Meadow Moo Plushie: A Free Chunky Crochet Cow Pattern

Meet the Meadow Moo Plushie—a soft, chunky crochet cow with a modern pastel meadow palette and a floppy, huggable body. This free pattern uses jumbo yarn and a large hook for a quick, cozy make that works up in just a few hours. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, this adorable cow features a cream-colored body, irregular dark brown patches, a blush pink muzzle, and sweet embroidered details. The result is an 11-inch-tall plushie that sits upright with a charming, handmade look. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses jumbo-weight yarn for a fast, squishy finish.

• Yarn: Jumbo weight (7) yarn in cream (main body), soft sage green (ear accents), blush pink (muzzle), and a small amount of dark brown (spots and horns).
• Hook: 8 mm (L/11) crochet hook
• Stitch marker (to track rounds)
• Tapestry needle (for sewing pieces together and weaving ends)
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing (for a firm but soft fill)
• Optional: Safety eyes (10 mm) or dark brown yarn for embroidered eyes

Gauge: 8 sts x 8 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure your plushie is evenly shaped.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round. All pieces are crocheted with the cream yarn unless specified otherwise.

Head

Start with the head, which is worked in the round from the top down.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, 6 sc into ring. (6)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18)
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24)
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30)
• Rounds 6-10: Sc in each st around. (30)
• Round 11: (Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog) repeat around. (24)
• Round 12: (Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) repeat around. (18)

Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill, shaping it into a smooth ball. Continue:

• Round 13: (Sc in next st, sc2tog) repeat around. (12)
• Round 14: Sc2tog around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave the end through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Body

The body is worked similarly to the head but is slightly longer to create a chunky, huggable torso.

• Round 1: With cream yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc into ring. (6)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18)
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24)
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30)
• Rounds 6-12: Sc in each st around. (30)
• Round 13: (Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog) repeat around. (24)
• Round 14: (Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) repeat around. (18)

Stuff the body firmly, ensuring it holds its shape. Continue:

• Round 15: (Sc in next st, sc2tog) repeat around. (12)
• Round 16: Sc2tog around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the opening as you did for the head.

Legs (Make 4)

These stubby legs are quick to make and give the cow its adorable, grounded stance.

• Round 1: With cream yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc into ring. (6)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• Rounds 3-5: Sc in each st around. (12)

Stuff each leg lightly—just enough to give them shape without making them stiff. Then:

• Round 6: Sc2tog around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, spacing them evenly (two in front, two in back) so the cow sits upright.

Ears (Make 2)

These flat, folded ears add a playful touch. Use cream yarn for the main part and sage green for the inner flap if desired.

• Row 1: With cream yarn, ch 4. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 ch. (3)
• Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc in next st, 2 sc in last st. (5)
• Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (5)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Fold each ear in half (so the wrong sides are together) and sew the edges to the sides of the head, positioning them slightly above the eyes.

Muzzle

The blush pink muzzle is the cow's sweetest feature. Work it in the round, starting with a chain.

• Round 1: With blush pink yarn, ch 4. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on the other side of the chain, sc in next ch, 2 sc in last ch. (8)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, sc in next st, 2 sc in each of next 3 sts, sc in next st, 2 sc in last st. (14)
• Round 3: Sc in each st around. (14)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the muzzle to the front of the head, stuffing it lightly before closing to give it a soft, rounded shape.

Horns (Make 2)

These tiny brown horns sit on top of the head for a classic cow look.

• Round 1: With dark brown yarn, make a magic ring, 4 sc into ring. (4)
• Round 2: Sc in each st around. (4)
• Round 3: Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the horns to the top of the head, slightly behind the ears.

Spots (Make 3-4)

These simple circles add the cow's signature patchwork charm. Make a few in varying sizes for visual interest.

• Round 1: With dark brown yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc into ring. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the spots randomly across the body and head, overlapping some for a natural look.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your Meadow Moo to life!

1. Sew the head to the body: Position the head slightly offset (tilted) for a cute, curious expression. Use the long tail from the body to sew it securely in place, stitching around the neck area.
2. Embroider the face: Using dark brown yarn (or safety eyes if you prefer), embroider two small eyes on the head, just above the muzzle. Add a small smile with a few straight stitches below the eyes.
3. Add blush (optional): For extra charm, use a small piece of blush pink yarn to embroider tiny circles on the cheeks.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends with your tapestry needle. Give your cow a gentle squeeze to shape it, and fluff the yarn if needed. Your Meadow Moo Plushie is complete!

This pattern is perfect for gifting, nursery decor, or simply as a cozy companion. The jumbo yarn makes it a quick project, and the pastel palette adds a modern, soothing touch. Enjoy your handmade creation!