Memphis the Moo-Cow – Free Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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What better time to design a free cow crochet pattern than for a brand-new baby? With my new nephew’s nursery being cow-themed, I knew I had to design the perfect crochet cow amigurumi to join his collection.

Memphis the Moo Cow is a classic, cuddly crochet cow plushie designed with beginners in mind. Whether you are looking for a farmhouse-style nursery gift or a quick project for your next craft fair, this pattern is a fun and rewarding make.

Two crocheted amigurumi cows, one larger and one smaller, sitting on a white faux fur surface. Both cows feature a white body with black spots, brown hooves, small brown horns, and a pink snout. The larger cow made of plush yarn is sitting down, and the smaller cow in worsted weight yarn stands beside it, showcasing the scale and detail of the free cow crochet pattern.

I would classify this free cow crochet pattern as “advanced beginner”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

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Free Crochet Pattern for Memphis the Moo Cow

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 5” tall (sitting) or 7” tall (standing)
Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern; see notes
Hook Size: 4.0mm (G) crochet hook
Other Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Yarn Weight: Medium (4) Worsted Weight
Yarn Used: WeCrochet/Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Yardage: color A (white): 60 yds, color B (pink): 5 yds, color C (black): 14 yds, color D (brown): 28 yds
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 9mm safety eyes

Stitch Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

  • Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
  • All pieces, with the exception of the tail, are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
  • Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
  • Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
  • Body, head, legs, arms, and horns require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the ears.
  • See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Body

Using color A (shown as white):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R6-11: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

R12: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R13-15: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Fill with stuffing.

A finished body piece for the crochet cow in white yarn, filled with stuffing.

Using color B (shown as pink):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Using color A (shown as white):

R5-6: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (21 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (24 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (27 sts)

R10: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (30 sts)

R11: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. Add a st marker to the last worked st. **2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times. (36 sts)

The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front sides of the face. The first sequence of sts between the first and second st markers indicates the top of the head. The second sequence of sts between the second and first st markers indicates the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R8-9, with 7 sts between. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.

The crochet head of Memphis the Moo Cow after R11, prior to inserting the safety eyes.
The crochet head of the Memphis the Moo Cow crochet pattern showing the proper placement of the black safety eyes.

R12-14: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R15: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R17: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R18: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill head with stuffing.

R20: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand. Weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

The finished head of the crochet cow pattern shown with a pink snout and white main color.

Ear 1

Using color C (shown as black):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R5-6:1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R8: Fold the ear closed, leaving 1 unworked st at the beginning of the fold. Working through both sides, to close the ear, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 2 unworked sts at the end of the fold. (3 sts) See tutorial photos.

Insert hook through the remaining 2 unworked sts, pinch the bottom of the ear to bring each end together, and working through both sides, join the ear with 1 SC. See tutorial photos.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Ear 2

Using color C (shown as black):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R5: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Using color A (shown as white):

R6: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R8: Fold the ear closed, leaving 1 unworked st at the beginning of the fold. Working through both sides, to close the ear, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 2 unworked sts at the end of the fold. (3 sts) See tutorial photos.

Insert hook through the remaining 2 unworked sts, pinch the bottom of the ear to bring each end together, and working through both sides, join the ear with 1 SC. See tutorial photos.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Two finished ears for the crochet cow, one in all black yarn, and one with half in black yarn and half in white yarn.

Horns (make 2)

Using color D (shown as brown):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (4 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

The two finished horns of the crochet cow pattern shown in brown yarn.

Legs (make 2)

Using color D (shown as brown):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: work in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R6: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Using color A (shown as white):

R8-9: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (16 sts)

R11-15: 1 SC in each st around. (16 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R16: Fold the leg closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (7 sts)

leg piece, filled with stuffing, prior to the leg being closed
leg piece with hook inserted through both sides to crochet them together
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches, with hook through both sides of the next st
finished leg piece prior to fastening off
finished leg piece with long tail for sewing

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

The finished crocheted legs of the crochet cow pattern with brown hooves and white legs.

Arms (make 2)

Using color D (shown as brown):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: Work in the back loops only, 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R6: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Using color A (shown as white):

R7-13: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R14: Fold the arm closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

The finished crocheted arms of the crochet cow pattern with brown hooves and white arms.

Tail

Using color A (shown as white):

R1: Ch 5, turn, 1 SC in second ch from hook and each ch to end. (4 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Using color C (shown as black):

Join yarn to the end of the tail. See tutorial photos.

R1: Ch 10, bring ends of ch together and sl st into the end of tail, creating a loop. Do not fasten off.

R2: Ch 10, bring ends of ch together and sl st into the end of tail, creating a loop. Do not fasten off.

R3: Ch 10, bring ends of ch together and sl st into the end of tail, creating a loop.

Crocheting the tail for the cow amigurumi pattern, starting with the white of the tail.
Crocheting the black loops on the end of the white crochet tail, step 1.
Crocheting the black loops on the end of the white crochet tail, step 2.
Crocheting the black loops on the end of the white crochet tail, step 3.
Crocheting the black loops on the end of the white crochet tail, step 4.
Crocheting the black loops on the end of the white crochet tail, step 5.
Crocheting the black loops on the end of the white crochet tail, step 6.
Crocheting the black loops on the end of the white crochet tail, step 7.

Cut yarn, fasten off, and weave in ends.

The finished crochet tail of the cow crochet pattern shown with white yarn and three black loops on the end of the tail.

Spot 1

Using color C (shown as black):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

*Note that R3 has fewer stitches than the previous and is not a “complete” round. You will not work in every stitch from R2. This is to achieve the different shapes for the spots.

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC I next st. Repeat from * an additional time. (6 sts)

Sl st into the next st.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Spot 2

Using color C (shown as black):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

*Note that R4 has fewer stitches than the previous and is not a “complete” round. You will not work in every stitch from R3. This is to achieve the different shapes for the spots.

R4: 2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts, 2 DC in next st, 1 DC in next st. (7 sts)

Sl st into the next st.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Spot 3

Using color C (shown as black):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

*Note that R4 has fewer stitches than the previous and is not a “complete” round. You will not work in every stitch from R3. This is to achieve the different shapes for the spots.

R4: 2 DC in next st. (2 sts)

Sl st into the next st.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Three black spots of various shapes ready to be sewn onto the cow amigurumi.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach each ear pointing downward, over R14-15, leaving about 10 sts between each ear.

The ears of the crochet cow plushie pinned in place on each side of the head.
The ears of the crochet cow amigurumi have been sewn into place on each side of the head, view 1.
The ears of the crochet cow amigurumi have been sewn into place on each side of the head, view 2.
The ears of the crochet cow amigurumi have been sewn into place on each side of the head, view 3.
The ears of the crochet cow amigurumi have been sewn into place on each side of the head, view 4.

Attach horns on the inside of each ear, leaving 1 stitch between the ear and horn, over R14-15.

The horns of the Memphis the Moo Cow crochet pattern have been pinned into place on top of the head and awaiting sewing.
The crochet horns of the crochet cow have been sewn into place on top of the head, view 1.
The crochet horns of the crochet cow have been sewn into place on top of the head, view 2.

Attach head to body so that the nose is facing straight out, attaching body to approximately R10-16 of the bottom of the head.

The crochet cow's head has been pinned in place on top of the body piece.
The crochet cow's head has been sewn into place on top of the body, view 1.
The crochet cow's head has been sewn into place on top of the body, view 2.
The crochet cow's head has been sewn into place on top of the body, view 3.

Attach legs over R4-5 of body, with each inside end of the legs touching in the middle.

The crochet legs of the amigurumi cow have been pinned into place on the bottom of the body prior to sewing.
The legs of the cow amigurumi have been sewn into place on the bottom of the body, view 1.
The legs of the cow amigurumi have been sewn into place on the bottom of the body, view 2.
The legs of the cow amigurumi have been sewn into place on the bottom of the body, view 3.

Attach arms over R11-15 on each side of the body. At the top of the arms, leave approximately 8 sts between each arm across the front of the body. At the bottom of the arms, leave approximately 15 sts between each arm across the front of the body.

The arms of the crochet cow have been pinned into place on each side of the body, awaiting sewing.
The cow's crochet arms have been sewn into place on each side of the body, view 1.
The cow's crochet arms have been sewn into place on each side of the body, view 2.
The cow's crochet arms have been sewn into place on each side of the body, view 3.

Using color D (brown), embroider lines for the hooves by wrapping yarn around R3-5 of the middle of each arm and R3-6 of the middle of each leg.

Embroidering details on the hooves of the crochet cow with brown yarn, step 1.
Embroidering details on the hooves of the crochet cow with brown yarn, step 2.
Embroidering details on the hooves of the crochet cow with brown yarn, step 3.
Embroidering details on the hooves of the crochet cow with brown yarn, step 4.
Embroidering details on the hooves of the crochet cow with brown yarn, step 5.
Embroidering details on the hooves of the crochet cow with brown yarn, step 6.

Attach tail to the back of the body on R5.

The tail of the crochet cow has been pinned into place on the back of the body.
The crochet cow's tail has been sewn into place on the back of the body, view 1.
The crochet cow's tail has been sewn into place on the back of the body, view 2.

Attach spots around the body as desired.

The amigurumi cow crochet pattern black spots have been pinned into place around the body, view 1.
The amigurumi cow crochet pattern black spots have been pinned into place around the body, view 2.
The black spots of the cow amigurumi have been sewn into place around the body of the cow plushie, view 1.
The black spots of the cow amigurumi have been sewn into place around the body of the cow plushie, view 2.
The black spots of the cow amigurumi have been sewn into place around the body of the cow plushie, view 3.
The black spots of the cow amigurumi have been sewn into place around the body of the cow plushie, view 4.

I hope you enjoyed making Memphis with this free cow crochet pattern! I’d love to see your finished cow! Please tag me on social media or share a photo in my community group so I can see your work!

A Pinterest pin graphic featuring a collage of a handmade crochet cow plushie called Memphis the Moo Cow. The top shows a large and small cow sitting on a white faux fur. The bottom left shows a close-up of a hand holding the cow, and the bottom right is a sitting view. A central purple banner says, "FREE CROCHET PATTERN, Memphis the Moo Cow, and www.thenicolechase.com".
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Memphis the Moo Cow

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Cow Crochet Pattern Tips & Tricks

  • Flawless Decreases: I highly recommend using the invisible decrease method for all SC2tog stitches. This prevents the small gaps that often appear with standard decreases, ensuring your cow plushie crochet pattern has a smooth finish.
  • Track Your Rounds: Since this crochet cow amigurumi pattern is worked in continuous rounds, using a stitch marker is essential. I always place mine in the first stitch of the round so I never lose my place.
  • Master Amigurumi: Check out my full list of amigurumi tips and tricks for more deep dives into improving your stitch work and assembly.

Customizing Your Crochet Cow

  • Going Big (Plushie Version): To create a larger crochet cow plushie, just swap your materials! Using a super bulky yarn like Parfait Chunky or Bernat Blanket yarn with a suitable hook size will significantly increase the size while giving a “squishy” feel.
  • Choose the Right Hook Size: Check out my post on choosing an amigurumi hook size to ensure your stitches are tight enough to keep the poly-fil from showing through your stitches.
  • Themed Color Variations: This free cow crochet pattern is a blank canvas for trending themes.
    • Strawberry Cow: Swap the black for light pink spots and use a darker pink for the hooves.
    • Blueberry Cow: Use soft blue tones for the spots and hooves.
    • Chocolate Cow: Use various shades of brown.

More Free Amigurumi Animal Crochet Patterns

If you enjoyed making this free cow crochet pattern, you’ll love these other beginner-friendly designs!

Browse my full library of free amigurumi animal patterns to find your next favorite project after this cow plushie crochet pattern.

First published October 2022.

I hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you make it, leave me a comment below.

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I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share your finished work with me: on social media by tagging me @thenicolechase, in your Ravelry projects, or post over in my Facebook group!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!

Nicole

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PATTERN COPYRIGHT © 2026 NICOLE CHASE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 
PATTERN MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN PATTERN. 
YOU MAY SELL THE FINISHED PRODUCT ON A SMALL SCALE. PATTERN/DESIGN CREDIT GIVEN TO WWW.THENICOLECHASE.COM IS APPRECIATED. PERMISSION TO SELL DOES NOT INCLUDE MASS PRODUCTION. LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION IS PROHIBITED.

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PHOTOS MAY NOT BE ALTERED, COPIED, REDISTRIBUTED OR SOLD AS YOUR OWN.

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11 Comments

    1. Thanks so much!

      If you prefer the PDF versions, they are available for a small fee in my shops, which are linked at the top and bottom of each respective pattern post here on my blog.

      Reply

  2. I think all of your patterns are precious!!! I especially love the cow and plan to start it as soon as I finish the project I am working on now. (a sweet little unicorn) Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful patterns with me. Kathy

    Reply

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