Meet Chloe the Cow…this cute Amigurumi cow is the perfect gift for all children who love farm animals! Chloe is very loving and gentle and likes to be cuddled and scratched behind her ears. She looks rather beautiful with her sweet little horns and black ear. So give this free crochet cow pattern a go and make an udderly amazing toy for your loved ones. 🙂

Free Crochet Cow Pattern – Notes

Skill level: intermediate crochet skills and knowledge

Finished size when seated: 23cm / 9 inches with a 3mm; C/2 hook

Finished size from ears to toes: 31cm / 12 inches with a 3mm; C/2 hook

Free Crochet Cow Pattern – Materials and Equipment

Yarn I used:

– Fine Sport #2 = 4 ply

– 55% cotton and 45% acrylic

– 2x ball of white yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 62 – (50g/160m)

– 1x ball of grey yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 46 – (50g/160m)

– 1x ball of pink yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 36 – (50g/160m)

– 1x ball of black yarn – YarnArt Jeans – colour 53 – (50g/160m)

I like to purchase my YarnArt Jeans from Amazon HERE or from Etsy HERE. If you would like to check some great substitutes for YarnArt Jeans then have a read of my Best Yarn for Making Amigurumi tutorial. You can find the substitutes towards the end of the article.

Or just simply use any 100% cotton that will work just as well. You can also use 100% acrylic if you prefer to work with this type of yarn.

Other materials used: black felt for spots / black thread for stitching spots / a piece of black yarn for nostrils embroidery / polyester fibre fill

Crochet hook: I used 3mm = C/2, if using different weight of yarn then refer to hook size recommendations on the yarn but go one size smaller. I highly recommend this ergonomic crochet hook set from Amazon as it comes in a stylish case and with other accessories such as stitch markers etc.

Other equipment used: scissors, yarn needle, pins with large heads, stitch marker or thin yarn to use instead, 12mm safety eyes, 4x pink buttons for udder teats

Choking hazard warning: the use of safety eyes or buttons poses a choking risk for children under the age of 3 therefore I recommend using embroidery instead

Free Crochet Cow Pattern – Abbreviations Used

This pattern is written using US crochet terminology

MR: magic ring – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet a magic ring for Amigurumi

ST: stitch

SC: single crochet stitch

HDC: half double crochet stitch

DC: double crochet stitch

CH: chain stitch

SL: slip stitch

INC: increase = two single crochet stitches in the same stitch

L INC: large increase = three single crochet stitches in the same stitch

INV DEC: invisible decrease = insert the hook into the front loop of the first stitch (two loops on hook) and immediately insert it again into the front loop of the next stitch (three loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the first two loops on the hook (two loops on the hook). Yarn over and draw through the two loops on the hook to finish your invisible decrease. Watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease for Amigurumi

BLO: back loops only

FO: fasten off

(…..) x 6: repeat the pattern inside the brackets by the given number (in this example, repeat the pattern in the brackets 6 times)

{…}: number shown inside these brackets equals the number of total stitches at the end of each round

Free Crochet Cow Pattern – Let’s Get Started!

You may find these Amigurumi tutorials handy before you get started with this free crochet cow pattern. And don’t forget to watch my step by step video tutorials for extra help with my patterns.

To view the free online pattern, please continue to scroll down. You can also download the ad-free and printable version of this pattern for a small fee here. Your generous contribution will help towards the cost of materials and running this website so I can continue to publish my free online patterns for everyone to enjoy.

Join our Cuddly Stitches Community Facebook group to share your creations, chat to fellow Amigurumi makers or to exchange tips and tricks. You can also share feedback and ask for support when working with my patterns.

Take advantage of this AMAZING OFFER! Open an Etsy shop using this link and list your first 40 items FREE!

How to Crochet the Horns

Crochet from the point to the base.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet a magic ring for Amigurumi

R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}

R3: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 3 {12}

R4-R5 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {12}

R6: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3 {15}

R7: SC in each ST around {15}

R8: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 3 {18}

R9: SC in each ST around and FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing {18}

How to Crochet the Ears

Crochet the inside and outside of the ear as two separate parts; you will then crochet these two parts together. One ear will be white and the other black.

For both the inside and outside of the ear:

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}

R7 (inside of the ear only): (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 and FO {42}

R7 (outside of the ear only): (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}

R8 (outside of the ear only): SC in each ST around and DO NOT FO {42}

To join the two parts of the ear together:

Place the inside and outside part on the top of each other making sure that the wrong side of each part is on the inside

R1: You will need to crochet the two parts together (Pic E1, E2, E3, E4):

– leave your hook in the last ST of R8 from the above pattern

– slip your hook through the first ST of the outside part

– and then slip your hook through the first ST of the inside part

– so you now have two STs on the hook, SC these 2 STs together

– SC the corresponding STs of each part together all the way round {42}

To shape the ears, fold the ear in half and then stitch or crochet one side together and leave the other side open (Pic E5, E6)

How to Crochet the Head

Starting from the front of the head to the back.

R1: Chain 6 ST {6} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet Amigurumi around a foundation chain to help you out with R1 to R4

R2: SC in 5 ST starting from 2nd CH from the hook; go through back bump of each CH as well, now work on the opposite side of the chain, INC in next ST, SC in next 3 ST, INC in last ST {12}

R3: INC in first ST, SC in next 3 ST, INC in next 3 ST, SC in next 3 ST, INC in last 2 ST {18}

R4: (SC in next ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next ST, INC) x 2 {24}

R5: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 2 {30}

R6: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 2 {36}

R7: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 2 {42}

R8: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 2 {48}

R9: (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 1, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 3, SC in next 3 ST, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 2 {54}

R10-R15 (6 rounds): SC in each ST around {54} – change colour to white yarn after ST38 in R11

R16: SC in next 3 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 4, SC in next 28 ST, INC, SC in next ST {60} – leave your marker in at the beginning of R16 as you will need to refer to it when placing eyes

R17: SC in next 4 ST, INC, (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 4, SC in next 29 ST, INC, SC in next ST {66}

R18-R24 (7 rounds): SC in each ST around {66}

R25: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {60} – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease for Amigurumi

R26: (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {54}

You can now place the eyes:

– stuff the head well first

– place eyes between rounds R16 and R17

– first eye – count 5 stitches from your marker at the start of R16 and place the eye between ST5 and ST6

– second eye – count 21 stitches from your marker at the start of R16 and place the eye between ST21 and ST22

– if you didn’t leave your marker in R16, then place the first eye just after the 1st INC in R16 and the second eye just after the 4th INC in R16 – you should have 16 STs in between the eyes

– it helps to use pins with large heads to first mark the spots where the eyes will be placed – you can make a decision whether you are happy with the placement and if it looks symmetrical before you insert the safety eyes; the safety eyes usually make a large hole in between the stitches so it is not recommended to change the placement of the eyes once they are in (Pic H9)

– you can now insert the safety eyes but do not put the safety backs on yet (Pic H10)

Sculpting the eyes (indented eye look):

– watch this step by step video tutorial on How to indent eyes in Amigurumi (eye sculpting)

– take a long piece of yarn and thread your needle

– remove the left eye; place the needle in a hole next to the left eye hole (Pic H11)

– remove the right eye; come across the side with the needle and place it into a hole next to the right eye hole; pull all the way through till the yarn tail is not showing

– place your needle in a second hole next to the right eye and come across the side with the needle again (Pic H13)

– repeat the process back and forth between the two eye holes while pulling on the yarn tightly each time you come across the side

– you will need to repeat this about three times until you achieve the indented eye look you want and then you can weave the yarn in (Pic H15)

– place the eyes back in the holes – if you want to use a black spot on one side of the head then cut out a little hole in the middle of the spot and pull the eye through it before placing the eye back in the eye hole (Pic H16)

– remove some or most of the stuffing and place the safety backs on making sure they snap in place tightly

– you can now re-stuff the head and stitch the black spot firmly in place

– continue crocheting R27

R27: SC in each ST around {54}

R28: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {48}

R29: SC in each ST around {48}

R30: (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {42}

R31: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {36}

R32: (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {30}

R33: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {24}

R34: (SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {18}

R35: (SC in next ST, INV DEC) x 6 {12}

R36: SC in each ST around {12}

FO closing the hole using a yarn needle – watch this step by step video tutorial on How to close a hole in an Amigurumi piece

How to Crochet the Body

Starting from the bottom of the body to the top.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 6 {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 6 {36}

R7: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}

R8: (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 6 {48}

R9: SC in each ST around {48}

R10: (SC in next 7 ST, INC) x 6 {54}

R11: (SC in next 8 ST, INC) x 6 {60}

R12: SC in each ST around {60}

R13: (SC in next 9 ST, INC) x 6 {66}

R14: SC in each ST around {66}

R15: (SC in next 10 ST, INC) x 6 {72}

R16-20 (5 rounds): SC in each ST around {72}

R21: (SC in next 10 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {66}

R22-23 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {66}

R24: (SC in next 9 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {60}

R25-26 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {60}

R27: (SC in next 8 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {54}

R28-29: (2 rounds):  SC in each ST around {54}

You can now start stuffing the body

R30: (SC in next 7 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {48}

R31-32: (2 rounds):  SC in each ST around {48}

R33: (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {42}

R34-35: (2 rounds):  SC in each ST around {42}

R36: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {36}

R37: SC in each ST around {36}

R38: (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {30}

R39: SC in each ST around and FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing {30}

How to Crochet the Udder

Crochet a circle.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: SC in next 2 ST, INC, (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 ST {36}

R7: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}

R8: SC in next 3 ST, INC, (SC in next 6 ST, INC) x 5, SC in next 3 ST and FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing {48}

Use the 4 pink buttons to create the udder teats. First sew the buttons onto the udder before sewing the udder to the body. You can also embroider the teats if you don’t want to use the buttons.

How to Crochet the Arms

Start from the bottom of the arm upwards.

R1: Magic ring – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 6 {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 6 {36}

R7-R9 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around – crochet R7 into back loop of each ST {36}

R10: (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {30}

R11-R13 (3 rounds): SC in each ST around {30} – change your yarn to white after R12

R14: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {24}

R15-R16 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {24}

You can now start stuffing the arm

R17: (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {21}

R18-R19 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {21}

R20: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {18}

R21-R24 (4 rounds): SC in each ST around {18}

R25: INV DEC, SC in next 16 ST {17}

R26-R27 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {17}

You can now stop stuffing the arm

R28: INV DEC, SC in next 15 ST {16}

R29-R30 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {16}

R31: INV DEC, SC in next 14 ST {15}

R32: SC in each ST around {15}

R33: INV DEC, SC in next 13 ST {14}

R34: SC in each ST around {14}

R35: Right arm – SC in next 2 ST and then SC the opening together to close the arm, FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing

R35: Left arm – SC in next 5 ST and then SC the opening together to close the arm, FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing

How to Crochet the Legs

Start from the bottom of the leg upwards.

R1: Magic ring – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: INC in each ST around {12}

R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R4: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 6 {24}

R5: (SC in next 3 ST, INC) x 6 {30}

R6: (SC in next 4 ST, INC) x 6 {36}

R7: (SC in next 5 ST, INC) x 6 {42}

R8-R9 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around – crochet R8 into back loop of each ST {42}

R10: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {36}

R11: SC in each ST around {36}

R12: (SC in next 4 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {30}

You can now start stuffing the leg

R13-R14 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {30}

Change your yarn to white after R13

R15: SC in each ST around {30}

R16: (SC in next 3 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {24}

R17-R18 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {24}

R19: (SC in next 6 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {21}

R20-R21 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {21}

R22: (SC in next 5 ST, INV DEC) x 3 {18}

R23-R24 (2 rounds): SC in each ST around {18}

You can now stop stuffing the leg

R25: INV DEC, SC in next 16 ST {17}

R26: SC in each ST around {17}

R27: INV DEC, SC in next 15 ST {16}

R28: SC in each ST around {16}

R29: SC the opening together to close the leg and FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing

How to Crochet the Tail

Starting from the end of the tail.

R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6}

R2: (SC in next ST, INC) x 3 {9}

R3: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 3 {12}

R4: SC in each ST around {12}

R5: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}

R6: SC in each ST around {18}

R7: (SC in next 2 ST, INC) x 6 {24}

R8-R11 (4 rounds): SC in each ST around {24}

You can now start stuffing the tail

R12: (SC in next 2 ST, INV DEC) x 6 {18}

R13: SC in each ST around {18}

R14: (SC in next ST, INV DEC) x 6 {12}

Change your yarn to white

R15-R28 (14 rounds): SC in each ST around {12} and FO leaving a long piece of yarn for sewing

How to Attach the Black Spots

There is no right or wrong way how to create the black spots.

Step 1: Decide how many spots you would like to use and where to place them on the body

Step 2: Cut the spots out of the black felt – it is up to your preference and imagination as to what shapes you would like to cut and what size

Step 3: Decide how you would like to attach the spots

– I have chosen a neat black stitch using a black thread (Pic S1)

– but you can also use a more rustic option using a grey thread (Pic S2)

– or you can use a fabric glue and simply glue the spots into place

Free Crochet Cow Pattern – Assembly

Head and ears: Pin the ears to the head first and then sew the ears to the head. I placed the ears between R19 and R24.

Head and horns: Pin the horns to the head first and then sew the horns to the head, adding more stuffing if needed. I placed the horns between R21 and R27.

Head and body: Pin the body to the head first making sure that the head is in the centre from the front and back. Sew the body to the head, adding more stuffing if needed.

Arms: Pin the arms to the body in a forward facing angle (at about 45°). Sew the arms to the body and don’t add anymore stuffing. I placed the arms between R31 and R37 of the body.

Legs: Turn the body upside down with the nose facing away from you. Pin the legs to the body as shown in the photo below. Sew the legs to the body and don’t add anymore stuffing. I placed the legs between R3 and R9 of the body.

Tail: Pin the tail to the body first making sure that it is placed in the centre of the lower back. Sew the tail to the body, adding more stuffing if needed. I placed the tail between R11 and R15.

Nostrils embroidery: You can embroider nostrils using the same black yarn you used for crocheting the black ear. I placed the nostrils between R3 and R7.

Free Crochet Cow Pattern – Your Finished Crochet Toy:

You have now finished your crochet toy! I hope you found my free crochet cow pattern easy to follow and enjoyed making the cow!

I would very much welcome your feedback so please do leave a comment in the comment box at the bottom of this page. And don’t forget that I love to see your finished toys so please share your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #cuddlystitchescraft

Visit my free Amigurumi patterns for more crochet toys you will love!

More Free Amigurumi patterns for you to enjoy:

Free Crochet Sheep Pattern
Free Crochet Elephant Pattern
Free Crochet Guinea Pig Pattern