Crochet Highland Cow Pattern: A Shaggy Fringe, Horns and All

The pattern

Head (ginger)

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) 6 times. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) 6 times. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) 6 times. (30)
6. Rnds 6–11: Sc around. (30)
7. Eyes: Insert between Rnds 8 and 9, 8 stitches apart.
8. Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec) 6 times. (24)
9. Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) 6 times. Stuff. (18)
10. Rnd 14: (Sc, dec) 6 times. (12)
11. Rnd 15: Dec 6 times and close. (6)

Snout (cream) — an oval

1. Rnd 1: Ch 6. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 3 ch, 3 sc in the last ch. Working along the other side of the chain: sc in the next 3 ch, 2 sc in the last ch. (12)
2. Rnd 2: Inc, sc 3, inc 3 times, sc 3, inc twice. (18)
3. Rnds 3–4: Sc around. Fasten off with a tail. (18)
4. Finish: Embroider two dark brown nostrils, stuff lightly and sew below the eyes.

Horns (make 2, cream) and ears (make 2, ginger)

1. Horn Rnd 1: 4 sc in a magic ring. (4)
2. Horn Rnd 2: (Sc, inc) twice. (6)
3. Horn Rnds 3–6: Sc around. Stuff lightly, bend into a curve and sew to the top sides of the head. (6)
4. Ear Rnd 1: 4 sc in a magic ring. (4)
5. Ear Rnd 2: (Sc, inc) twice. (6)
6. Ear Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) twice. (8)
7. Ear Rnd 4: Sc around. Flatten and sew just below each horn, sticking out sideways. (8)

Body (ginger) and legs

1. Body Rnds 1–4: As the head, Rnds 1–4. (24)
2. Body Rnds 5–9: Sc around. (24)
3. Body Rnd 10: (2 sc, dec) 6 times. (18)
4. Body Rnd 11: Sc around. Stuff and sew to the head. (18)
5. Legs (make 4): In dark brown, 6 sc in a magic ring, sc in back loops around (6); change to ginger and sc around for 3 rounds. Stuff and sew to the base.

The shaggy fringe

1. Step 1: Cut about 30 strands of ginger yarn, 3 in long.
2. Step 2: Knot them (fold, pull through a stitch, pull the ends through the loop) across the top of the head between the horns, covering Rnds 2–7 at the front.
3. Step 3: Brush the strands with a slicker brush until fluffy, then trim to fall just over the eyes.

Common questions

What yarn makes the best fluffy fringe?

Acrylic or wool blends brush out beautifully. Cotton doesn't brush well. For a fluffy cow all over, use a brushed or bouclé yarn — but count carefully.

Can I make a mini highland cow keychain?

Make only the head, snout, horns, ears and fringe, and add a split ring at the top.

Are highland cows good to sell?

They're one of the most popular trending amigurumi — see crochet projects to sell for pricing.

Moo! Show us your highland cow. 🐮