How To Crochet A Cow
Making this cute cow crochet pattern is a lot of fun, and today I am going to show you just how to do it! This little cow is a great toy to make for fun, or as a gift for little ones in your life. It makes a great stuffed animal to play with, and it’s oh so cute.
There are a variety of ways you can choose to make this cow, by mixing up the colors of yarn used, or by the type of yarn you decide to use. No matter what goes into making the cow, it turns out super cute!
Let’s start off by looking at what basic crochet stitches you will need to know in order to make this free crochet pattern.
Crochet Techniques for Crochet Cow Patterns
Working in the Round
The first thing you will need to know is how to work in a round. To make most of the cow body parts, you will need to work in a circle to create the 3D animal.
Magic Ring
The magic ring, also known as a magic circle, is the beginning stitch used to make round projects. You can use this method, or you may prefer to use a chain two method, especially if you are using bulky yarn.
Single Crochet Stitch
The single crochet stitch is one of one of the simple stitches that you will need to know. This stitch is used to make the majority of the crochet cow, simply by adding or subtracting stitches to shape the cow.
Slip Stitch
A slip stitch is another useful basic crochet stitch. When you are working in rounds, the slip stitch can be used to join your first and last stitch made in that round. This stitch also has other uses, but this is the most common.
Invisible Decrease
When you are making a crochet amigurumi animal, you have a few different options on how to make a decrease stitch. The best way if you are able is to make an invisible decrease stitch. This way, your stitch doesn’t stand out from the rest of your stitches.
Cow Crochet Pattern
What Do You Need To Crochet A Cow?
Yarn
White Yarn
Black Yarn or Brown Yarn
Pink Yarn if desired
Yarn Used
You may choose to use a medium worsted-weight yarn for this crochet cow, which is often easier to work with. Or, I like to use velvet yarn. Just keep in mind, that if you are working with velvet yarn, it is much harder to see your stitches, and a lot easier to make mistakes.
You can find a nice worsted weight yarn or Velvet yarn at Hobby Lobby, or Bernat makes a nice velvet. The best yarn for your project is going to be up to your preference as to whether you use a worsted-weight yarn or velvet yarn.
Other Items used
4.0 mm crochet hook
Safety eyes – optional, but not recommended for babies or toddlers
Embroidery thread – to stitch on a face, you can also use this for eyes in place of safety eyes
A stitch markers
A yarn needle or tapestry needle
Please note this pattern is written using US Terminology
Crochet Abbreviations:
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
inc – increase
inv dec – invisible decrease
st/sts – stitch/stitches
Free Crochet Cow Pattern
Cow Snout (black or brown yarn)
Round 1: ch 10 sts, skip last sc in each st across, 3 sc in last st, turn, sc in each of the back loops across, 2 sc in the last st of the round. Join with sl st.
Round 2: ch 1, inc, sc in next 7 sts, inc x 3, sc in next 7 sts, inc in last 2 sts. Join with sl st.
Round 3 – 4: ch 1, sc in eash st around. Join with sl st.
Round 5: ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec, sc in remaining sts. Join with sl st.
Round 6: ch 1, (dec, sc in next 2 sts) repeat around.
Cow Head (white or tan yarn)
Round 1: ch 10 sts, skip the 1st chain from the hook, sc in next st and in each ch space across. When you reach the end, make 3 sc sts, turn, sc in the next 7 sts, make 2 sc sts in last st. Join with sl st.
Round 2: ch 1, inc, sc in next 7 sts, inc x 3, sc in next 7 sts, inc x 2 in the last st. Join with sl st.
Round 3: ch 1, inc, sc in next 7 sts, (inc, sc) x 3, sc in next 7 sts, (inc, sc) x 2. Join with sl st.
Round 4 – 8: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Round 9: ch 1, (dec, sc in next 4 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st.
Round 10: ch 1, (sc in next 3 sts, dec) repeat around. sc, join with sl st.
Round 11: ch 1, dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec x 2, sc in next 7 sts, dec. Join with sl st.
Finish off.
Cow Body (Starting at Bottom)
Round 1: make a mr, then make 7 sc sts in the mr. Pull tight, and join with sl st. (7)
Round 2: ch 1, inc x 7. Join with sl st. (14)
Round 3: ch 1, (inc, sc) x 7. Join with sl st. (21)
Round 4: ch 1, (inc, sc in next 2 sts) x 7. Join with sl st. (28)
Round 5: ch 1, (inc, sc in next 3 sts) x 7. Join with sl st. (35)
Round 6: ch 1, (inc, sc in next 4 sts) x 7. Join with sl st. (42)
Round 7 – 13: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (42)
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Legs (Make 4)
Round 1: make a mr, then make 7 sc sts in the mr. Pull tight, then join with sl st.
Round 2: ch 1, inc x 7. Join with sl st.
Round 3: ch 1, (inc, sc in next st) x 7. Join with sl st.
Round 4: ch 1, working in BLO, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Round 5 – 7: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Round 8 – 9: change to tan or white yarn. Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Small Spot
Round 1: ch 4 sts, in 2nd ch from hook, make 3 sc sts, hdc in next st, make 4 dc sts in last st, turn, hdc in next st. Join with sl st to the first sc st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Large Spots
Round 1: ch 6 sts, sl st in 2nd st from hook, 2 sc sts in next, hdc in next, dc in next, make 6 tr sts in last ch space, turn, dc, hdc, sc, sl st in last st. Join with sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Round Spot
Round 1: ch 3 sts, in the 3rd ch from hook, make 8 dc sts. Join with sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Ears (Make 2)
Round 1: make a mr, make 6 sc sts in mr. Pull tight. Join with sl st.
Round 2: ch 1, inc, sc in next 2 sts, inc, sc in next 2 sts, Join with sl st.
Round 3 – 5: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Pinch the bottom then sl st in the bottom to hold it in place. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Horns
Round 1: make a mr, in the mr make 6 sc sts. Pull tight, and join with sl st.
Round 2: ch 1, (inc, sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.
Round 3 – 4: ch 1, sc in each st. Join with sl st.
Tail
Ch 12 sts, in the 2nd ch from hook, make a sl st, ch 3 sts, sl st in the same st, ch 3 sts, sl st in the same st as before. Sl st in each st back up the tail. Leave a long tail for sewing.
Assembling and Stuffing Your Animal
To assemble your stuffed cow, start by stuffing each body part. Then sew the head and nose together. Add ears and horns. Make sure to weave in any yarn ends. Set the head aside.
Assemble the feet. Sew each foot together, so that there are no spaces between them. Then take the body and sew it tightly on top of the feet. Hide any yarn ends.
Sew the head securely to the assembled body. Make sure that your head is sewn securely to the body so that it does not fall off.
Finish up the cow, by adding the tail to the cows butt, and sew the spots in your desired locations on the cow. Make sure to hide any yarn ends.
If you want, feel free to add additional facial features of items to make it cute. One of my favorites is this flowered headband. You can also use embroidery thread to create a cute face if you want.
What is the best yarn for crochet cow patterns?
There are two main types of yarn you may choose to use for this crochet cow pattern. The first, and easiest to work with is a medium weight worsted weight yarn.
Another type of yarn you might like is velvet yarn, but I would highly recommend that you stay away from bulky yarn for a yarn weight as it is much harder to work with in this project.
Can I work this pattern in continuous rounds?
Yes, if you prefer this pattern can be worked in continuous rounds rather than joining each round as you go. Some people prefer to work in continuous rounds because it doesn’t leave that joining bump, but it can also be more difficult to get the exact shape desired.
If you choose to work in continuous rounds, rather than joining each one as the pattern instructs, be sure to use a stitch marker so you can keep track of where each round starts and ends.
Tips and Tricks for Crochet Cow Patterns
Keep your project safe for kids.
When you are making a crochet stuffed animal, they are so cute and often make great kids or baby gifts. Just remember that you will want to make sure that the crochet project is safe for the child you intend to give it to. If you are making it for a smaller child, be sure to use stitched-on facial features rather than safety eyes as they can be a choking hazard.
Choose the right pattern for your skill level.
Some crochet stuffed animals are more difficult than others. When you are selecting a pattern to make, be sure that it is appropriate for your skill level.
Take precautions to avoid frustrating mistakes.
It can be so easy to accidentally add or subtract stitches where you didn’t intend to. If you are just starting out, I would highly recommend using a nice smooth, worsted weight yarn, so that you can easily see your stitches. This will help to prevent those frustrating mistakes.
Is a crochet cow plushie a good beginner project?
Learning how to crochet a cow is a fun crochet project, however it may not be the best beginner project. If you would like some easy crochet projects to start with, be sure to check out my beginner crochet patterns. This cow pattern is more of an intermediate skill level.
Adorable Amigurumi Cow
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my free amigurumi cow pattern. It is my hope that you have enjoyed this pattern, and now you can begin making your on crochet cows using this pattern!
More Free Crochet Patterns
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How To Crochet A Cow
Materials
- White Yarn
- Black Yarn or Brown Yarn
- 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Safety eyes (optional)
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Embroydery thread
Instructions
Cow Nose (black or brown yarn)
- Round 1: ch 10 sts, skip last sc in each st across, 3 sc in last st, turn, sc in each of the back loops across, 2 sc in the last st of the round. Join with sl st.
- Round 2: ch 1, inc, sc in next 7 sts, inc x 3, sc in next 7 sts, inc in last 2 sts. Join with sl st.
- Round 3 - 4: ch 1, sc in eash st around. Join with sl st.
- Round 5: ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec, sc in remaining sts. Join with sl st.
- Round 6: ch 1, (dec, sc in next 2 sts) repeat around.
Cow Head (white or tan yarn)
- Round 1: ch 10 sts, skip the 1st chain from the hook, sc in next st and in each ch space across. When you reach the end, make 3 sc sts, turn, sc in the next 7 sts, make 2 sc sts in last st. Join with sl st.
- Round 2: ch 1, inc, sc in next 7 sts, inc x 3, sc in next 7 sts, inc x 2 in the last st. Join with sl st.
- Round 3: ch 1, inc, sc in next 7 sts, (inc, sc) x 3, sc in next 7 sts, (inc, sc) x 2. Join with sl st.
- Round 4 - 8: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
- Round 9: ch 1, (dec, sc in next 4 sts) repeat around. Join with sl st.
- Round 10: ch 1, (sc in next 3 sts, dec) repeat around. sc, join with sl st.
- Round 11: ch 1, dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec x 2, sc in next 7 sts, dec. Join with sl st.
Finish off.
Cow Body (white or tan yarn)
- Round 1: make a mr, then make 7 sc sts in the mr. Pull tight, and join with sl st. (7)
- Round 2: ch 1, inc x 7. Join with sl st. (14)
- Round 3: ch 1, (inc, sc) x 7. Join with sl st. (21)
- Round 4: ch 1, (inc, sc in next 2 sts) x 7. Join with sl st. (28)
- Round 5: ch 1, (inc, sc in next 3 sts) x 7. Join with sl st. (35)
- Round 6: ch 1, (inc, sc in next 4 sts) x 7. Join with sl st. (42)
- Round 7 - 13: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (42)
Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Cows Feet (start with black or brown yarn) Make 4
- Round 1: make a mr, then make 7 sc sts in the mr. Pull tight, then join with sl st.
- Round 2: ch 1, inc x 7. Join with sl st.
- Round 3: ch 1, (inc, sc in next st) x 7. Join with sl st.
- Round 4: ch 1, working in BLO, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
- Round 5 - 7: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
- Round 8 - 9: change to tan or white yarn. Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Spot 1 (using black or brown)
- Round 1: ch 4 sts, in 2nd ch from hook, make 3 sc sts, hdc in next st, make 4 dc sts in last st, turn, hdc in next st. Join with sl st to the first sc st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Spot 2 (using black or brown)
- Round 1: ch 3 sts, in the 3rd ch from hook, make 8 dc sts. Join with sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Spot 3 (using black or brown)
- Round 1: ch 6 sts, sl st in 2nd st from hook, 2 sc sts in next, hdc in next, dc in next, make 6 tr sts in last ch space, turn, dc, hdc, sc, sl st in last st. Join with sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Ears (use black or brown yarn) Make 2
- Round 1: make a mr, make 6 sc sts in mr. Pull tight. Join with sl st.
- Round 2: ch 1, inc, sc in next 2 sts, inc, sc in next 2 sts, Join with sl st.
- Round 3 - 5: ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. Pinch the bottom then sl st in the bottom to hold it in place. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Horns
- Round 1: make a mr, in the mr make 6 sc sts. Pull tight, and join with sl st.
- Round 2: ch 1, (inc, sc) repeat around. Join with sl st.
- Round 3 – 4: ch 1, sc in each st. Join with sl st.
Tail (use black or brown yarn)
- Ch 12 sts, in the 2nd ch from hook, make a sl st, ch 3 sts, sl st in the same st, ch 3 sts, sl st in the same st as before. Sl st in each st back up the tail. Leave a long tail for sewing.
Assembling and Stuffing Your Animal
To assemble your stuffed cow, start by stuffing each body part. Then sew the head and nose together. Add ears and horns. Make sure to weave in any yarn ends. Set the head aside.
Assemble the feet. Sew each foot together, so that there are no spaces between them. Then take the body and sew it tightly on top of the feet. Hide any yarn ends.
Sew the head securely to the assembled body. Make sure that your head is sewn securely to the body so that it does not fall off.
Finish up the cow, by adding the tail to the cows butt, and sew the spots in your desired locations on the cow. Make sure to hide any yarn ends.
If you want, feel free to add additional facial features of items to make it cute. One of my favorites is this flowered headband. You can also use embroidery thread to create a cute face if you want. Have fun and enjoy making the cow unique to you!
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