Hedgehog Granny Square

Hedgehog Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Project Overview

The Hedgehog Granny Square is an intermediate-level crochet design created by RaffamusaDesigns as part of a Christmas Granny Squares Crochet-Along (CAL) running from November 10 through December 21, 2020. This downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for crafting a festive granny square featuring hedgehog motifs, perfect for holiday-themed crochet projects, blankets, or decorative applications.

Finished Dimensions

Each completed Hedgehog Granny Square measures 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) on all sides, making it an ideal size for combining with other squares in larger crochet projects such as afghans, blankets, or patchwork designs.

Materials Required

This pattern uses Paintbox Yarns Simply DK weight yarn, which is a versatile medium-weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good stitch definition. You will need:

• Paintbox Yarns Simply DK yarn in appropriate colors for the hedgehog design
• 4-mm (Size G/6 USA, Size 8 UK) crochet hook for the main pattern work
• 3.5-mm (Size E/4 USA, Size 9 UK) crochet hook for finer detail work
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and assembling components

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Hedgehog Granny Square employs intermediate-level crochet techniques that build upon fundamental skills. The pattern incorporates the following essential stitches and methods:

• Magic Circle (MC) – A foundation technique used to create a closed center point, allowing stitches to be worked in the round without a visible hole
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc) – A medium-height stitch that forms the primary fabric structure in the initial rounds
• Single Crochet (Sc) – A short, tight stitch used for detail work and shaping
• Double Crochet (Dc) – A taller stitch that creates lighter, more open fabric sections
• Treble Crochet (Tr) – An even taller stitch for creating decorative elements and texture variation
• Chain (Ch) – The foundation stitch for creating spaces and height transitions
• Slip Stitch (Sl St) – Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between sections
• Increases (Inc) – Techniques for expanding the stitch count to shape the square and create the hedgehog features
• Decreases (Dec) – Methods for reducing stitch count to refine shaping
• Picot Stitch – A decorative edging technique that adds textured embellishment
• Front Loop Only (FLO) and Back Loop Only (BLO) – Selective loop techniques for creating textured effects and dimensional details

Pattern Construction

The Hedgehog Granny Square is constructed in distinct rounds working outward from the center. The pattern begins with a magic circle foundation and progresses through multiple rounds of increases:

• Round 1: Chain 2, then work 11 half double crochets into the magic circle. Join the round with a slip stitch into the first half double crochet, creating 11 stitches total.
• Round 2: Chain 1, then work 11 half double crochet increases. Slip stitch to join, resulting in 22 stitches.
• Round 3: Chain 1, then alternate between half double crochet increases and single half double crochets 11 times across the round. Slip stitch to join, creating 33 stitches.

After these three foundation rounds, the piece should measure 2.25 inches (5.5 centimeters) in diameter, providing a gauge reference point for pattern accuracy. Subsequent rounds continue building the square structure and introducing the hedgehog design elements through additional stitch patterns and shaping techniques.

Skill Level and Craftsmanship

Classified as an intermediate difficulty