Mossy Highland Cow Amigurumi Free Pattern

Mossy Highland Cow Amigurumi Free Pattern

Create a soft, shaggy Highland cow amigurumi with a modern mossy green and cream color palette. This cuddly bull features a textured mane and gentle expression, perfect for farmhouse decor or a handmade gift. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting your amigurumi journey, this pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly while producing a stunning, professional-looking result.

The Mossy Highland Cow is a delightful project that combines simple stitches with a unique, fringed mane technique. The super bulky yarn works up quickly, making this an ideal weekend project. The finished cow stands on all fours with a rounded, cuddly shape that will look adorable on a shelf, bed, or as a special gift for a cow lover.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (size 6) in three colors:
  • Cream (main body) – approximately 150 yards
  • Moss green (mane and tail) – approximately 50 yards
  • Dark brown (horns and hooves) – approximately 30 yards
• Crochet Hook: 10 mm (N/15) hook
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Safety Eyes: 12 mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidered eyes)
• Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, scissors

Gauge: Not critical for amigurumi; aim for tight stitches to prevent stuffing showing. Approximately 4 sc = 2 inches.

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec: Decrease (sc 2 together)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• ch: Chain
• st(s): Stitch(es)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (make 1, cream)

The body is worked in continuous rounds from the bottom up. This creates a rounded, egg-like shape that forms the main torso of your cow.

Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)

Round 2: inc in each st around (12)

Round 3: (sc, inc) around (18)

Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)

Round 5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)

Rounds 6-10: sc in each st around (30) – 5 rounds even

Round 11: (3 sc, dec) around (24)

Round 12: (2 sc, dec) around (18)

Stuff the body firmly with polyester fiberfill. Make sure to push stuffing into the sides and bottom to create a plump, even shape. The body should feel firm but not overstuffed.

Round 13: (sc, dec) around (12)

Round 14: dec around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the end through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the opening. Weave in the end completely.

Head (make 1, cream)

The head is worked similarly to the body but is slightly smaller. This piece will feature the face and will be attached to the body later.

Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)

Round 2: inc in each st around (12)

Round 3: (sc, inc) around (18)

Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)

Rounds 5-8: sc in each st around (24) – 4 rounds even

Now is the time to place the safety eyes. Position them between rounds 6 and 7, approximately 6 stitches apart. To do this, insert the safety eye posts from the outside of the head through to the inside, then secure the backs firmly. Make sure the eyes are evenly spaced and level with each other.

Round 9: (2 sc, dec) around (18)

Stuff the head firmly, paying special attention to the area around the eyes so they don't sink in. The head should be well-stuffed but still maintain its shape.

Round 10: (sc, dec) around (12)

Round 11: dec around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Set the head aside.

Mane (make 1, moss green)

The mane is what gives this Highland cow its distinctive shaggy appearance. This piece is worked in rows rather than rounds, creating a flat strip that will be attached to the head and neck.

Row 1: With moss green, ch 20. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (19).

Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (19).

Row 3: ch 1, turn, (sc, ch 3, sl st in same st) in each st across – this creates a fringed effect.

Fasten off. To create the fringe effect, each stitch in Row 3 has a chain-3 loop that will form the shaggy texture. When you sew the mane onto the head, position it so the fringe points outward and upward for maximum fluffiness.

Sew the mane onto the top of the head and down the back of the neck. Start at the forehead area and work your way down the back of the head, following the curve of the head and neck. The fringe should cascade down the back of the neck for that classic Highland cow look.

Horns (make 2, dark brown)

The horns are small, simple tubes that add character to your cow. They're worked in continuous rounds.

Round 1: MR, 4 sc (4)

Round 2: sc in each st around (4) – repeat for 4 rounds total

Fasten off, leaving a tail. The horns should be small, rounded nubs. Sew them to the top of the head, just behind the mane. Position them symmetrically on either side of the head.

Ears (make 2, cream)

The ears are simple flat pieces that are folded in half before attaching.

Round 1: MR, 4 sc (4)

Round 2: sc, inc, sc, inc (6)

Round 3: sc in each st around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Fold each ear in half so the edges meet, creating a slight curve. Sew the folded ears to the sides of the head, below the horns. Position them so they stick out slightly from the head.

Legs (make 4, cream with dark brown hooves)

Each leg is worked in two parts: the hoof in dark brown and the upper leg in cream. The color change happens seamlessly within the round.

Hoof (dark brown):

Round 1: MR, 6 sc (6)

Round 2: inc in each st around (12)

Rounds 3-4: sc in each st around (12)

Switch to cream yarn. To change colors cleanly, complete the last stitch of Round 4 with the cream yarn, pulling the new color through the final loop.

Rounds 5-8: sc in each st around (12) – 4 rounds even

Stuff the legs lightly. They should be firm enough to support the cow's weight but not overstuffed. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, spacing them evenly. Position two legs at the front and two at the back, making sure they're symmetrical. The cow should stand stably on all four legs.

Tail (make 1, moss green)

The tail is a simple chain with single crochets, creating a thin, flexible piece.

Ch 10. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (9). Fasten off.

Attach the tail to the back of the body, at the opposite end from the head. Position it at the center of the back, slightly above the bottom edge. Optionally, add a small tuft of moss green yarn at the end of the tail for extra detail. To do this, cut 3-4 short strands of yarn, fold them in half, and pull the loop through the end of the tail, then pull the ends through the loop and tighten.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together:

1. Sew the head to the body: Using the long tail left on the head, sew the head securely to the top front of the body. Make sure the head is centered and tilted slightly upward for a friendly expression. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch for a secure, invisible seam.
2. Attach the mane: If not already done, sew the mane onto the top of the head and down the back of the neck. The fringe should point outward and backward for maximum shagginess.
3. Sew on the horns: Position the horns just behind the mane on either side of the head. Sew them securely with the dark brown tails.
4. Attach the ears: Sew the folded ears to the sides of the head, just below the horns. They should stick out slightly to the sides.
5. Attach the legs: Sew all four legs to the bottom of the body, spacing them evenly. Make sure the cow stands level and stable.
6. Attach the tail: Sew the tail to the back of the body, centered and slightly above the bottom edge.
7. Embroider the nostrils: Using dark brown yarn, embroider two small nostrils on the snout area. Make small vertical stitches or French knots, positioned symmetrically below the eyes.

Finishing

Your Mossy Highland Cow is complete! Take a moment to gently shape and fluff the mane. Use your fingers to separate the fringe strands and give them a soft, tousled appearance. Check all seams and make sure everything is securely attached.

This charming cow makes a wonderful addition to any farmhouse decor, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a cuddly companion for a child. The mossy green and cream color palette gives it a modern, rustic feel that fits beautifully with neutral home aesthetics.

If you enjoyed this pattern, consider experimenting with different color combinations – a classic black and white Highland cow would be equally adorable! You could also add a small bell around the neck or a flower crown for extra personality.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy your new Mossy Highland Cow friend!