Overalls-Clad Amigurumi Cow Pattern (Free, Farmhouse)

Picture a plump little cow with a spotted muzzle, tiny horns, a tasseled tail, and her own cardigan, overalls, and laced-up booties—that’s Burenka, and she’s ready to become someone’s favorite.

This amigurumi pattern is designed for a confident beginner or intermediate crocheter who enjoys shaping with increases, decreases, and textured bobble stitches. It also includes three optional outfit pieces for extra styling. Grab your hook, and let’s build her from the hooves up!

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby (DK/Light Worsted weight), color 80330—main body color, approximately 2 skeins
• Yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby, color 80320—hooves and horns
• Yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby, colors 80303 and 80308—face and muzzle patch
• Yarn: Contrasting fingering-weight yarn, color 316—nostrils
• Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn, color 490 (boxwood/olive)—tail tassel
• Yarn: Black fingering-weight yarn—embroidered eyebrows
• Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn, color 12 (egg yolk)—cardigan
• Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn, color 193 (light lettuce green)—overalls
• Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn, color 01 (white)—overalls trim and bootie laces
• Yarn: Himalaya Dolphin Baby, color 80313—booties
• Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (US E-4)—for the body, legs, head, horns, and booties
• Crochet hook: 3 mm (approximately US C/D)—for the tail
• Crochet hook: 2 mm (approximately US B-1)—for the nostrils, cardigan, and overalls
• Two 12 mm safety eyes or beads
• Stuffing or fiberfill
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Buttons: one 12 mm button for the cardigan and two 16 mm buttons for the overalls
• Pre-made or craft-store eyelashes (optional)
• Reinforced thread or fine yarn for sewing the pieces together

Abbreviations Used

• BLO—Back Loop Only
  
  
• ch—Chain
• dc—Double Crochet
• dec—Decrease (2 sc worked together through the front loops)
• FLO—Front Loop Only
• hdc—Half Double Crochet
• inc—Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• MR—Magic Ring
• sc—Single Crochet
• sc3tog—Single Crochet 3 Stitches Together (used to join a piece in place)
• sl st—Slip Stitch
• st(s)—Stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

• This pattern is written entirely in US crochet terminology.
• The legs, body, and head are worked in continuous spiral rounds. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.
• The ears, muzzle patch, lip, and cardigan are worked in flat turning rows.
• The overalls are worked in joined rounds, closed with a slip stitch and a turning chain at the beginning of each round.
• Gauge is not critical for this toy, but a tighter gauge will prevent the stuffing from showing through the stitches.
• Using the listed materials, the finished cow measures approximately 36 cm (14 in) tall.
• Stitch counts are provided in parentheses at the end of every round or row.
• Safety eyes are placed on Rnd 9 of the head. Full facial shaping instructions are included in the Assembly section.

Special Bobble Stitch

Work 3 unfinished double crochets into the same stitch: yarn over, insert the hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, and draw through 2 loops. Repeat this process twice more in the same stitch. Yarn over and draw through all 4 remaining loops on the hook to close the bobble.

A 5-dc Bobble is made using the same method, but with 5 unfinished double crochets before closing the stitch.

Stuff firmly but gradually as you work. Overstuffing can stretch and distort the stitches, so add fiberfill in small amounts and check the shape frequently.

Pattern Instructions

Front Legs (Make 2)

Using color 80320 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook:

• Row 1: Ch 5. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 5-dc Bobble, 1 sc, 5-dc Bobble, 3 sc in the last ch. Working into the other side of the foundation chain: 3 sc, then 3 sc in the same st, 3 sc, inc. (13)
• Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. (13)
• Rnd 3: Dec, 4 sc, dec, 5 sc. (11)
• Rnd 4—Leg 1: 4 sc, 5-dc Bobble, 6 sc. (11)
• Rnd 4—Leg 2: 6 sc, 5-dc Bobble, 4 sc. (11)

Place a stitch marker at the end of Row 1. This becomes the beginning of each round.

Change to color 80330 for the remainder of the leg.

• Rnd 5: Dec, 9 sc. (10)
• Rnds 6–20: Sc in each st around. (10) Repeat for 15 rounds.

Stuff the lower part of the leg firmly. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Tail

Using color 80330 and a 3 mm crochet hook:

• Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
• Rnds 2–16: Sc in each st around. (6) Repeat for 15 rounds.

Flatten the open end so that the two sides meet. Work 1 sc through both layers at each stitch across to close the opening. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Tail Tassel

Cut 15–20 strands of color 490 yarn, each approximately 15 cm (6 in) long. Fold one strand in half and use your hook to pull the folded midpoint through the last stitch at the tip of the tail. Thread the loose ends through the loop and pull firmly. Repeat with the remaining strands until the tassel looks full.

Back Legs (Make 2) and Body

Using color 80320 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook, begin each leg separately:

• Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
• Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
• Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) around. (18)
• Rnd 4: BLO: 7 sc, (5-dc Bobble, 1 sc) twice, 7 sc. (18)
• Rnd 5: Sc in each st around. (18)
• Rnd 6: 3 sc, (1 sc, dec) 4 times, 3 sc. (14)
• Rnd 7: Sc in each st around. (14)

Change to color 80330. Begin stuffing as you work.

• Rnd 8: 4 sc, (dec, 1 sc) twice, 4 sc. (12)
• Rnds 9–18: Sc in each st around. (12) Repeat for 10 rounds.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn end on the first leg. Repeat Rnds 1–18 for the second leg, but do not fasten off. Continue directly into the body.

Joining the Legs and Making the Body

• Rnd 19: Ch 2 to join the two legs. On the second leg, join into the 7th stitch, making sure both legs face forward evenly. Work 6 sc, inc, 5 sc, 2 sc across the joining chain, 5 sc, inc, 6 sc, and 2 sc across the joining chain. (30)
• Rnd 20: (4 sc, inc) around. (36)
• Rnd 21: (5 sc, inc) around. (42)
• Rnd 22: 3 sc, (inc, 6 sc) 5 times, inc, 3 sc. (48)
• Rnd 23: (7 sc, inc) around. (54)
• Rnd 24: 4 sc, (inc, 8 sc) 5 times, inc, 4 sc. (60)
• Rnds 25–32: Sc in each st around. (60) Repeat for 8 rounds.
• Rnd 33: 27 sc, sc3tog while attaching the tail, 30 sc. (60)
• Rnd 34: Sc in each st around. (60)
• Rnd 35: 4 sc, (dec, 8 sc) 5 times, dec, 4 sc. (54)

• Rnd 36: (7 sc, dec) around. (48)
• Rnd 37: Sc in each st around. (48)
• Rnd 38: 3 sc, (dec, 6 sc) 5 times, dec, 3 sc. (42)
• Rnd 39: Sc in each st around. (42)
• Rnd 40: (5 sc, dec) around. (36)
• Rnds 41–43: Sc in each st around. (36) Repeat for 3 rounds.
• Rnd 44: (4 sc, dec) around, then move the stitch marker forward by 16 sts. (30)
• Rnd 45: 6 sc, sc3tog while attaching one front leg, 13 sc, sc3tog while attaching the second front leg, 5 sc. (30)
• Rnd 46: 6 sc, 7 sc across the attached front leg, 13 sc, 7 sc across the second attached front leg, 5 sc. (38)

• Rnd 47: 4 sc, dec, 1 sc, dec, 9 sc, dec, 7 sc, dec, 3 sc. (34)
• Rnd 48: 3 sc, (dec, 7 sc) 3 times, dec, 2 sc. (30)
• Rnd 49: (3 sc, dec) around. (24)
• Rnd 50: (2 sc, dec) around. (18)
• Rnd 51: Sc in each st around. (18)

The marker shift in Rnd 44 moves the beginning of the round to the back of the body so that the shaping and front-leg placement are correctly positioned.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn end. Finish stuffing and gently knead the body so that the fiberfill settles evenly and creates a smooth, rounded shape.

Head

Using color 80303 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook:

• Rnd 1: Ch 6. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 4 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Working into the other side of the chain: 3 sc, inc. (12)
• Rnd 2: Inc, 3 sc, inc 3 times, 3 sc, inc twice. (18)
• Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc, 3 sc, (1 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (1 sc, inc) twice. (24)
• Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) twice. (30)
• Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, (3 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (3 sc, inc) twice. (36)
• Rnd 6: 4 sc, inc, 3 sc, (4 sc, inc) 3 times, 3 sc, (4 sc, inc) twice. (42)
• Rnds 7–8: Sc in each st around. (42) Repeat for 2 rounds.
• Rnd 9: 28 sc, change to color 80330, and sc to the end of the round. (42)
• Rnd 10: 2 sc, FLO: hdc inc 12 times, 28 sc. (54)
• Rnd 11: 4 sc, (inc, 8 sc) 5 times, inc, 4 sc. (60)
• Rnds 12–17: Sc in each st around. (60) Repeat for 6 rounds.
• Rnd 18: BLO: Sc in each st around. (60)
• Rnd 19: Sc in each st around. (60)
• Rnd 20: (8 sc, dec) around. (54)
• Rnd 21: (7 sc, dec) around. (48)
• Rnd 22: (6 sc, dec) around. (42)
• Rnd 23: (5 sc, dec) around. (36)
• Rnd 24: (4 sc, dec) around. (30)
• Rnd 25: (3 sc, dec) around. (24)
• Rnd 26: (2 sc, dec) around. (18)
• Rnd 27: (1 sc, dec) around. (12)
• Rnd 28: Dec around. (6)

Rnd 9 is where the safety eyes will be placed later. See the Assembly section for positioning instructions.

Finish stuffing the head firmly, then cinch the opening closed. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Muzzle Patch

Using color 80308 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook:

On Rnd 18 of the head, count 11 stitches from the beginning of the round and join the yarn through the front loops only. Work in flat turning rows:

• Row 1: Sc in each of 12 sts, turn. (12)
• Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each of 12 sts, turn. (12)
• Row 3: Ch 1, dec, 8 sc, dec, turn. (10)
• Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each of 10 sts, turn. (10)
• Row 5: Ch 1, dec, 6 sc, dec, turn. (8)
• Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each of 8 sts, turn. (8)
• Row 7: Ch 1, dec, 4 sc, dec, turn. (6)
• Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each of 6 sts, turn. (6)
• Row 9: Ch 1, dec, 2 sc, dec, turn. (4)
• Row 10: Ch 1, sc in each of 4 sts. (4)

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing.

Lip

Using color 80303 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook:

• Row 1: 5 sc in MR, turn. (5)
• Row 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around. (10)

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2)

Using color 80330 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook:

• Row 1: Ch 8. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 6 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Working into the other side of the chain: 6 sc, turn. (15)
• Row 2: Ch 1, 6 sc, inc 3 times, 6 sc, turn. (18)
• Row 3: Ch 1, 6 sc, (1 sc, inc) 3 times, 6 sc, turn. (21)
• Row 4: Ch 1, 6 sc, (2 sc, inc) 3 times, 6 sc. (24)

Fold the ear in half and work sc through both layers to close it. Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing.

Horns (Make 2)

Using color 80320 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook:

• Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR. (4)
• Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) twice. (6)
• Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) twice. (8)
• Rnd 4: Sc in each st around. (8)

Flatten the open end and work sc through both layers to close it. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Nostrils (Make 2)

Using color 316 and a 2 mm crochet hook:

• Row 1: Ch 4. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: 2 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Working into the other side of the chain: 1 sc, inc, sl st.

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for sewing.

Cardigan

Using color 12 and a 2 mm crochet hook. Leave a long starting tail to use later when sewing on the button.

• Row 1: Ch 30 plus 1 turning ch. Sc in each of 30 sts, ch 2, turn. (30)
• Row 2: Dc inc 30 times, ch 2, turn. (60)
• Row 3: Dc in each of 60 sts, ch 2, turn. (60)
• Row 4: Dc in each of 60 sts, ch 1, turn. (60)
• Row 5: 8 sc, ch 5, skip 14 sts from the previous row, 16 sc, ch 5, skip 14 sts from the previous row, 8 sc, ch 2, turn. (42)
• Row 6: Dc in each of 42 sts, ch 2, turn. (42)
• Row 7: 3 dc, (dc inc, 6 dc) 5 times, dc inc, 3 dc. (48)
• Row 8: 3 dc, (dc inc, 7 dc) 5 times, dc inc, 4 dc. (54)
• Row 9: 4 dc, (dc inc, 8 dc) 5 times, dc inc, 4 dc. (60)
• Row 10: 4 dc, (dc inc, 9 dc) 5 times, dc inc, 5 dc. (66)
• Row 11: 5 dc, (dc inc, 10 dc) 5 times, dc inc, 5 dc. (72)

A dc inc means that the increase is worked using double crochet stitches.

Work sc around the entire outer edge, adding a small chain loop for the button along one edge. Fasten off, weave in the yarn end, and sew on the button.

Overalls

Using color 193 and a 2 mm crochet hook:

• Rnd 1: Ch 73 and join into a ring. Ch 2, dc in each of 72 sts, sl st to join. (72)
• Rnds 2–4: Ch 2, dc in each of 72 sts, sl st to join. (72) Repeat for 3 rounds.
• Rnd 5: Ch 2, 1 dc, ch 5, skip 5 sts from the previous round to create the tail opening, 66 dc, sl st to join. (72)
• Rnd 6: Ch 2, 1 dc, 5 dc across the chain, 66 dc, sl st to join. (72)
• Rnds 7–14: Ch 2, dc in each of 72 sts, sl st to join. (72) Repeat for 8 rounds.

Divide the piece into two leg openings of 34 sts each. Sew the 4 center stitches together to separate the leg openings.

Overall Legs

Work each leg in the same way:

• Rnds 15–22: Ch 2, dc in each of 34 sts, sl st to join. (34) Repeat for 8 rounds.
• Row 23: Ch 1, sc in each of 34 sts. (34)

Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Front Bib

Find the center front of the overalls. Count 10 sts to the right and join the yarn there. Work in flat turning rows:

• Rows 1–6: Ch 2, dc in each of 19 sts. (19) Repeat for 6 rows.
• Row 7: Ch 1 and work sc around the entire perimeter.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Back Bib

Find the center back of the overalls and join color 01 (white). Work one round of sc around the perimeter, then repeat for a second round.

Straps

Ch 35. Starting in the 6th ch from the hook, work 30 dc and finish with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in the yarn end. Sew the buttons onto the front bib.

Optional Flower Appliqué

• Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
• Rnd 2: (Ch 2, dc inc, ch 2, sl st in the same st) 5 times.

Booties

Using color 80313 and a 3.5 mm crochet hook:

• Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
• Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (10)
• Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) 5 times. (15)
• Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) 5 times. (20)
• Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) 5 times. (25)
• Rnd 6: BLO: Sc in each st around. (25)
• Rnds 7–9: Sc in each st around. (25) Repeat for 3 rounds.
• Rnd 10: 9 sc, dec 4 times, 8 sc. (21)
• Rnds 11–12: Sc in each st around. (21) Repeat for 2 rounds.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn end.

Bootie Laces

Using color 01 (white) and a 2 mm crochet hook, ch 50.

Assembly

1. Sew the muzzle patch onto the head so that its narrow end sits on Rnd 10, between the 4th and 9th hdc increases from Rnd 10.
2. Place the safety eyes on Rnd 9 of the head. Position the first eye directly below the 3rd hdc increase and the second eye directly below the 10th hdc increase.

1. Shape the muzzle indent: Insert the needle between Rnds 10–11 of the head and bring it out at the 4th hdc increase on Rnd 10. Insert it again at the 9th hdc increase on Rnd 10, then bring it back out between Rnds 10–11. Pull gently to cinch and tie off when you are happy with the shape.
2. Shape the eye and mouth indent: Insert the needle between Rnds 4–5 of the head and bring it out at Rnd 9 where the first eye is positioned. Insert it back into Rnd 9 and bring it out again between Rnds 4–5. Repeat the same process for the second eye. Pull both sets of stitches to create a soft mouth indent. Run the thread back to the first cinch point, pull firmly, tie off, and hide the yarn end.
3. Sew the horns onto Rnd 18 of the head.
4. Sew the ears between Rnds 15–20 of the head.

1. Sew the nostrils onto Rnd 5 of the muzzle patch, spacing them approximately 6–7 sc apart.
2. Embroider the eyebrows using black yarn.
3. Glue on the eyelashes, if using them.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Sew the lip onto Rnds 5–6 of the muzzle patch, adjusting its placement until it looks right.
5. Sew the head onto the body with a whipstitch, working through both loops of the matching stitches to create a neat, nearly invisible seam.
6. Shape the bottom: Insert the needle at the back of the body, underneath the tail and between Rnds 32–33. Bring it out between the legs, then return through the same path. Repeat a few times, pull to cinch, tie off, and weave in the yarn end.
7. Dress Burenka in her cardigan, overalls, and booties. Lace the booties using the white chains.
8. Weave in any remaining loose yarn ends throughout the project.

Symmetry is important, but do not chase perfection. Small imperfections give a handmade toy its unique charm.

Tips and Tricks

Maintain a Firm Tension

Keep your tension slightly tighter than you would when crocheting a garment. Amigurumi worked at a snug gauge prevents the stuffing from showing through and gives the finished pieces a firm, huggable structure. If your stitches appear loose, try using a crochet hook that is half a size smaller before beginning the project.

Follow the Decrease Instructions Carefully

The decreases in this pattern are worked through the front loops only rather than using a standard invisible decrease. This technique intentionally creates a slightly more visible ridge that helps define the shaping around the legs and head. Follow the front-loop instructions exactly to achieve the intended appearance.

Add Stuffing Gradually

Add small amounts of stuffing at a time, especially when working through narrow leg and horn tubes. Use the blunt end of your crochet hook or a chopstick to gently push the fiberfill into the corners before adding more.

Stop stuffing when the piece feels firm but still gives slightly under gentle pressure. Overstuffed amigurumi can become distorted and may split along the seams over time.

Choose Substitute Yarn Carefully

If you substitute the recommended yarn, choose one that is close to the original DK or light worsted weight and use a matching hook size. This will help preserve the stitch counts and finished proportions.

Fuzzy or highly textured yarn can make small details, such as the muzzle patch and nostrils, difficult to see. Use a smooth, tightly plied yarn for these details, even if you choose a different yarn for the body.

Take Your Time When Attaching the Front Legs

The most challenging section is Rnd 44 through Rnd 46 of the body, where the stitch marker is repositioned and the front legs are joined.

Work slowly, check your stitch count after every round, and place locking stitch markers at the leg attachment points. This will help you keep track of where each sc3tog should be worked.