With its shaggy fringe, little horns, and sweet expression, a crochet Highland cow has so much personality packed into one little handmade friend. It’s the kind of amigurumi that looks right at home on a cozy shelf or tucked into a gift for someone who loves farm animals. If you enjoy crocheting cute characters with a bit of extra charm, this fluffy cow is such a fun project to add to your collection.
Free crochet pattern
Crochet Highland Cow
A big, huggable Highland Cow with a shaggy crocheted fringe, curved horns and a creamy muzzle. The feet and body are worked as one piece. The head, arms, ears, horns and nose are made separately and sewn on.
Skill level
All levels
Size
52 cm / 20.4 in
Yarn
Velvet yarn
Hook
4.5 mm
What you need
Tick items as you gather them.
Good to know
Read these before you start.
About 52 cm / 20.4 inFinished size
Continuous roundsUse a stitch marker and move it up as you go
Sewn partsHead, arms, ears, horns and nose are sewn on
US crochet termsSee the Stitches tab
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0 of 12 steps done
Instructions
Tap a step when you finish it. Repeats are in [brackets] and stitch counts in (parentheses). Your progress stays saved on this device.
Abbreviations
Everything used in this pattern, in US terms.
A, B
Yarn colorsA is the brown main yarn, B is the beige
ch
Chain
sl st
Slip stitch
sc
Single crochetThe main stitch in this pattern
inc
Increase2 sc in the same stitch
dec
Decrease2 sc worked together as 1
mr
Magic ring
rnd(s)
Round(s)Worked in continuous rounds, no joining
st(s)
Stitch(es)
[ ] x6
RepeatRepeat what is in the brackets 6 times
( )
Stitch countThe total number of stitches at the end of the round
All angles
Use these views to place the parts when you assemble the cow.
Watch the tutorial
Follow along step by step. The video only loads when you press play, which keeps the page fast.
Yes. The sample uses Panduro Velvet, but cotton or acrylic work too. Choose a hook that suits your yarn, and expect the finished size to change.
Slip a piece of cardboard or an empty toilet roll into the top of the body, then sew the head on stitch by stitch all the way around.
Only about two-thirds full, so the cow can sit up on its own.
As many as you like. The designer made 7: 2 long strands (ch 25) and 5 short ones (ch 12–13), a few in rnd 1 and the rest in rnd 2.
Use knitting needles to hold the arms, ears and horns in place so you can check the look before you sew them on.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
Full of Character: The fluffy hair and tiny horns give this little cow its unmistakable Highland charm.
A Cute Handmade Keepsake: Display it on a shelf, keep it on your desk, or gift it to someone who loves cows and farm-inspired crafts.
Fun Details to Create: From its sweet face to its shaggy look, the little finishing touches make this project especially enjoyable.
Lovely for Amigurumi Fans: Add something a little different to your collection of handmade animals.
Make It Your Own: Play with earthy shades, soft neutrals, or your favorite yarn colors to give your Highland cow a personality of its own.
Final Thoughts
A little Highland cow is proof that the smallest handmade creatures can have the biggest personalities. Once yours is finished, find it a cozy spot to sit or wrap it up for someone who would appreciate a handmade surprise. I’d love to know what colors you chose for your cow, especially if you gave it your own little twist!
