Harriette, the hedgehog

Harriette, the Hedgehog Knitted Toy

Project Overview

Harriette, the hedgehog is a beginner-friendly knitted toy design created by Stana D. Sortor. This downloadable PDF pattern guides crafters through creating an adorable stuffed hedgehog approximately 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. The project is offered as a free mystery knit-along (KAL), making it an accessible introduction to toy knitting for crafters of all experience levels.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a three-dimensional stuffed animal hedgehog character. The finished toy features a body, head, and distinctive hedgehog quills, all constructed as a single integrated piece through knitting in the round. The toy can be optionally embellished with safety eyes for added character and expression.

Knitting Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners working with toys and amigurumi-style projects. Key techniques include:

• Knitting in the round using double-pointed needles (DPNs) to create seamless, three-dimensional fabric
• Increases using the KFB (knit in front and back) stitch to expand stitch counts and shape the toy's form
• Decreases using SSK (slip, slip, knit) and K2tog (knit two together) to reduce stitches and create shaping
• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, providing a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Stitch markers to track round beginnings and pattern repeats

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and stitch techniques:

• KFB (Knit in front and back of the same stitch) – creates two stitches from one, used for increasing
• SSK (Slip stitch, slip stitch, and knit the two stitches together) – decreases two stitches to one
• K2tog (Knit two stitches together) – decreases two stitches to one
• R (Round) – indicates working in circular rows
• P (Purl) – creates textural variation within rounds
• K (Knit) – the primary stitch

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Cascade 220 Superwash worsted weight yarn in multiple colors, totaling approximately 180 yards (165 meters). The specific color palette includes:

• Cordavan (#863) – 70 yards / 65 meters (primary body color)
• Ridge Rock (#874) – 35 yards / 32 meters (secondary color)
• Really Red (#809) – 30 yards / 27 meters (accent color)
• Yellow (#820) – 30 yards / 27 meters (accent color)
• Black (#815) – 15 yards / 14 meters (detail color)

Additional materials required include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors, a stitch marker for tracking rounds, and polyester fiberfill stuffing (one small bag). Optional safety eyes add dimension and personality to the finished toy.

Needles and Tools

The pattern recommends double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US size #3 / 3.25mm in a set of five for knitting in the round. Crafters may substitute their preferred needles for circular knitting if desired. The gauge is established at 21 stitches and 27 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which helps ensure the toy reaches the intended finished size.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as beginner-level, making it ideal for knitters new to toy construction or those seeking to build foundational skills in shaping and three-dimensional knitting. The straightforward stitch vocabulary and clear round-by-round instructions support crafters in successfully completing their first stuffed animal project.