Crochet the Cutest! FREE Highland Cow crochet Pattern

ByEmila Lorein

 

Unlock Your Creativity: A Comprehensive Highland Cow Crochet Pattern Free Guide!

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting your very own adorable Highland Cow! If you’ve been searching for a detailed, easy-to-follow highland cow crochet pattern free of charge, your quest ends here. These shaggy, endearing creatures are perfect for gifts, nursery decor, or simply to add a touch of rustic charm to your own home. Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of amigurumi and create a plushy that will melt hearts!

Finished Crochet Highland Cow Plushy

Prefer to follow along visually? This video offers a helpful walkthrough for parts of this highland cow crochet pattern free:

Why Choose a Highland Cow Crochet Pattern Free?

Highland cows, with their distinctive long hair, gentle demeanor, and adorable faces, have captured the hearts of many. Translating their unique charm into a crochet plushy results in an incredibly cute and one-of-a-kind handmade item. This specific highland cow crochet pattern free is designed to be accessible, allowing crafters of all skill levels to create a cuddly companion without any cost. It’s a rewarding project that yields a truly lovable finished product!

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the stitches for this delightful highland cow crochet pattern free, let’s gather our materials. Having everything ready will make your crafting experience smooth and enjoyable.

  • Crochet Hook: 5 mm hook (or a size that works best with your chosen yarn to achieve a tight fabric, preventing stuffing from showing through).
  • Yarn Needle: Essential for sewing parts together and weaving in ends.
  • Scissors: For cutting yarn.
  • Safety Eyes: 12 mm recommended for a charming look.
  • Yarn: Two colors are needed:
    • Color A (Darker): For the main body, head, and upper limbs (e.g., brown, rusty orange, dark cream).
    • Color B (Lighter): For the snout and lower parts of the arms and legs (e.g., beige, cream, light grey).

    Tip: Acrylic worsted weight yarn is a popular choice for amigurumi due to its durability, wide color range, and ease of care. Ensure your yarn weight is consistent for all colors for a cohesive look.

  • Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill is ideal for plush toys, ensuring a soft and huggable result.
  • Stitch Marker: Highly recommended, especially for working in continuous rounds, to keep accurate track of your stitches and progress. Scrap yarn can also serve this purpose.

Essential Crochet Tips for Success

  • Read Through: It’s always a good idea to read through the entire pattern before you start crocheting. This helps you understand the overall construction.
  • Consistent Tension: Maintain consistent tension throughout your project for an even fabric and uniform stitches. If your stitches are too loose, the stuffing might show through.
  • Count Your Stitches: Always count your stitches at the end of each round. This is the simplest way to catch errors early!
  • Magic Ring Alternatives: If you find the magic ring technique challenging, you can chain 2 and then work your single crochets into the first chain. This creates a small loop that can be closed.

Getting Started: The Legs (Make 2)

We begin our highland cow crochet pattern free with the creation of the legs. You’ll make two identical pieces that will later be joined.

Part 1: First Leg (Follow for both legs)

Use Color B (Lighter Yarn)

  1. Magic Ring (or Chain 2 method): Create a magic ring. If using the two-chain method, make a slip knot, then chain 2.
  2. Round 1: Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring (or into the first chain if using the two-chain method). (6 stitches)
  3. Round 2: Work 6 increases (inc) around. (12 stitches)
  4. Round 3: Single crochet (sc) in each of the 12 stitches around. (12 stitches)
    Color Change: When making the last single crochet of Round 3, work the stitch until you have two loops on your hook. Now, pick up Color A (Darker Yarn), yarn over with Color A, and pull through both loops to complete the stitch. This ensures a clean color transition. Securely tie the ends of Color A and Color B together on the inside, and trim Color B.
  5. Round 4: With Color A, single crochet (sc) in each of the 12 stitches around. (12 stitches)

For the first leg: After finishing Round 4, cut the yarn, leaving a very small tail (about 2-3 inches). Pull the yarn through the last loop to fasten off and secure.

For the second leg: After finishing Round 4, DO NOT cut the yarn. We will now connect it to the first leg to begin the body. Place a stitch marker in the last stitch of this second leg.

Connecting the Legs & Starting the Body

This section is crucial for forming the base of your highland cow’s body, bringing the two leg pieces together.

Continue with Color A from the second leg.

    1. Chain 2 from the second leg.
    2. Grab your first leg. Locate the first stitch of the last round (it should be the lowest stitch in that round). Insert your hook into this stitch from the outside and single crochet (sc).
    3. Single crochet (sc) 11 more times around the first leg (total of 12 sc around the first leg).
    4. Now, single crochet (sc) into each of the 2 chains you made earlier. Find the first chain and work into it, then the second chain. (2 sc)
    5. Return to the second leg (the one with the stitch marker). Single crochet (sc) into the stitch *next* to where your stitch marker is.
    6. Single crochet (sc) around the second leg until you reach your stitch marker (you will make 11 more sc, for a total of 12 sc on the second leg in this section).
    7. You should now have a total of 28 stitches for this round. Move your stitch marker up to the first stitch of this new round to mark the beginning of the body.
If any small gaps appear between the legs where they join, don’t worry! These can be neatly sewn up later with your yarn needle.

The Body

As you progress through this highland cow crochet pattern free, you’ll see your plushy taking shape with the main body rounds. Ensure to keep counting your stitches!

Continue with Color A.

  1. Round 5 (Connecting Round): Single crochet (sc) in each of the 28 stitches around. (28 stitches)
  2. Round 6: (Single crochet (sc) in next 6 stitches, 1 increase (inc)) repeat 4 times. (32 stitches)
  3. Rounds 7-9: Single crochet (sc) in each of the 32 stitches around for three rounds straight. (32 stitches per round)
  4. Round 10: (Single crochet (sc) in next 2 stitches, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 8 times. (24 stitches)
  5. Round 11: Single crochet (sc) in each of the 24 stitches around. (24 stitches)
  6. Round 12: (Single crochet (sc) in next 2 stitches, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)
  7. Round 13 (Final Body Round): (Single crochet (sc) in next stitch, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 6 times. (12 stitches)

After the final round, remove your stitch marker. Leave a small tail of yarn (approx. 6-8 inches) and cut. Pull the yarn through the last loop to fasten off securely.

Stuffing the Body: Begin by adding polyester fiberfill stuffing to the feet first, pushing it in firmly. Then, gradually fill the rest of the body, ensuring it’s evenly and firmly stuffed but not overstuffed, which could distort its shape. Your body should now look ready to hold the head and arms!

The Arms (Make 2)

Next up in our highland cow crochet pattern free journey are the charming arms. These are worked similarly to the legs but are smaller.

Use Color B (Lighter Yarn) to start.

  1. Magic Ring: Create a magic ring.
  2. Round 1: Work 8 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring. (8 stitches)
  3. Round 2: (Single crochet (sc) in next 3 stitches, 1 increase (inc)) repeat 2 times. (10 stitches)
    Color Change: At the end of Round 2, when making the last stitch of your final increase, complete the yarn over and pull-through with Color A (Darker Yarn). Tie the ends of Color A and Color B together securely on the inside, and trim Color B.
  4. Rounds 3-6: With Color A, single crochet (sc) in each of the 10 stitches around for four rounds straight. (10 stitches per round)
  5. Round 7 (Final Arm Round): (Single crochet (sc) in next 3 stitches, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 2 times. (8 stitches)

Leave a long tail for sewing (approx. 10-12 inches) and cut. Pull the yarn through the last loop to fasten off.

Stuffing the Arms: Add a small amount of stuffing to each arm, focusing on the bottom portion to give them shape. Avoid overstuffing the top part, as you’ll need them to lay relatively flat for easy and neat sewing to the body.

The Head

Crafting the distinct head is a highlight of this highland cow crochet pattern free. It’s where your cow’s personality truly shines and its characteristic features come to life!

Use Color A (Darker Yarn) throughout.

  1. Magic Ring: Create a magic ring.
  2. Round 1: Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring. (6 stitches)
  3. Round 2: Work 6 increases (inc) around. (12 stitches)
  4. Round 3: (Single crochet (sc) in next stitch, 1 increase (inc)) repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)
  5. Round 4: (Single crochet (sc) in next 2 stitches, 1 increase (inc)) repeat 6 times. (24 stitches)
  6. Round 5: (Single crochet (sc) in next 3 stitches, 1 increase (inc)) repeat 6 times. (30 stitches)
  7. Round 6: (Single crochet (sc) in next 4 stitches, 1 increase (inc)) repeat 6 times. (36 stitches)
  8. Rounds 7-9: Single crochet (sc) in each of the 36 stitches around for three rounds straight. (36 stitches per round)
  9. Round 10: (Single crochet (sc) in next 4 stitches, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 6 times. (30 stitches)
  10. Round 11: (Single crochet (sc) in next 3 stitches, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 6 times. (24 stitches)
  11. Round 12: (Single crochet (sc) in next 2 stitches, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 6 times. (18 stitches)

Inserting Safety Eyes: At this point, it’s crucial to add the safety eyes before the opening becomes too small.

  • Grab your 12mm safety eyes.
  • Place them between Rounds 9 and 10 (counting from the very start of the head).
  • Position them about 8 stitches apart. This specific spacing allows enough room for the distinctive snout later.
  • Once you’re completely satisfied with the placement, secure the washers firmly on the inside. Double-check before clipping, as they are very difficult to remove once attached!
  1. Round 13 (Final Head Round): (Single crochet (sc) in next stitch, 1 decrease (dec)) repeat 6 times. (12 stitches)

Leave a very long tail for sewing (about two ruler lengths, or approximately 24-30 inches) and cut. Pull the yarn through the last loop to fasten off.

Stuffing the Head: Stuff the head firmly with polyester fiberfill. Ensure it’s evenly filled to create a nice, round shape. While it might look a bit ‘funny’ on its own right now, it will beautifully come together once attached to the body.

Assembly & Finishing Touches

Now that you’ve crocheted all the individual parts, it’s time to bring your Highland Cow to life! Take your time with these final steps for a polished result.

  1. Close the Body Opening: Use the remaining tail from the body and your yarn needle to sew the top opening closed using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Pull gently to cinch it tight.
  2. Attach the Head: Position the head centered on the body, aligning the neck opening with the body opening. Use the long tail from the head and your yarn needle to securely sew the head to the body. Stitch neatly around the entire seam for a strong and invisible attachment.
  3. Attach the Arms: Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam. Ensure they are symmetrically placed. Use the tails from the arms to sew them firmly in place. You can sew them so they hang loosely or are fixed slightly forward.
  4. Add Snout & Horns (Highly Recommended!): For the true Highland Cow look, these details are key!
    • Snout: Using Color B (lighter yarn) and your yarn needle, embroider a triangular or oval snout shape on the face, centered below the eyes. You can use satin stitch or backstitch to fill it in for a solid look.
    • Hair Tuft: For the iconic shaggy hair, cut multiple strands of Color A yarn (about 3-4 inches long). Using your hook, loop these strands through stitches on top of the head, between the eyes, creating a fringe. You can then trim and gently brush the yarn to achieve the desired shaggy appearance.
    • Horns (Optional): While not explicitly in the base pattern, small, simple cone shapes can be crocheted in a cream or light brown yarn and sewn onto the sides of the head above the eyes for added authenticity.
  5. Weave in All Ends: Carefully weave in any remaining loose yarn tails into the body of your plushy. This secures your work and gives it a clean, professional finish.

Customizing Your Highland Cow

This highland cow crochet pattern free is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to make it uniquely yours! Personalization makes your handmade item even more special.

  • Colors: Experiment with different shades of brown, rusty red, or even whimsical, non-traditional colors like purple or blue for a fantasy cow.
  • Yarn Texture: Try using a brushed yarn or a yarn with a slight halo effect for an even shaggier, more authentic look for the body and hair tuft.
  • Accessories: Add a tiny flower crown, a mini scarf, a small bell collar, or even embroidered blush on the cheeks to personalize your plushy.
  • Size Variation: Adjust the size of your finished cow by using a larger or smaller crochet hook and a corresponding thicker or thinner yarn weight. Remember to keep your tension consistent for best results!

Care Instructions for Your Finished Plushy

To keep your adorable Highland Cow looking its best for years to come, proper care is essential:

  • Spot Clean: For small spills or dirt, gently spot clean with a damp cloth and a very mild soap.
  • Hand Wash: For deeper cleaning, hand wash gently in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent specifically for delicates. Rinse thoroughly by gently squeezing water through the plushy.
  • Air Dry: Squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist!), reshape the plushy while it’s damp, and then lay it flat on a clean towel or hang it to air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this can damage the yarn.
  • Avoid Machine Washing: Machine washing and drying can be too harsh for crocheted items, potentially causing them to lose shape, unravel, or become misshapen.

Congratulations, Master Crocheter!

You’ve successfully completed this detailed highland cow crochet pattern free! We hope you enjoyed every stitch of bringing this charming creature to life. Hand-crocheted items make for thoughtful gifts and cherished keepsakes.

We encourage you to share your finished highland cow crochet pattern free plushy with fellow crafters online and inspire others!

Happy Crocheting!

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