My dear creator, it is a joy to begin this journey with you. There is a specific kind of magic found in the curve of a stitched smile, and Barnaby is here to remind us that even the smallest creation can carry a heart full of sunshine.
About This Creation & Angle
Every artisan knows that the soul of a doll lives in the eyes and the mouth. For Barnaby, we are moving away from the typical flat face to a world of sculpted joy. By focusing on the contrast between the velvety smoothness of his tummy and the wild, tactile fluff of his spines, we create a sensory experience that is as delightful to touch as it is to see. This project is perfect for those looking to master the use of specialty yarns while maintaining the classic, soft proportions that define a truly lovable companion.
Project Snapshot:
📊 Difficulty: Intermediate
⏰ Est. Time: 5–7 Hours
📏 Size: 14cm
“A stitch is more than a loop of yarn; it is a promise of comfort made with your own two hands.”
Materials & Tools Needed
🧶 Yarn: 8-ply Cotton in Sandy Beige; Textured Faux Fur or Eyelash Yarn in Chocolate Brown
🪡 Hook: 2.5mm and 3.5mm (for the textured yarn)
✨ Other Materials: Polyfill stuffing, Black and Red embroidery floss, Pink blush, Yarn needle
Abbreviations & Stitches Used
➡️ ch: chain
➡️ sl st: slip stitch
➡️ sc: single crochet
➡️ inc: increase
➡️ dec: decrease
The Complete Barnaby Hedgehog Pattern
Main Body and Head (Worked as one piece)
➡️ Rnd 1: With Sandy Beige, 6 sc in magic ring.
➡️ Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12).
➡️ Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18).
➡️ Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24).
➡️ Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30).
➡️ Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36).
➡️ Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x 6 (42).
➡️ Rnd 8-12: sc in each st around (42).
➡️ Rnd 13: To begin the “neck” shaping, 15 sc, [dec, 2 sc] x 3, 15 sc (39).
➡️ Rnd 14-16: sc in each st around (39).
➡️ Rnd 17: To create the “tummy” swell, 12 sc, [inc, 3 sc] x 4, 11 sc (43).
➡️ Rnd 18-24: sc in each st around (43).
➡️ Rnd 25: To shape the lower hips, 10 sc, [dec, 4 sc] x 4, 9 sc (39).
➡️ Rnd 26: [4 sc, dec] x 6, 3 sc (33).
➡️ Rnd 27: [3 sc, dec] x 6, 3 sc (27).
➡️ Rnd 28: [2 sc, dec] x 6, 3 sc (21). Begin stuffing firmly.
➡️ Rnd 29: [sc, dec] x 7 (14).
➡️ Rnd 30: dec in each st (7).
➡️ Fasten off and weave in ends.
The Spiny Coat (Worked in Brown Textured Yarn)
➡️ Rnd 1: Using the larger hook, 6 sc in magic ring.
➡️ Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12).
➡️ Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18).
➡️ Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24).
➡️ Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30).
➡️ Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36).
➡️ Rnd 7-18: sc in each st around (36).
➡️ Rnd 19: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30).
➡️ Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing onto the back of the beige body.
The Joyful Snout
➡️ Rnd 1: With Sandy Beige, 5 sc in magic ring.
➡️ Rnd 2: inc in each st around (10).
➡️ Rnd 3-5: sc in each st around (10).
➡️ Artisan’s Note: Lightly stuff the snout before attaching it to the middle of the face to create that classic hedgehog profile.
The Gentle Ears (Make 2)
➡️ Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring.
➡️ Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x 3 (9).
➡️ Rnd 3: sc in each st around (9).
➡️ Flatten the ear and sew to the sides of the head where the beige meets the brown fur.
The Cheerful Arms (Make 2)
➡️ Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring.
➡️ Rnd 2-4: sc in each st around (6).
➡️ Rnd 5: To create a slight “elbow” bend, 2 sl st, 4 sc (6).
➡️ Rnd 6-8: sc in each st around (6).
➡️ Fasten off and sew to the sides of the body at round 15.
The Sturdy Legs (Make 2)
➡️ Rnd 1: 8 sc in magic ring.
➡️ Rnd 2-4: sc in each st around (8).
➡️ Rnd 5: To shape the “knee,” 3 sl st, 5 sc (8).
➡️ Rnd 6: sc in each st around (8).
➡️ Fasten off and sew to the bottom of the body for balance.
Assembly & Final Touches
➡️ Place the Spiny Coat over the back and top of the head, securing it with pins before sewing.
➡️ Embroider the eyes as two upward-curving arches to signify laughter.
➡️ For the mouth, create a wide “V” shape with red floss and outline the top with black to give it depth.
➡️ Apply a small amount of pink blush to the cheeks just under the eyes.
Tips & FAQs
➡️ How do I work with fur yarn? It can be hard to see stitches. I recommend feeling for the loops with your fingers rather than relying on your eyes.
➡️ Can I use safety eyes? Absolutely, though embroidered eyes often capture that “innocent” look we desire more effectively.
A Final Word
There he is! Your Barnaby is ready to share his light with the world. I hope every stitch brought a bit of peace to your day. Until we meet again in the atelier, keep your hooks busy and your hearts full.
