The Hushabye Hedgehog Mitts: A Free Knitting Pattern for Textured, Heirloom-Quality Baby Scratch Mitts

Introduction: The Hushabye Hedgehog Mitts

Keep tiny hands safe from scratches with these adorable, textured hedgehog mitts. The clever design uses a cozy seed stitch body and a charming crocheted spike border for a unique, handmade look. These heirloom-quality baby scratch mitts are the perfect project for a beginner knitter looking to create something special for a new arrival. The combination of simple knitting techniques and a touch of crochet makes this pattern both accessible and rewarding.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or superwash wool, approx 50g (1.75 oz). Sample uses Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in 'Linen'.
• Contrast Color (CC): Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or superwash wool, approx 10g (0.35 oz). Sample uses Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in 'Taupe'.

Needles & Hooks

• Knitting Needles: US Size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needle for magic loop.
• Crochet Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the spike border.

Other Supplies

• Stitch markers (optional)
• Stitch holder or waste yarn
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge

22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in seed stitch, blocked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Size

0-6 months (approx 3.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide).

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together
• P2tog: Purl two together
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• MC: Main color
• CC: Contrast color
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• M1L: Make one left (increase)
• M1R: Make one right (increase)

Mitt (Make 2)

Step 1: Cast On and Join

With MC and DPNs, CO 24 sts. Distribute evenly over 3 needles (8 sts each). Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Step 2: Ribbing

Round 1: (K1, P1) around.

Repeat Round 1 for 6 rounds total.

Step 3: Body (Seed Stitch)

Round 1: (K1, P1) around.

Round 2: (P1, K1) around.

Repeat Rounds 1-2 until piece measures 2.5 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a Round 2.

Step 4: Thumb Gusset (Left Mitt)

Round 1: K1, M1L (make one left), K1, M1R (make one right), K1, (K1, P1) to end. (26 sts)

Round 2: (P1, K1) around.

Round 3: K1, M1L, K3, M1R, K1, (K1, P1) to end. (28 sts)

Round 4: (P1, K1) around.

Round 5: K1, M1L, K5, M1R, K1, (K1, P1) to end. (30 sts)

Round 6: (P1, K1) around.

Round 7: K1, M1L, K7, M1R, K1, (K1, P1) to end. (32 sts)

Round 8: (P1, K1) around.

Round 9: K1, M1L, K9, M1R, K1, (K1, P1) to end. (34 sts)

Round 10: (P1, K1) around.

Step 5: Thumb Gusset (Right Mitt)

Work same as left mitt, but place thumb gusset after 12 sts of seed stitch: (K1, P1) 6 times (12 sts), then K1, M1L, K1, M1R, K1, then (K1, P1) to end. Increase as for left mitt.

Step 6: Separate Thumb

Next Round: Work in pattern across first 12 sts (for left mitt) or last 12 sts (for right mitt), place next 11 sts on a stitch holder or waste yarn for thumb, CO 1 st using backward loop method, work in pattern to end. (24 sts)

Step 7: Hand

Continue in seed stitch (Rounds 1-2) for 1 inch from thumb separation, or until mitt reaches desired length (about 1 inch from tip of baby's longest finger).

Step 8: Shape Top

Round 1: (K2tog, P2tog) around. (12 sts)

Round 2: (K2tog) around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

Step 9: Thumb

Transfer 11 thumb sts to DPNs. Pick up and knit 1 st from the CO st at the base. (12 sts)

Work in seed stitch (K1, P1) around for 4 rounds.

Next Round: (K2tog) around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

Crocheted Spike Border (Hedgehog Spines)

Step 1: Base Round

With CC and crochet hook, join yarn at the cast-on edge of the mitt. Work a round of single crochet (sc) evenly around the edge, working 2 sc in each stitch. Join with slip stitch to first sc.

Step 2: Spike Round

Spike Round: *Ch 3, slip stitch in 2nd ch from hook, slip stitch in next ch, skip 1 sc, slip stitch in next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with slip stitch to first spike. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired. Repeat for second mitt.

Your Hushabye Hedgehog Mitts are now complete! These adorable, textured mitts will keep tiny hands safe and warm while adding a touch of handmade charm to any baby's wardrobe.