purlJam

# Crochet Cow Pattern

A beginner-friendly amigurumi cow made with simple shapes and basic stitches. Perfect for your first animal project!

## Finished Size
Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) tall in sitting position

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn
  - Main Color (MC): White or cream, approximately 50-60 yards
  - Contrast Color (CC): Black or brown for spots, approximately 15-20 yards
  - Pink: Small amount for inner ears and snout (optional)
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed for tight fabric
- **Other Supplies**:
  - Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
  - Yarn needle for sewing
  - Stitch marker
  - Two 9mm black safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidered eyes)
  - Scissors

## Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec: invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yo, pull through both, yo, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- [ ]: total stitch count

## Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this toy, but aim for tight, even stitches with no gaps (stuffing should not show through). Approximately 5-6 sc = 1 inch with worsted weight and 3.5mm hook.

## Notes
- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted; use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Do not join or turn at end of rounds unless instructed
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, but avoid overstuffing which can distort shape
- Use invisible decrease for smooth finish

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## PATTERN

### HEAD (make 1 in MC)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 inc = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: (sc, inc) × 6 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: (2 sc, inc) × 6 = 24 ✓*

Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Math check: (3 sc, inc) × 6 = 30 ✓*

Rnds 6-10: sc around [30]
*5 rounds of even stitches*

Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Math check: (3 sc, dec) × 6 = 24 ✓*

**Insert safety eyes between rounds 8-9, approximately 6-7 stitches apart**

Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: (2 sc, dec) × 6 = 18 ✓*

**Stuff head firmly**

Rnd 13: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: (sc, dec) × 6 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 14: dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 dec = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

### BODY (make 1 in MC)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 inc = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: (sc, inc) × 6 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: (2 sc, inc) × 6 = 24 ✓*

Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Math check: (3 sc, inc) × 6 = 30 ✓*

Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around [36]
*Math check: (4 sc, inc) × 6 = 36 ✓*

Rnds 7-13: sc around [36]
*7 rounds of even stitches*

Rnd 14: (4 sc, dec) around [30]
*Math check: (4 sc, dec) × 6 = 30 ✓*

Rnd 15: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Math check: (3 sc, dec) × 6 = 24 ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly**

Rnd 16: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: (2 sc, dec) × 6 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 17: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: (sc, dec) × 6 = 12 ✓*

**Add more stuffing as needed**

Rnd 18: dec around [6]
*Math check: 6 dec = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

### SNOUT (make 1 in MC or pink)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 inc = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: (sc, inc) × 6 = 18 ✓*

Rnds 4-5: sc around [18]
*2 rounds of even stitches*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly (snout should be slightly flat, not a full sphere).

### LEGS (make 4 in MC)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 inc = 12 ✓*

Rnds 3-8: sc around [12]
*6 rounds of even stitches*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff firmly for stability.

### EARS (make 2 in MC with pink inner ear - optional)

**Outer Ear (MC):**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9]
*Math check: (sc, inc) × 3 = 9 ✓*

Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) around [12]
*Math check: (2 sc, inc) × 3 = 12 ✓*

Rnds 4-6: sc around [12]
*3 rounds of even stitches*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Do not stuff.

**Inner Ear (pink) - Optional:**
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9]
*Math check: (sc, inc) × 3 = 9 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving tail. Sew to center of outer ear, then fold ear in half and sew to head.

### SPOTS (make 3-5 in CC)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 inc = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: (sc, inc) × 6 = 18 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Flatten circles and sew to body and head as desired. **Tip**: Pin spots in place before sewing to ensure good placement.

**For smaller spots:** Work only rounds 1-2 [12 sts]

### TAIL (make 1 in MC)
Ch 8
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**Tassel**: Cut 4-5 pieces of MC yarn, each 2 inches long. Fold in half and attach to end of chain by pulling fold through last chain stitch, then pulling ends through loop. Trim to desired length.

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## ASSEMBLY

1. **Attach Head to Body**: Position head on top of body (closed end of body should be top). Pin in place and sew securely using whip stitch all around, ensuring head is centered and stable.

2. **Attach Snout**: Center snout on lower half of face, between and slightly below eyes. Pin and sew around edge, leaving slight gap. Add tiny bit more stuffing if needed, then close gap.

3. **Attach Ears**: Position ears on top sides of head, angled slightly outward. If using inner ears, sew pink piece to center of outer ear first. Fold ear base slightly and sew to head with folded edge creating natural ear cup shape.

4. **Attach Legs**: Position 2 front legs at front of body and 2 back legs at back, spaced evenly. Cow can sit or stand depending on leg angle. Pin all 4 legs, check that cow sits/stands evenly, then sew securely.

5. **Attach Spots**: Arrange spots on body and head (typically 2-3 on body, 1-2 on head). Pin in place, adjust until satisfied with placement, then sew around edges.

6. **Attach Tail**: Sew chain end to back of body at center, just above where back legs attach.

7. **Add Nostrils (optional)**: Using black yarn, embroider 2 small vertical stitches or French knots on snout for nostrils.

8. **Final Touches**: Weave in all remaining ends. Check all attachments are secure. Brush or gently fluff any fuzzy yarn if desired.

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## Customization Ideas
- **Holstein Cow**: Use white body with black spots (classic dairy cow)
- **Brown Cow**: Use tan or brown for body with darker brown spots
- **Bell**: Add small jingle bell on ribbon around neck
- **Different expressions**: Embroider closed happy eyes, or use different eye placements
- **Seated pose**: Angle back legs forward and front legs straight for sitting position
- **Standing pose**: Attach all 4 legs pointing downward for standing position
- **Horns**: Make 2 small cones in tan/cream and attach to top of head

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## Troubleshooting
- **Stuffing shows through**: Your stitches may be too loose. Try going down a hook size (3.0mm) or pulling working yarn tighter
- **Cow won't stand**: Ensure legs are stuffed very firmly and attached at proper angle. May need to slightly overstuff legs for stability
- **Lumpy appearance**: Stuff in small amounts, distributing evenly. Push stuffing into all areas with closed scissors or chopstick
- **Head wobbles**: Sew head to body with more stitches, going around attachment point twice if needed

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## Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap if needed. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Not suitable for machine washing due to safety eyes (if used).

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**Pattern by Expert Pattern Designer**
**Skill Level**: Beginner
**Techniques Used**: Magic ring, single crochet, increases, decreases, amigurumi assembly

*Enjoy your adorable crochet cow!* 🐄