Pumpkin Spice Hedgehog Free Amigurumi Pattern – Cute Autumn Crochet Project

Introduction

Welcome to my latest seasonal creation - the Pumpkin Spice Hedgehog! This adorable little fellow combines the charm of a woodland creature with the cozy essence of autumn. With its round body, pumpkin-shaped spikes, and tiny arms hugging a cinnamon stick, this amigurumi captures everything we love about fall. I designed this intermediate-level project to be both a delightful challenge and a satisfying make that can be completed over a weekend. The combination of warm orange and rich brown tones creates that perfect pumpkin spice palette we all crave when the leaves start changing. Whether displayed on a mantle or gifting to a fall-loving friend, this hedgehog brings autumnal joy to any space.

Materials

Yarn Requirements

• Yarn A: Worsted Weight (4) Light Brown – 50 yards (Recommended: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Honey)
• Yarn B: Worsted Weight (4) Dark Orange – 100 yards (Recommended: Red Heart Super Saver in Pumpkin)
• Yarn C: Worsted Weight (4) Dark Brown – 25 yards (Recommended: Loops & Threads Impeccable in Coffee)
• Yarn D: Worsted Weight (4) Cream – 15 yards (Recommended: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Fisherman)

Notions

• Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• 6mm safety eyes (2)
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing (approximately 2 oz)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Small piece of felt in light pink for the nose
• Small piece of brown felt for the cinnamon stick (optional - can also be crocheted)
• Fabric glue or needle and thread for attaching felt pieces
• Scissors
• Black embroidery floss for mouth details

Skill Level & Techniques

Difficulty: Intermediate

Techniques Required:

• Magic ring/adjustable ring
• Single crochet (sc)
• Increase (inc)
• Decrease (dec)
• Working in spiral (continuous rounds)
• Color changes
• Embroidery (simple straight stitches)
• Appliqué attachment
• Surface crochet for texture
• Sewing pieces together securely

Expected Time: 7-9 hours total

Abbreviations & Terms

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• inc - increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec - invisible decrease (decrease over 2 stitches)
• BLO - back loop only
• FLO - front loop only
• sl st - slip stitch
• st(s) - stitch(es)
• ( ) - indicates total stitch count for the round
• [ ] - repeat instructions inside brackets the number of times specified
• MC - main color

All terminology is in US crochet terms

Pattern Instructions

Body (worked from bottom up with Yarn A - Light Brown)

Round 1: Start with a magic ring, 6 sc into the ring (6) 

Round 2: Inc in each st around (12) 

Round 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18) 

Round 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24) 

Round 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30) 

Round 6: [4 sc, inc] 6 times (36) 

Round 7: [5 sc, inc] 6 times (42) 

Round 8: [6 sc, inc] 6 times (48) 

Round 9: [7 sc, inc] 6 times (54) 

Round 10: [8 sc, inc] 6 times (60) 

Rounds 11-18: Sc in each st around (60) 

Round 19: [8 sc, dec] 6 times (54) 

Round 20: [7 sc, dec] 6 times (48) 

Round 21: [6 sc, dec] 6 times (42) 

Round 22: [5 sc, dec] 6 times (36) 

Round 23: [4 sc, dec] 6 times (30) 

Round 24: [3 sc, dec] 6 times (24)

Begin stuffing the body firmly, continue adding stuffing as you close up.

Round 25: [2 sc, dec] 6 times (18) 

Round 26: [1 sc, dec] 6 times (12) 

Round 27: Dec 6 times (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Spikes (worked with Yarn B - Dark Orange)

Make 12 individual pumpkin-shaped spikes

For each spike: Row 1: Start with a magic ring, 4 sc into ring (4)  

Row 2: Inc in each st (8) 

Row 3: Sc in each st (8) 

Row 4: [1 sc, inc] 4 times (12) 

Row 5-7: Sc in each st (12) 

Row 8: [1 sc, dec] 4 times (8) 

Row 9: Dec 4 times (4)

Do not stuff the spikes. Flatten each spike and sew the open end closed with a whip stitch.

Creating the pumpkin shape: With orange yarn, create vertical lines from top to bottom of each spike by inserting your yarn needle under several stitches from bottom to top, creating a shallow ridge. Make 3-4 lines per spike to resemble pumpkin segments.

Face Oval (worked with Yarn A - Light Brown)

Round 1: Start with a magic ring, 6 sc into ring (6) 

Round 2: Inc in each st around (12) 

Round 3: [1 sc, inc] 6 times (18) 

Round 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times (24) 

Round 5: [3 sc, inc] 6 times (30) 

Rounds 6-7: Sc in each st around (30)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Arms (Make 2 with Yarn A - Light Brown)

Round 1: Start with a magic ring, 6 sc into ring (6) 

Round 2: [1 sc, inc] 3 times (9) 

Rounds 3-10: Sc in each st around (9)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Feet (Make 2 with Yarn A - Light Brown)

Round 1: Start with a magic ring, 6 sc into ring (6) 

Round 2: Inc in each st around (12) 

Rounds 3-4: Sc in each st around (12) 

Round 5: [1 sc, dec] 4 times (8) 

Round 6: Dec 4 times (4)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

Cinnamon Stick (worked with Yarn C - Dark Brown)

Option 1: Crocheted Version Chain 18 Row 1: Starting from 2nd chain from hook, sc in each chain across (17) Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (17) Row 3-6: Repeat Row 2 (17)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for rolling and sewing. Lightly stuff before rolling into a cylinder shape and sewing the edge closed.

Option 2: Felt Version Cut a rectangle of brown felt approximately 2" x 3.5" (5cm x 9cm). Roll it into a small cylinder and secure with fabric glue or a few stitches. Curl the edges slightly outward to create the look of cinnamon bark.

Ears (Make 2 with Yarn A - Light Brown)

Round 1: Start with a magic ring, 6 sc into ring (6) 

Round 2: Inc in each st around (12) 

Round 3: Sc in each st around (12)

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Flatten the ear and do not stuff.

Nose (with Yarn D - Cream)

Round 1: Start with a magic ring, 6 sc into ring (6) 

Round 2: Inc in each st around (12)

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Assembly Instructions

1. Body Preparation:

   • Place the face oval on the front of the body, lining up the top of the oval with where you want the eyes to be positioned.
   • Sew the oval securely all around the edge.

2. Face Details:

   • Attach safety eyes approximately 2-2.5 inches from the bottom of the body, about 1 inch apart.
   • Cut a small triangle from pink felt for the nose and glue or sew it centered below the eyes.
   • Using black embroidery floss, stitch a small smile beneath the nose.

3. Spikes Placement:

   • Arrange the 12 pumpkin spikes evenly across the back of the hedgehog.
   • Sew each spike securely, ensuring they stand upright and cover the back portion.
   • The spikes should start just behind the ears and continue to the lower back.

4. Limbs Attachment:

   • Sew the arms to the sides of the body, positioned slightly forward.
   • Position the arms so they're ready to "hug" the cinnamon stick.
   • Attach the feet to the bottom front of the body.

5. Ears:

   • Sew the ears to the top of the head, slightly to the sides.
   • Position them angled slightly outward for a cute look.

6. Nose Detail:

   • Sew the cream nose over the felt nose triangle, creating a dimensional effect.

7. Final Touch:

   • Position the cinnamon stick between the arms and secure it by stitching through the arms and into the stick in a few places.
   • Add any final embroidery or details as desired.

Technical Tips

Tension Guidance

Keep your tension consistent throughout the project, especially on the body. If your tension tends to be tight, consider going up a hook size. For the spikes, a slightly tighter tension works well to create a firm shape.

Stuffing Techniques

• For the body, stuff firmly but not so tight that the stitches stretch.
• Insert small amounts of stuffing at a time, using a pencil or chopstick to push stuffing into corners.
• For the feet and arms, stuff lightly, focusing on the rounded ends.
• The spikes should remain unstuffed for a flatter profile.

Joining Components

• Use a mattress stitch for invisible seams when attaching components.
• When sewing the spikes, secure them at multiple points to prevent sagging.
• For the arms, insert the needle from inside the body outward to ensure a neat join.

Troubleshooting

• If your hedgehog won't sit properly, adjust stuffing in the bottom or add a few small weighted beads.
• If spikes flop over, try using a slightly smaller hook for them or reinforce with wire.
• For a rounder face, increase stuffing in the head area before closing.

Customization

• For seasonal variations, change spike colors to red/green for Christmas or pastels for spring.
• Add a small bow or scarf around the neck for extra charm.
• Embroider small dots on the spikes to resemble seeds or sparkles.

Conclusion & Care Instructions

Your Pumpkin Spice Hedgehog stands approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) wide when completed. Perfect for seasonal decoration or gifting to fall-loving friends!

To care for your amigurumi, spot clean with a damp cloth when necessary. If deeper cleaning is required, hand wash gently in cold water with mild soap, pressing (not wringing) out excess water, and lay flat to dry. Avoid direct sunlight when drying to prevent color fading.

Display your hedgehog alongside autumn decor, nestled among mini pumpkins, or cuddled up against a fall-themed candle. The cinnamon stick accent creates a wonderful opportunity to add a drop of cinnamon essential oil for a subtle autumn scent that refreshes the seasonal mood.

For a larger family of woodland creatures, try creating companion pieces like acorn-hugging squirrels or leaf-collecting foxes using the same basic body shape and color scheme.

With love from my hook to yours, Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My pumpkin spikes don't stand up properly. How can I fix this? A: If your spikes are flopping over, try three solutions: 1) Use a slightly smaller hook size when making them for a tighter, firmer fabric, 2) Add a small length of pipe cleaner inside each spike before closing, or 3) Starch the spikes lightly with fabric stiffener before attaching. Make sure you're also sewing them securely at multiple points along the base.

Q: Can I make the hedgehog bigger or smaller? A: Yes! To resize the hedgehog, use the same pattern but change your yarn weight and hook size. For a smaller version, try sport weight yarn with a 3.5mm hook. For a larger version, use bulky yarn with a 5.5mm hook. Adjust stitch counts proportionally if necessary - add or subtract one increase round for significant size changes.

Q: What can I use instead of safety eyes? A: You have several options: 1) Embroider eyes using black yarn or embroidery floss, 2) Use small black buttons, 3) Create eyes from black felt circles, or 4) Use small beads securely sewn on (not recommended for toys intended for children under 3).

Q: My hedgehog won't sit properly and keeps tipping forward. How do I fix this? A: This is usually a weight distribution issue. Try: 1) Adjust your stuffing by adding more to the back/bottom area, 2) Place a few small weighted beads or dried beans in the bottom before final stuffing, or 3) Make the feet slightly larger or position them farther forward under the body for better balance.

Q: How can I make the cinnamon stick look more realistic? A: For an ultra-realistic cinnamon stick: 1) Use textured yarn with brown variations, 2) After crocheting, brush the surface gently with a wire brush for a textured bark look, 3) Add tiny stitches of slightly darker brown yarn to create "cracks" in the bark, or 4) Roll brown felt tightly and fray/rough up the edges slightly with scissors before gluing.

Q: I'm struggling with the pumpkin shape on the spikes. Any tips? A: The pumpkin ridges can be tricky! Try: 1) Use a tapestry needle to create shallow "tucks" rather than deep stitches, 2) Work from bottom to top in straight lines, keeping tension even, 3) Use a slightly lighter orange yarn for the ridges to make them more visible, or 4) Create the ridges before attaching the spikes so you can manipulate them more easily.

Q: Can I use different colors for a non-autumn themed hedgehog? A: Absolutely! For a spring version, try pastel colored spikes and a flower instead of a cinnamon stick. For winter, blue spikes and a small candy cane would be adorable. For a classic hedgehog, use beige/brown spikes and omit the pumpkin detailing. The pattern works well with any color scheme!

Q: How do I get the face oval to lay flat against the body? A: To ensure the face oval lays flat: 1) Pin it in place before sewing, 2) Use a whip stitch around the entire edge, pulling gently as you go, 3) Make sure both body and face oval are evenly stuffed, and 4) Consider adding a few tacking stitches through the middle of the oval into the body to prevent bubbling.

Q: Can children help make this project? A: This is an intermediate project, but children can definitely help with certain aspects: 1) Rolling the magic rings to close them, 2) Helping select colors, 3) Stuffing the larger pieces, 4) Creating the felt pieces under supervision, and 5) Design decisions like spike placement. Adult supervision is needed for safety eye placement and final assembly.

Q: How can I make my hedgehog smell like pumpkin spice? A: For a scented hedgehog: 1) Add a drop of cinnamon or pumpkin spice essential oil to the stuffing (keep away from the outer fabric to prevent staining), 2) Create a small sachet of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg to place inside during stuffing, or 3) Spray a light mist of pumpkin spice room spray on the cinnamon stick only (test on scrap yarn first to ensure no discoloration).

© Patricia Poltera - trendydecos.com

Image Generation Prompt: /imagine prompt: Photorealistic close-up of a chubby crocheted hedgehog amigurumi handcrafted with worsted weight acrylic yarn. The Pumpkin Spice Hedgehog features distinctive orange pumpkin-shaped spikes with vertical ridges and a round light brown body. The amigurumi is positioned sitting upright with tiny arms hugging a cinnamon stick, on a rustic wooden surface with scattered autumn leaves, with soft directional lighting highlighting the textured crochet stitches and dimensional features of the face. The finished piece stands approximately 5 inches tall, with visible details including 6mm safety eyes, a small triangular pink nose, and embroidered smile. Style: hyperrealistic product photography, soft studio lighting, shallow depth of field focusing on the facial features and textural details --ar 4:3 --style raw --v 5.2