Crocodile Stitch Hedgehog Pincushion Free Crochet Pattern

Crocodile Stitch Hedgehog Pincushion – Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little hedgehog pincushion is the perfect project for anyone who wants to try the crocodile stitch without committing to a full blanket. It is a sweet, cottagecore-style desk companion that looks just as happy sitting on a sewing table as it does on a shelf. The cream face is soft and simple, while the brown scales give the back a wonderfully spiky, textured look that feels great under your fingers. Worked in worsted weight yarn, it comes together quickly and firmly, so it holds pins beautifully and keeps its rounded shape.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approximately 50 yards cream and 80 yards brown.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing, and a small amount of black yarn for the eyes.
• Finished size: Approximately 5 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall.

Abbreviations

• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round.
• sc – single crochet.
• dc – double crochet.
• ch – chain.
• sl st – slip stitch.
• inc – increase: work 2 single crochet into the same stitch.
• dec – decrease: work 2 single crochet together into one stitch.
• sts – stitches.
• [ ] x6 – repeat the instructions inside the brackets six times.

Gauge

16 single crochet stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches. To check, crochet a small flat swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed so the finished pincushion comes out at the right size.

Tips Before You Start

• Work the base in continuous rounds and use a stitch marker so you always know where each round begins.
• The crocodile stitch scales are worked in pairs of stitches: the shell sits in one stitch and the slip stitch anchors it in the next, so keep your counts even.
• Stuff the pincushion firmly but gradually as you decrease, so the shape stays rounded and the pins have something solid to grip.
• Keep your single crochet tension snug on the face so the stuffing does not show through.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Base (cream)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).

Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts).

Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts).

Rnds 11–12: sc in each st around (60 sts). Fasten off.

Back Scales (brown)

Rnd 13: Join brown to any st on Rnd 12. [ch 3, 4 dc in same st, ch 3, sl st in next st] repeat around (30 scales).

Rnd 14: [ch 3, 4 dc in same st, ch 3, sl st in next st] repeat around (30 scales).

Rnd 15: [ch 3, 4 dc in same st, ch 3, sl st in next st] repeat around (30 scales). Fasten off.

Face (cream)

Rnd 16: Join cream to the front center of the base. sc in each st around (60 sts).

Rnd 17: [8 sc, dec] x6 (54 sts).

Rnd 18: [7 sc, dec] x6 (48 sts).

Rnd 19: [6 sc, dec] x6 (42 sts).

Rnd 20: [5 sc, dec] x6 (36 sts).

Rnd 21: [4 sc, dec] x6 (30 sts).

Rnd 22: [3 sc, dec] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 23: [2 sc, dec] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 24: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts). Stuff firmly.

Rnd 25: dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, weave tail to close.

Ears (cream, make 2)

Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc (4 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x4 (8 sts).

Rnd 3: sc in each st around (8 sts). Fasten off, leave a long tail for sewing. Sew ears to the top of the head.

Nose (brown)

Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc (4 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x4 (8 sts).

Rnd 3: sc in each st around (8 sts). Fasten off, leave a long tail. Sew the nose to the front center.

Eyes (black)

With black yarn, embroider two small eyes above the nose.

Edging

With cream, sc around the base edge to neaten. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly and Finishing

Stuff the body firmly through the opening before closing the final round, adding small amounts at a time so the dome stays even. Sew the ears to the top of the head and the nose to the front center, using the long tails and a tapestry needle, then embroider the eyes above the nose. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Lightly steam or mist the scales and reshape them with your fingers while damp, then let the pincushion dry fully so the crocodile stitch texture stands out.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use a contrasting color for the edging to frame the base and make the hedgehog shape pop.
• Add a few extra scale rounds for a fuller, spikier back, or use a fluffy or tweed yarn for a more rustic look.
• Sew a small felt circle to the underside to hide the base and keep the pincushion from sliding on your table.