This is a little hedgehog friend for anyone you would like, but the inspiration for him came specifically from learning about Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) and engaging with a community that includes RTS survivors. Within that community -- comprised mostly of people who have left a religious experience they found incompatible or harmful -- there is a tradition of “sending hedgehogs” where the religious upbringing they left might usually “pray a hedge of protection” around someone in need of support.

And honestly, it’s just so wholesome, so I made a pattern for a nice little hedgehog of protection.

The photo shows just the bobble pattern, which I think holds its shape really well, but for fuller bobbles, you may want to take a pinch of stuffing for each individual bobble.

If you use aroma-therapeutic herbs or flowers for your softy, please be sure to research any plants you wish to use and any allergies for your intended recipient.