This Easy Crochet Cow Pattern makes a chubby little amigurumi cow with a round white head, a big pink muzzle with two nostrils, small floppy ears, tiny cream horns, black patches, short legs, and a tufted tail. The face is the star: wide-set eyes, rosy cheeks, and a soft smile. It uses only basic stitches, so it is a lovely project for beginners. Give it as a gift, set it on a nursery shelf, or make a whole herd with different patches.
Pattern Information
Skill level: Beginner, with basic shaping, embroidery, and sewing.
Terms: US crochet terminology.
Construction: The head and body are worked separately in continuous rounds. The muzzle, ears, horns, legs, tail, and patches are worked separately and sewn on. The face is embroidered.
Estimated size: About 15 cm (6 in) tall when sitting, using DK-weight cotton. Actual dimensions depend on yarn, tension, and stuffing.
Pattern note: This is an original design based on the title concept. Stitch counts have been checked, but the pattern has not been physically crocheted or independently tested. Adjust the shaping and feature placement to suit your yarn.
Materials
- DK-weight cotton yarn in white, approximately 40 g, for the head, body, and legs.
- Black yarn, approximately 10 g, for the patches, ears, and tail tuft.
- Pink yarn, approximately 6 g, for the muzzle.
- Cream yarn, approximately 2 g, for the horns.
- Darker pink thread for the nostrils and cheeks, and black thread for the mouth and optional embroidered eyes.
- A 2.5 mm hook as a starting point (use a hook small enough to keep the fabric dense).
- Two 8 mm black safety eyes, or black thread for embroidered eyes.
- Fiberfill, stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and removable pins.
Use embroidered eyes if the cow is for a baby or young child.
Stitches and Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MR | magic ring |
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| inc | 2 sc in one stitch |
| dec | invisible single crochet decrease over the next 2 stitches |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Work in a spiral without joining or turning unless directed otherwise. Numbers in brackets give the completed stitch count. Repeat parentheses the stated number of times. Move the marker at the start of every round.
Before You Begin
Crochet tightly so the stuffing does not show through the stitches. Stuff firmly but evenly, adding small pieces rather than large clumps. Count your stitches at the end of every round.
Pin the eyes and muzzle before you commit. Eyes set low and wide apart, with a big muzzle below them, give the cow its sweet, calf-like look.
Head (white)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Round 7: (5 sc, inc) × 6. [42]
Rounds 8–14: Sc in every stitch. [42 per round; 7 rounds]
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 10 and 11, with about 10 stitches between them. Fit the backs securely. Pin the muzzle at the center front on Rounds 11–14, between and just below the eyes.
Round 15: (5 sc, dec) × 6. [36]
Round 16: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 17: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Stuff the head firmly now, and keep adding small amounts as the opening narrows.
Round 18: (2 sc, dec) × 6. [18]
Round 19: (Sc, dec) × 6. [12]
Round 20: Dec × 6. [6]
Fasten off, thread the tail through the remaining front loops, draw closed, and hide the end.
Body (white)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Round 4: (2 sc, inc) × 6. [24]
Round 5: (3 sc, inc) × 6. [30]
Round 6: (4 sc, inc) × 6. [36]
Rounds 7–13: Sc in every stitch. [36 per round; 7 rounds]
Round 14: (4 sc, dec) × 6. [30]
Round 15: (3 sc, dec) × 6. [24]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff firmly, flatten the bottom slightly so the cow sits upright, and leave the opening for sewing to the head.
Muzzle (pink)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Round 3: (Sc, inc) × 6. [18]
Rounds 4–5: Sc around. [18 per round; 2 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly and sew to the pinned position. With darker pink thread, embroider two small upright oval nostrils, about 3 stitches apart. With black thread, embroider a short curved smile below them.
Ears (make 2, black)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc, inc) × 3. [9]
Rounds 3–4: Sc around. [9 per round; 2 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Do not stuff. Flatten and pinch the base, then sew to the sides of the head at about Rounds 5–7, angled outward and slightly down so they look floppy.
Horns (make 2, cream)
Round 1: 4 sc in MR. [4]
Rounds 2–3: Sc around. [4 per round; 2 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff with a tiny wisp and sew to the top of the head, about 8 stitches apart, angled slightly outward.
Legs (make 4, white)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each stitch. [12]
Rounds 3–6: Sc around. [12 per round; 4 rounds]
Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff lightly, leaving the top unfilled. For hooves, embroider two short black stitches at the bottom of each leg. Sew to the lower body, front legs close together and back legs toward the rear, all at the same height.
Tail (white with black tuft)
Leave a long tail, then ch 10. Sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off. Cut four 4 cm (1.5 in) strands of black yarn, fold in half, and knot them through the end. Trim and fluff. Sew to the center back near the bottom.
Patches (black)
Large patch (make 1): 6 sc in MR. [6] Inc in each stitch. [12] (Sc, inc) × 6. [18] Sl st and fasten off with a long tail.
Small patch (make 2): 6 sc in MR. [6] Inc in each stitch. [12] Sl st and fasten off with a long tail.
Flatten each patch. Sew the large patch to one side of the body, and the small patches to the other side of the body and around one eye on the head. Pin first, and check from the front and sides.
Face and Finishing
- Cheeks: With darker pink thread, add a small patch of 2 or 3 horizontal stitches below and outside each eye.
- Head to body: Pin the head over the body opening, with the closure underneath, and sew all around with small, strong stitches. Check that the head sits straight.
- Hide every tail and give each ear, horn, leg, and the tail a gentle tug to check it holds.
Practical Tips and Troubleshooting
The muzzle looks flat. Add a little more stuffing before sewing it on, and stitch it firmly around the edge.
The patches look too neat. Mix sizes and place them at slightly different angles for a more natural look.
The cow will not sit up. Flatten the bottom of the body, and sew all four legs on at the same height.
The ears stick up. Sew them lower on the head and angle them downward.
The eyes look uneven. Pin the eyes before inserting them, and check the face from the front and from above before fastening the backs.
FAQ
Can I make it bigger? Yes. Use chunky yarn and a 4 mm hook for a cow about one and a half times larger.
Can I embroider the eyes? Yes. Make two small black satin-stitch ovals between Rounds 10 and 11, with 10 stitches between them, and add a tiny white highlight stitch.
Can I make a highland cow? Yes. Use russet yarn, add long fringe for a fringe and a shaggy forelock, and make the horns longer.
Can I make it in other colors? Absolutely. Try brown and cream patches, or pastel pink and white for a nursery set.
More Free Crochet Patterns
- Tiny Crochet Pig Pattern
- Crochet Sheep Pattern
- Easy Crochet Elephant Pattern for Your First Plushie
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