How to Crochet a Highland Cow Plushie

Create a charming Highland Cow plushie that’s soft, adorable, and full of character!

Perfect for gifting or decorating a cozy space, this crochet project uses durable faux fur and chenille yarn for a timeless, huggable design that’s sure to delight any crochet enthusiast.

The Crochet Highland Cow is more than a plushie—it’s a unique decoration or thoughtful handmade gift.

Its stand-out features include its faux fur texture, plush tail, and floppy ears. Durable and soft, it’s both stunning and practical for cuddles or display.

Materials and Preparation

Materials:

• Yarn
  • Faux fur yarn (e.g., Hobby Lobby faux fur yarn)
  • Chenille yarn (for legs and some parts of the body)
• Crochet Hooks:
  • Size appropriate for the faux fur yarn (recommendation: between 5.0mm to 6.5mm, depending on yarn weight).
• Notions:
  • Plastic safety eyes (recommended size: 10mm–12mm)
  • Stuffing (polyfil or similar fiberfill)
  • Yarn needle for sewing pieces together
  • Scissors
  • Comb (optional, for brushing faux fur)

Additional Notes:

• Avoid using jumbo yarns like Premier Bunny Yarn, as they will make the project more difficult.
• Ensure you have proper lighting since faux fur yarn can be hard to work with.
• Time stamps in the video can assist in understanding tricky sections.

Abbreviations and Notes

Abbreviations:

• SC – Single Crochet
• INC – Increase (2 SC in the same stitch)
• DEC – Decrease (SC two stitches together)
• MR – Magic Ring

Important Notes:

• The faux fur yarn is challenging to work with due to visibility issues. Some sections of the tutorial (e.g., legs and body) use regular Chenille yarn to make stitches easier to see.
• Pattern works in joined rounds (slip stitch at the end of each round).
• Written pattern for this project will be available starting November 18th, per the original creator’s note.

Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes

Gauge:

Exact gauge is not provided in the tutorial, as faux fur yarn tends to vary in thickness. Start with a magic ring and test your stitch tension beforehand.

Approximate Size:

The finished Highland Cow should be small to medium-sized. Faux fur yarn impacts how large it becomes—substituting for smaller yarns will make the project less fluffy and smaller overall.

Pattern Notes:

• Focus on aligning body parts (legs, arms, and head) evenly to ensure symmetry.
• Magic rings are a key component of this pattern, used for round starts on legs, ears, horns, and body.

Step-by-Step Pattern

Legs (Make 4)

1. Start with Chenille yarn: Create MR and work 6 SC into the ring.
2. Round 2: INC in each stitch (12 SC).
3. Round 3: Alternate 1 SC, INC around (18 SC).
4. Round 4: Work SC in back loops only.
5. Round 5: Continue working SC through both loops (18 SC).
6. Color Change: Switch to faux fur yarn (optional: use regular yarn for guidance in video).
   • Don’t finish the last SC of the previous round—change on the final pull-through using new yarn.
7. Stuff lightly and close the leg: Flatten the opening and SC through both sides (6 stitches for bottom legs, 4 stitches for top legs).

Body

1. Using faux fur yarn: Start with MR and work 8 SC into the ring.
2. Round 2: INC in each stitch (16 SC).
3. Round 3: Alternate 1 SC, INC around (24 SC).
4. Round 4: Alternate 2 SC, INC around (32 SC).

Attaching Bottom Legs:

1. Begin with 8 SC. Align legs with the stitches, then SC through both leg and body.
2. Single crochet additional stitches between legs and complete the round with 6 SC through second leg.

Remaining Body Rounds:

1. Continue working evenly (32 SC for two rounds).
2. Begin decreases: Alternate 2 SC, DEC for one round (24 SC).
3. Work evenly for one round (24 SC).
4. Continue decreases: Alternate 1 SC, DEC for one round (16 SC).
5. Attach top legs similarly to the bottom legs—only 4 SC through each top leg.
6. Final round: Decrease around to close the body. Stuff firmly as you go.

Head

1. Starting at the nose with Chenille yarn: Chain 9.
2. Begin in the 2nd chain from the hook:
   • 4 SC in the same stitch.
   • SC across the next 6 chains.
   • 4 SC in the last chain.
3. Crochet evenly for 5 rounds (24 SC).
4. Switch to faux fur yarn for the facial rounds. Work evenly for 2 rounds (36 SC).
5. Begin decreases: Alternate 4 SC, DEC for one round, then continue decreasing as needed until remaining stitches close the back of the head.

Place Safety Eyes:

1. Locate placement approximately two rows above the edge of the faux fur section.
2. Trim faux fur yarn or push fibers away with comb to allow visibility.

Stuff the head firmly before attaching to the body.

Horns

1. Using Chenille yarn: Create MR and work 6 SC into ring.
2. Round 2: Alternate 1 SC, INC around (9 SC).
3. Work 3 rounds evenly.
4. Stuff lightly and finish assembly by sewing horns to top of the head, positioned near the ears.

Ears

1. Create MR and work 6 SC.
2. Round 2: Alternate 1 SC, INC around (9 SC).
3. Round 3: Alternate 2 SC, INC around (12 SC).
4. Work remaining rounds evenly (12 SC for 3 rows).

Fold ears before sewing for a natural look. Attach them near the safety eyes.

Tail

1. Attach to back of the body near the lower stitches.
2. Chain 6. Work 5 half-double crochet (HDC) back down the chain.
3. Secure with slip stitch, fasten off, and weave ends into body.

Assembly Instructions

1. Attach ears evenly on each side of the head.
2. Sew horns near the top center of the head, slightly overlapping ears.
3. Join the head to the body securely.
4. Add finishing touches like trimming around safety eyes or brushing faux fur lightly for a fluffy appearance.

Key to Success:

• Choose the right yarn: Faux fur yarn for texture and chenille or acrylic yarn for base details.
• Focus on the magic ring: Solid technique ensures a stable foundation.
• Stuff evenly: Proper stuffing makes the cow plush and balanced.
• Take your time with color changes: Smooth transitions keep the design cohesive.
• Sew carefully: Placement of ears, horns, and tail ensures a polished finish.

Conclusion

This Crochet Highland Cow is a joy to make and a treat to admire. Whether crafting for fun or gifting, its charming design and soft feel make it a rewarding project that stands out. Grab your hooks and try this fun, versatile, and cuddly handmade project today!

Video Tutorial