4 :

(3 sc; inc)*3 (15)

Round 5 :

(4 sc; inc)*3 (18)

Round 6-12 :

18 sc (18)

Round 13 :

(4 sc; dec)*3 (15)

Round 14 :

(3 sc; dec)*3 (12)

Info :

Sew ears and eyebrows as shown in pictures. You can add personality with needle sculpting of face, it's up to you

— ACORN :

Info :

Start with brown yarn

Round 1 :

6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2 :

6 sc (6)

Round 3 :

6 inc (18)

Round 4 :

(1 sc; inc)*6 (18)

Round 5 :

(2 sc; inc)*6 (24)

Round 6 :

(3 sc; inc)*6 (30)

Round 7 :

30 sc (30)

Round 8 :

(4 sc; inc)*6 (36)

Round 9-17 :

36 sc (36) change to light brown color

Round 18 :

(5 sc; inc)*6 (42) fill with stuffing as you go

Round 19 :

3 sc; inc; (6 sc; inc)*5; 3 sc (48)

Round 20 :

48 hdc (48)

Round 21 :

(6 sc; dec)*6 (42)

Round 22 :

(5 sc; dec)*6 (36)

Round 23 :

(4 sc; dec)*6 (30)

Round 24 :

(3 sc; dec)*6 (24)

Round 25 :

(2 sc; dec)*6 (18)

Round 26 :

(1 sc; dec)*6 (12)

Round 27 :

6 dec (6)

Round 28-31 :

6 sc (6)

Round 32 :

1 inc; 2 sc; dec; 1 sc (6)

Round 33-34 :

6 sc (6) close off hole, hide tail

— OAK LEAF :

Info :

With yellow or red yarn

Row 1 :

21 ch, continue to crochet in rounds

Round 2 :

3 sc; 6 hdc; 10 dc; 5 sc in first ch; 10 dc; 6 hdc; 3 sc (43) + 5ch, turn

Round 3 :

6 sc; 1 hdc; 3 dc in one; 3ch; 1 sc (in same sc where 3 dc made); 1 sc; 1 hdc; 1 dc; 3 trc; 4 ch; 1 sc (in same sc where 3 trc made); 2 sc; 1 hdc; 1 dc; 4 trc; 4 ch; 1 sc (in same sc where 4 trc made); 2 sc; 1 hdc; 1 dc; 4 trc; 4 ch; 1 sc (in same sc where 4 trc made); skip 1 sc; 5 trc in 1 sc; skip 1 sc; 4 ch; 4 trc (in same sc where 4 ch made); 1 dc; 1 hdc; 3 sc; 4 ch; 4 trc (in same sc where 4 ch made); 1 dc; 1 hdc; 3 sc; 4 ch; 3 trc (in same sc where 4 ch made); 1 dc; 1 hdc; 2 sc; 3 ch; 3 dc (in same sc where 3 ch made); 1 hdc; 2 sc; sl st

Info :

You may also make maple leaf or different oak leaf using scheme. You may sew leaf to head and acorn to hands or use sewable snap buttons so acorn easily comes off depending on preferences and child's age

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the 41 needles to the base following the specific placement: 14 needles in round 57, 13 needles in round 59, and 14 needles in round 61 as shown in the pattern photos
  • Attach the completed legs to the front of the base body, making sure to pin them in position before final sewing to ensure proper placement and stability
  • Sew 35 needles to the large ring (12 in round 10, 11 in round 12, 12 in round 14), 29 needles to the middle ring (10 in round 10, 9 in round 12, 10 in round 14), and 23 needles to the small ring (8 in round 10, 7 in round 12, 8 in round 14)
  • Attach the arms to round 10 of the small ring from both sides, positioning them next to the needles for a balanced look
  • For the head, either crochet in 80 needles as you work through rounds 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, and 53, or make back loop only stitches in these rounds and sew needles afterward
  • Position and sew the ears and eyebrows to the head as shown in the pattern photos, adding optional needle sculpting to create facial definition and personality
  • Attach the oak leaf to the head and the acorn to one of the hands, or use sewable snap buttons to make the acorn removable depending on the child's age and your preference

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern requires making 208 needles in total across all parts, so prepare for a time-intensive but rewarding project with stunning results
  • 💡Use stitch markers consistently throughout to track your position in each round, especially during the complex increasing and decreasing sequences
  • 💡When working with back loop only stitches, pay close attention to the pattern as these create the ridges where needles attach
  • 💡Fill each ring and body part with stuffing gradually as you decrease rather than waiting until the end for better shape control
  • 💡The pattern offers flexibility between crocheting needles directly into the work or sewing them on afterward, choose the method you're most comfortable with
  • 💡Keep safety in mind if making this toy for young children, ensure all eyes are securely attached and consider using embroidery instead of safety eyes for babies

This enchanting hedgehog stacking toy pattern brings together educational play value with irresistible woodland charm, creating a truly special handmade treasure that grows with your child. With three graduated rings that help develop motor skills and coordination, plus an adorable hedgehog character complete with 208 individually crafted needles, tiny toes and fingers, and optional acorn accessories, this pattern delivers both challenge and charm. Whether you're creating a nursery centerpiece, a thoughtful baby shower gift, or a beloved toy that will be passed down through generations, this hedgehog friend promises to bring smiles, learning, and countless hours of imaginative play. Happy crocheting your woodland companion!

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

How many needles do I need to make in total for the complete hedgehog stacking toy?

You'll need to make 208 needles in total: 41 for the base, 35 for the large ring, 29 for the middle ring, 23 for the small ring, and 80 for the head. Each needle is made following the same simple pattern with 10 stitches and stuffed before attaching.

Can I sew the needles on instead of crocheting them directly into the body?

Yes, absolutely! The pattern offers both options. If you prefer sewing, work back loop only stitches in the indicated rounds (32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53 for the head) and then sew all needles on afterward. Choose whichever method you're most comfortable with.

What's the finished size of this hedgehog stacking toy?

The completed hedgehog stacking toy measures approximately 26 centimeters (about 10 inches) tall when all three rings are stacked with the head on top. The individual ring sizes vary to create the graduated stacking effect.

Is this pattern suitable for a baby's toy or just decoration?

While this makes a beautiful nursery decoration, it can be adapted for baby play with safety modifications. Use embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes for babies under 3, ensure all parts are very securely attached, and consider using sewable snap buttons for the removable acorn accessory so it doesn't become a choking hazard.

Do I have to make the acorn and oak leaf accessories?

No, these accessories are completely optional! The pattern mentions you can make a maple leaf, a different style oak leaf using the provided scheme, or skip the accessories entirely. The hedgehog stacking toy is adorable and functional with or without them.