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Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern

Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
4.0K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a sweet Highland cow head that stores four decorative coasters and a loop-stitch mat. You will crochet four sunflower-like coasters, a textured mat, and a small stuffed cow head with horns, ears and a sewn-on nose. Techniques include working in rounds, loop stitches for the mat and simple shaping to create the cow features.

Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The pattern uses multiple hook sizes to achieve different textures and finishes and includes full round-by-round instructions for every piece. Photos and step notes are provided to help with placement and assembly.

Why You'll Love This Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines function and charm in one small project. The cow head doubles as a cozy container for the coasters, which makes the set both decorative and practical. The loop-stitch mat adds a playful texture that I find addictive to make. I enjoy designing pieces that allow for color play and small finishing details like embroidered eyes and a sewn nose. This pattern is a satisfying weekend project that results in a unique handmade gift.

Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize the colours for this set; I often swap the browns for greys or creams to make different Highland cow looks.

I like to change yarn weight and hook size to create a mini or jumbo version: use thinner yarn and smaller hooks for keychain-sized cows, or bulky yarn and larger hooks for a plush, oversized display piece.

I sometimes add tiny crocheted flowers or a bow to the cow's head for a seasonal accent or to coordinate with room decor.

If you want different coaster shapes, change the stitch pattern on rounds 4-6 to create scalloped or bobble-edged coasters instead of the sunflower loops.

I occasionally replace embroidered eyes with small safety eyes if making for adults, but I prefer embroidery for a softer, handmade look for gifts to children.

Try different yarn textures for the mat; a boucle or textured bulky yarn creates very different loop effects and a cozy, rustic surface.

I like to stuff the coasters lightly when making a decorative display so they have a bit of volume when folded and placed inside the head.

Consider making matching sets in coordinating colours for seasonal gift sets — neutral tones for year-round use or bright colours for holidays.

For extra detail, embroider tiny freckles or a nostril detail on the nose before sewing it on to personalize each cow's expression.

I sometimes add a short length of wire to the horns before stuffing to make them poseable and to create subtle expressive angles when displayed.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers during rounds can lead to losing your starting point; place a marker at the start of each round to maintain correct stitch counts. ✗ Using a different hook without adjusting tension can change the finished size of coasters and the head; swatch and adjust hook size to match gauge before continuing. ✗ Overstuffing horns and nose will distort shape and make sewing them onto the head awkward; stuff lightly and shape gradually for the best results. ✗ Forgetting to flip the horn and ear pieces when instructed can make the shaping incorrect; follow the instructions to flip the piece and work from the outside when it begins to curl.

Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern

Make a charming Mungo Highland Cow coaster set with a tiny cow head, four sunflower-style coasters and a textured loop-stitch mat. This pattern guides you through crocheting each piece, assembling the head, and adding playful details like horns, ears and a nose. Perfect for gifting or adding handmade character to your table, the set blends simple shapes with fun finishes.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Mungo Highland Cow Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Impeccable Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads (4.5 oz. / 127.5g; 285 yd. / 260 m) - Walnut (used for coasters & cow head)
  • 02
    Lion Brand Skein Tones (Honey) - used together with Walnut for coasters & cow head details
  • 03
    Ears: Walnut (same as main)
  • 04
    Horns: Almond (Impeccable or similar)
  • 05
    Nose: Bernat Super Value (Topaz)
  • 06
    Mat: Lion's Pride Woolspun Yarn (Forest Print - discontinued) or various bulky yarns for loop mat (size 5 weight recommended)
  • 07
    Various yarns and colours for small flowers on the mat (medium 4 weight recommended for flowers)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 5.0 mm (U.S. H/8) for coasters and some details
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 5.5 mm (U.S. H/9) for cow head
  • 03
    Crochet hook size 6.5 mm (recommended for loop-stitch mat; use size needed for your yarn)
  • 04
    Embroidery thread or black yarn for eyes
  • 05
    Tapestry / yarn needle
  • 06
    Small amount of stuffing for nose (and small stuffing for horns)
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Stitch markers (optional but recommended)
  • 09
    Stitch counter (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Coasters :

Round 1 :

Colour WALNUT. Create MC, 6 sc into MC. Sl st to close round (6)

Round 2 :

2 sc in each st (increase) around (12). Sl st to close round

Round 3 :

*2 sc in next st (increase), sc in next st* rep around (18). Sl st to close round

Round 4 :

Ch 1, *2 hdc into next st, hdc in next 2 sts* repeat around (24). Sl st into ch 1 to close round

Round 5 :

Ch 2 (counts as first dc), dc in same sp. Ch 1, skip next st. *2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* repeat around ending in ch 1 (36). Sl st to top of ch 2 to close.

Round 6 :

Ch 3 (counts as first hdc and ch 1). *3 hdc in next space, ch 1* repeat around ending with 2 hdc in last space. Sl st to top of ch 2 to close round (48). Fasten off.

Round 7 :

Colour HONEY. Join with sl st to round 6 cluster space. *Ch 14. (Continues below)

Infos :

sl st into same sp, sl st into next 2 sts

Round 7 continued :

ch 10, sl st into same sp, sl st into next 2 st* repeat around. Fasten off.

— Cow Head :

Info :

To make the head, use 2 strands of yarn at the same time. Use 5.5 mm hook.

Round 1 :

MC, ch 2 (counts as hdc). 9 hdc in the MC. Join with sl st into top of ch 2 to close round (10).

Round 2 :

Ch 2 (counts as hdc). Hdc into same st. *2 hdc in next st* repeat around. Join with sl st into top of ch 2 to close round (20).

Round 3 :

Ch 2 (counts as hdc). Hdc into same st. *Hdc in next st. 2 hdc in next st* repeat around. Join with sl st into top of ch 2 to close round (30).

Round 4 :

Ch 2 (counts as hdc). Hdc into same st. *Hdc in next 2 sts. 2 hdc in next st* repeat around. Join with sl st into top of ch 2 to close round (40).

Round 5-12 :

Ch 1. Hdc in each st around. Join with sl st into ch 1 to close off round (40).

Round 13 :

Ch 1. *Hdc together (decrease stitch). Hdc in next 2 sts* repeat around. Join with sl st to close off round. Fasten off and weave in any loose ends using a yarn needle.

Info :

Use black embroidery thread or yarn to add eyes to the head. Tip: wait until the nose is complete and sewn onto the head before adding eyes. This will ensure correct eye placement to the nose.

— Horn (make 2) :

Info :

Use 5 mm hook. Working in continuous rounds. Starting at the tip of the horn.

Round 1 :

Create MC, 5 sc into MC, join with sl st (5)

Round 2 :

Sc around (5)

Round 3 :

2 sc (increase), sc, 2 sc (increase), sc

Info :

At this point the piece should start curling, flip it inside out and work the rounds from the outside.

Rounds :

Dc in next 6 sts. Sc in next 2 sts. Dc in next 4 sts. Sc in next 3 sts. Dc in next st. 2 dc in next st (increase). Dc in next 2 sts. Sc in next 4 sts. (All of the sc sts should be lining up in each row and you should start to see the horn curling)

Rounds continued :

Dc in next 2 sts. 2 dc in next st (increase). Dc in next 2 sts. Sc in next 3 sts. Dc in next 6 sts. Sc in next 4 sts. Dc in next 9 sts.

Round final :

Fasten off leaving long tail. Lightly stuff horns and shape as desired. Sew onto opposite sides of the head near the top.

— Ear (make 2) :

Info :

Use 5 mm hook. Working in continuous rounds.

Round 1 :

Create MC, 6 dc into MC, sl st to close

Round 2 :

2 dc in each st (increase) (12), sl st to close. (At this point the piece should start curling, flip it inside out and work the rounds from the outside)

Round 3 :

Dc in each st around (12)

Round 4 :

Dc-together (decrease) in each st around (6)

Finish :

Fasten off leaving long tail (approximately 12") to sew onto head. Fold bottom of ear together and sew a few stitches with long tail to keep it pinched. Sew onto each side of the head.

Info :

Sew each ear onto opposite sides of the head just under horn. Make sure both ears are facing the same direction.

— Nose :

Info :

Use 5 mm hook. Note: The nose uses a method in which the starting chain moves along the round so it will shift as you go. We are making an oval shape (not a circle).

Round 1 :

Ch 6. Sc into 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 3 sts, 3 sc into end chain.

Round 1 continued :

Continue around working in bottom side of ch 6. Sc into next 3 sts, 2 sc (increase) into end ch (12). Sl st into next ch (this will now count as the end of the previous row. The next sc will act as the first st in the next round).

Round 2 :

Sc in next 3 sts (put your marker into the 1st st and this will be the starting ch of the round). 2 sc in the next 3 sts (increase), sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next 3 sts (18). Sl st into first st to end this row. Next st is the beginning of Round 3.

Round 3 :

Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next 3 sts (increase), sc into the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the next 3 sts, sc into the last 3 sts (24). Sl st into first st to end this row. Next st is the beginning of Round 4.

Round 4 :

Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st (increase), sc into the next 2 sts, 2 sc into the next (increase), sc into the next 2 sts, 2 sc into the next (increase), sc into the next 5 sts, 2 sc into the next (increase), sc into the next 2 sts, 2 sc into the next (increase), sc into the next 2 sts, 2 sc into the next (increase), sc into the next 2 sts (30). Sl st into first st to end this row. Next st is the beginning of Round 5.

Round 5-6 :

Sc around (30). No need to sl st to beginning first chain, just keep going around.

Round 7 :

Sc in next 4 sts. You should end around one of the corners of the oval (not in the middle). Fasten off leaving long tail (approximately 20"). Stuff lightly and sew onto bottom middle of the head.

— Mat :

Info :

I used a 6.5mm hook, but use the size needed for your yarn. The method used to make the mat consists of loop stitches in a round. It can be tricky at first but keep trying! The effect in the end is worth the effort.

Row 1 :

MC, 6 sc into MC, sl st to close (see video link above for how to do this)

Row 2 :

2 sc into each st around (increase), sl st to close (12)

Row 3 :

*sc in next st, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (28)

Row 4 :

*sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase) * repeat around, sl st (24)

Row 5 :

*sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (30)

Row 6 :

*sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (36)

Row 7 :

*sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (42)

Row 8 :

*sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (48)

Row 9 :

*sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (54)

Row 10 :

*sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (60)

Row 11 :

*sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st (increase)* repeat around, sl st (66)

Info :

The small flowers on the mat are made using French Knots: Thread a yarn needle with the yarn colour of your choice and fold the yarn in half. Push the needle through the back of the mat to the front making sure to avoid poking through any loops.

French Knot :

Pull up the needle and do a French Knot (wrap thread around bottom of the needle twice). Push the needle back through the mat making sure not to poke through the same hole you came up on (try to catch at least 1 stitch or else your flowers might pull through the back of the mat). Gently pull the yarn tight to make a French Knot.

Finish mat :

Scatter flowers throughout the mat adding the occasional cluster of 2-3 together.

— Final Assembly :

Final Assembly :

Fold the mat and place inside the bottom of the head. Fold a coaster over the front and back of the head. Fold the remaining 2 coasters in half, then half again and stuff into the head with the loops hanging out the top.

Assembly Instructions

  • Fold the mat and place inside the bottom of the head to create structure and a base for the coasters.
  • Fold one coaster over the front and back of the head to create the cow body shape, then fold the remaining two coasters in half twice and stuff them into the head with the loop edges hanging out the top for the hair.
  • Sew horns onto opposite sides of the head near the top using the long tail left from the horn pieces, and shape lightly with stuffing before securing.
  • Position ears just under each horn and sew them in place; fold the bottom of each ear together and tack a few stitches to keep it pinched before attaching.
  • Sew the nose to the bottom middle of the head using the long tail left from the nose piece and stuff lightly to achieve the rounded snout.
  • Add eyes with black embroidery thread or yarn after the nose is sewn on so you can place them correctly in relation to the nose.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern is written for right-handed crochet and does not provide step-by-step stitch tutorials; refer to other resources if you need stitch explanations.
  • 💡Work the horn and ear pieces until they begin to curl, then flip inside out and continue working from the outside to get the correct shaping.
  • 💡Use two strands of yarn held together for the cow head to achieve the recommended thickness and texture.

This Mungo Highland Cow set is a playful mix of crochet techniques and functional design, perfect for gifting or decorating your own table. The little cow doubles as storage for the coasters and the looped mat adds a cozy textured touch to the set. Have fun with colours and enjoy the smiles this handmade set will bring. 🧶🐄✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Cow head with coasters and mat inside measures approximately 10" (L) x 6" (W) x 5.5" (H); coasters are approximately 6.5" diameter and the mat is about 8" diameter.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but it will affect final size and texture; the mat was made with bulky (size 5) yarn and a 6.5 mm hook, while the coasters and head use medium weight yarn with 5-5.5 mm hooks.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of crochet stitches and techniques is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary based on experience level and how much time you spend on finishing and assembly.