Easy Holiday Hedgehog Crochet Pattern: Barnaby (Viral Christmas DIY)

Dearest creator, welcome back to the atelier. There is a specific kind of magic that descends when the winter air turns crisp—a desire to hold something warm, soft, and undeniably cheerful. Today, we are channeling that festive spirit into "Barnaby," a holiday hedgehog who is quite literally a handful of joy.

🎨 About This Creation & Our Angle

Barnaby was born from a desire to create the ultimate "last-minute heirloom." We all know the frantic energy of the holiday season, where time is short but the desire to give handmade gifts is strong. Barnaby is the answer to that riddle.

Designed with a chubby, egg-shaped silhouette, he sits perfectly in the palm of your hand. His texture—achieved through a clever use of the loop stitch—looks incredibly intricate, yet it is surprisingly rhythmic to work up. Whether you are stocking a Christmas market stall or crafting a stocking stuffer, Barnaby is designed to delight.

Attribute	Detail
🧶 Difficulty	Intermediate (Loop Stitch)
🕒 Est. Time	3 - 4 Hours
📏 Size	Approx. 14cm (5.5 inches)

"The beauty of the hedgehog is in the contrast—the prickly appearance softened by the warmth of the yarn. He is a reminder that even the spikiest days can be made soft with a little love."

🧶 Materials & Tools Needed

To bring Barnaby to life, you will need to gather a few simple treasures from your stash. I recommend a cotton blend for the face to keep stitch definition sharp, and an acrylic blend for the "quills" for softness.

• Yarn: DK Weight Yarn in Biscuit Cream (Face/Belly), Cocoa Bean Brown (Quills), Holly Red (Hat/Scarf), and Snow White (Details).
• Hook: 2.75mm (C) or 3.0mm hook to keep stitches tight.
• Eyes: 10mm or 12mm Black Safety Eyes.
• Stuffing: High-quality poly-fill.
• Tools: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, and scissors.

[Image Placeholder: A flat-lay of the brown, cream, and red yarn skeins with the hook]

💡 Abbreviations & Stitches Used

We will be working in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.

• ch - chain
• sc - single crochet
• inc - increase (2 sc in one st)
• dec - decrease (invisible decrease preferred)
• blo - back loop only
• LS - Loop Stitch (creating a loop of yarn on the outside of the work)

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📖 The Complete Barnaby Pattern

Part 1: The Snout & Head

We begin with the Biscuit Cream yarn. We are sculpting the nose first, working backwards towards the body.

• Rnd 1: 6 sc in a Magic Ring (6 sts)
• Rnd 2: *sc, inc* repeat around (9 sts)
• Rnd 3: sc in each st around (9 sts)
• Rnd 4: *2 sc, inc* repeat around (12 sts)
• Rnd 5: *sc, inc* repeat around (18 sts)
• Rnd 6: *2 sc, inc* repeat around (24 sts)
• Rnd 7: *3 sc, inc* repeat around (30 sts)

Artisan's Note: At this stage, pause to embroider the nose. I recommend using a strand of black yarn and placing it directly on the tip of the snout (Rnd 1-2). It is much easier to do this now than when the piece is stuffed!

Part 2: The Body (The Texture Begins)

Now, we will introduce the Cocoa Bean yarn for the "quills." This section requires color changing. We want the belly to remain Cream and smooth, while the back becomes Brown and textured.

• Rnd 8: Change to Brown. *4 sc, inc* repeat around (36 sts)
• Rnd 9: (Cream) 12 sc, (Brown) 24 LS [Loop Stitch] (36 sts)
• Rnd 10: (Cream) *5 sc, inc* x2, (Brown) *LS in next 5, inc (using LS)* x4 (42 sts)
• Rnd 11-18: (Cream) 14 sc, (Brown) 28 LS. (42 sts)

[Image Placeholder: Close up showing the transition from smooth cream stitches to the brown loop stitches]

Artisan's Note: If the Loop Stitch feels too daunting, you can substitute it with a Bobble Stitch or simply use a fuzzy novelty yarn for the brown sections. The goal is texture, not stress!

• Rnd 19: (Cream) *5 sc, dec* x2, (Brown) *5 LS, dec* x4 (36 sts)
• Rnd 20: (Cream) *4 sc, dec* x2, (Brown) *4 LS, dec* x4 (30 sts)

Insert safety eyes between Rnd 7 and 8, spaced about 9 stitches apart so they sit on either side of the snout.

• Rnd 21: *3 sc, dec* around (using LS for brown parts) (24 sts)
• Rnd 22: *2 sc, dec* around (18 sts)
• Rnd 23: *1 sc, dec* around (12 sts)
• Rnd 24: dec around (6 sts). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Part 3: The Festive Santa Hat

Using Holly Red yarn.

• Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR (4 sts)
• Rnd 2: *sc, inc* (6 sts)
• Rnd 3: sc around (6 sts)
• Rnd 4: *sc, inc* (9 sts)
• Rnd 5-8: Continue increasing by 3 sts each round until you have 21 sts.
• Rnd 9: Switch to Snow White. sc around (21 sts).
• Rnd 10: *sc, inc* around (loose tension for a fluffy brim). Fasten off.

Make a tiny white pom-pom and attach it to the tip of the hat.

Part 4: The Cozy Scarf

Using Holly Red yarn, ch 45. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off. Add small fringes to the ends if desired.

🧵 Assembly & Final Touches

Now comes the moment where Barnaby truly gains his personality. Be gentle and take your time.

1. The Ears: Crochet two small semicircles in Brown (4 sc in a MR, do not join, turn). Sew them 3 rounds behind the eyes, nestled into the quills.
2. The Hat: Stuff the hat lightly. Position it tilted to the side—this asymmetry is key to the "cute" factor! Sew it firmly in place.
3. The Blush: Use a little real pink blush or embroidery thread to add pink cheeks right under the eyes.
4. The Scarf: Wrap the scarf snugly around his neck and stitch it in place so it doesn't get lost.

[Image Placeholder: A close-up photo showing how to sew the hat at a jaunty angle]

💡 Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I brush out the Loop Stitches?

A: Yes! If you use acrylic yarn, you can cut the loops and brush them with a pet slicker brush to create a "fur" effect. If using cotton, keep the loops intact for a nubby texture.

Q: How do I resize Barnaby?

A: To make a "Papa Hedgehog," use Chunky/Bulky weight yarn and a 5.0mm hook. The pattern remains exactly the same.

Q: Is this safe for babies?

A: If making for a child under 3, please replace the safety eyes with embroidered black eyes and ensure the scarf is sewn down completely securely to avoid choking hazards.

💌 A Final Word

And there he is—your very own Barnaby. I hope this little creature brings a smile to your face and warmth to your home this holiday season. May he be a reminder that the best gifts are the ones made with time and love.