Knitting Tutorial: Sweet Farmhouse Cow with Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted farmhouse cow is designed with a soft country look, complete with a floral head garland, striped cardigan, patterned trousers, shoulder bag, cozy hat, little sandals, and tiny picnic accessories. It makes a beautiful handmade gift, nursery display piece, collectible toy, or boutique-style knitted animal for shoppers searching for a knitted cow doll, heirloom toy, farmhouse nursery decor, handmade stuffed animal, or artisan knit gift.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English and is designed to help you recreate the knitted cow and all visible accessories shown in the image.

The finished doll is seated, softly stuffed, and proportioned with a large head, rounded muzzle, short neck, gentle torso, thick upper legs, and slightly tapered arms.

The visual style depends on smooth stockinette, neat shaping, careful embroidery, and accurate assembly angles.

The cardigan, pants, hat, bag, sandals, watering can, and picnic basket are all included below as separate sections.

For best visual accuracy, use lightweight yarn with a tight gauge so the toy holds its shape cleanly.

Materials

• Main cow colors: cream, medium brown, white, soft pink
• Clothing colors: cream, denim blue, rust, muted terracotta
• Accessory colors: tan, red, white, gray, pale blue, green, berry red, butter yellow, peach
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles and small circular if preferred
• Optional tighter finish: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) if you knit loosely
• Stuffing: fine polyester toy stuffing
• Safety eyes or embroidered eyes: tiny black 5 mm eyes or black embroidery thread
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Small buttons: 3 tiny wooden buttons for cardigan
• Thin craft wire: optional for basket handle and watering can spout stability

Suggested Gauge

28 to 32 sts and 36 to 42 rows = 4 inches in stockinette worked firmly.

Gauge is not only about size here. It also controls the neat, compact look of the face and clothing.

If your stitches look open, go down a needle size.

Finished Size

The cow itself measures about 10.5 to 12 inches tall when seated, or approximately 13 to 14 inches if posed fully extended.

The head is large and slightly taller than wide.

The muzzle projects outward prominently.

The ears sit wide and slightly low on the side panels of the head.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round

Color Notes for Accuracy

• The head has a wide white center panel running from top of forehead to muzzle base.
• The side head panels are medium brown.
• The muzzle is soft pink.
• The body, neck, and lower legs are mostly cream.
• The trousers are blue with small rust motifs near the top.
• The cardigan is cream with blue and rust horizontal stripes and blue trim.

Construction Order

1. Knit legs
2. Knit body upward from joined legs
3. Knit arms
4. Knit neck extension
5. Knit head sections
6. Knit muzzle, ears, horns, tail, flowers, leaves, berries
7. Assemble cow completely
8. Knit pants, cardigan, hat, bag, sandals
9. Knit watering can and picnic basket
10. Add all final details

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Legs (Make 2)

Begin at the hoof with cream.

These legs are plump, oval, and softly tapered upward. The feet are rounded and broad from the front view.

• CO 12 sts evenly across 3 needles. Join to work in the round.
• Rnd 1: Knit.
• Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
• Rnd 3: Knit.
• Rnd 4: K1, kfb, rep around. 36 sts.
• Rnds 5-10: Knit.
• Rnd 11: K4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
• Rnd 12: Knit.
• Rnd 13: K3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
• Rnds 14-22: Knit.

Stuff the hoof firmly, especially the toe area, so the front remains full and smooth.

• Rnd 23: K2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
• Rnds 24-36: Knit.
• Rnd 37: K1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
• Rnds 38-46: Knit.

Do not bind off. Place first leg on hold. Knit second leg the same.

Joining Legs and Lower Body

The toy is seated in the image, but the body should be constructed evenly so it can also be displayed upright with support.

• Knit across 12 sts of second leg.
• CO 4 sts between legs.
• Knit across 12 sts of first leg.
• CO 4 sts between legs. 32 sts total.

Place side markers at the center of each 4-st bridge.

• Rnd 1: Knit.
• Rnd 2: Kfb in first and last st of each bridge section. 36 sts.
• Rnd 3: Knit.
• Rnd 4: Kfb before and after each side marker. 40 sts.
• Rnds 5-10: Knit.

The lower body should now look gently rounded, not barrel-shaped.

• Rnd 11: K8, kfb, K4, kfb, K8, kfb, K4, kfb, K12. 44 sts.
• Rnds 12-18: Knit.

Begin stuffing the upper legs and lower body. Keep the lower front firm, the seat moderately full, and the belly slightly soft.

• Rnd 19: K9, k2tog, K9, k2tog, K9, k2tog, K9, k2tog. 40 sts.
• Rnds 20-24: Knit.
• Rnd 25: K8, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
• Rnds 26-30: Knit.

Upper Body and Chest

The chest is narrow compared with the hips. The neck emerges centrally and slightly forward.

• Rnd 31: K7, k2tog, rep around. 32 sts.
• Rnds 32-35: Knit.
• Rnd 36: K6, k2tog, rep around. 28 sts.
• Rnds 37-39: Knit.
• Rnd 40: K5, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
• Rnds 41-44: Knit.

Stuff the torso firmly enough to hold shape, but leave the top 1 inch softer so the neck can angle naturally.

Neck

• Rnd 45: K2tog around. 12 sts.
• Rnds 46-55: Knit.

Do not overstuff the neck. Insert only a small amount so it remains slightly flexible.

Break yarn, leaving a long tail for joining head.

Arms (Make 2)

The arms are medium length, lightly curved, and narrower at the wrist. The hands are cream and mitten-shaped.

• CO 10 sts evenly across 3 needles in cream. Join in the round.
• Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 20 sts.
• Rnds 2-5: Knit.
• Rnd 6: K3, k2tog, rep around. 16 sts.
• Rnds 7-11: Knit.

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Stuff the hand section firmly.

• Rnd 12: K2, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
• Rnds 13-28: Knit.

For the upper arm, add a touch more stuffing to the lower half only. Flatten the top opening.

• Next rnd: Knit.

Leave a long tail. Fold arm flat for sewing later. Do not close yet.

Head Main Panels

The head is easiest to construct from three shaped sections: one central white panel and two brown side panels.

This method helps reproduce the exact white blaze visible in the image.

Center Head Panel (Make 1)

Using white, work flat.

• CO 10 sts.
• Row 1 (WS): Purl.
• Row 2: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4: K1, kfb, K8, kfb, K1. 14 sts.
• Row 5: Purl.
• Row 6: K1, kfb, K10, kfb, K1. 16 sts.
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8: K1, kfb, K12, kfb, K1. 18 sts.
• Rows 9-26: Work in St st.
• Row 27: K1, ssk, K12, k2tog, K1. 16 sts.
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K1, ssk, K10, k2tog, K1. 14 sts.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: K1, ssk, K8, k2tog, K1. 12 sts.
• Row 32: Purl.
• Row 33: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.

Bind off knitwise on WS row.

Side Head Panels (Make 2)

Using brown, work flat.

• CO 8 sts.
• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2: K1, kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4: K1, kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
• Row 5: Purl.
• Row 6: K1, kfb, K10, kfb. 14 sts.
• Rows 7-24: Work in St st.
• Row 25: K1, ssk, K8, k2tog, K1. 12 sts.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.

Bind off.

Muzzle

The muzzle is prominent, rounded, and softly oval with a pale pink tone.

Use pink and work in the round.

• CO 8 sts.
• Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
• Rnd 2: Knit.
• Rnd 3: K1, kfb, rep around. 24 sts.
• Rnd 4: Knit.
• Rnd 5: K2, kfb, rep around. 32 sts.
• Rnds 6-11: Knit.
• Rnd 12: K2, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
• Rnd 13: Knit.

Stuff firmly so the muzzle projects well from the face.

• Rnd 14: K1, k2tog, rep around. 16 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw closed.

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Embroider two tiny nostrils in slightly darker pink or medium taupe, placed low and wide.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are short, wide, and softly rounded, angled out rather than straight up.

Use brown and work flat.

• CO 10 sts.
• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2: K1, kfb, K8, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
• Row 3: Purl.
• Rows 4-10: Work in St st.
• Row 11: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
• Row 12: Purl.
• Row 13: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
• Row 14: Purl.
• Row 15: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.

Bind off. Fold slightly at lower edge and sew into a soft cupped shape.

Horns (Make 2)

These tiny horns are cream and subtle.

• CO 6 sts in cream and join in round.
• Rnds 1-4: Knit.
• Rnd 5: K2tog around. 3 sts.

Break yarn, draw through remaining sts. Lightly stuff only the base.

Tail

• CO 4 sts in cream as an i-cord.
• Work i-cord for 10 rows.

For tail tuft, cut 6 to 8 short cream strands, fold in half, latch through end, and trim neatly.

Head Assembly

Sew the center white panel to the two brown side panels.

The white panel should remain broad through the forehead and narrow slightly toward the muzzle zone.

Close the back seam of the head, leaving lower edge open.

Stuff gradually while shaping. The forehead should be rounded, cheeks full, and lower face slightly narrower.

Sew the muzzle to the lower front center of the head.

Place it so the upper edge begins just below the eye line.

Attach safety eyes or embroider eyes on the brown panels, one on each side of the white blaze.

Position eyes low and wide for the gentle expression in the image.

Joining Head to Neck

Sew the open lower head edge to the neck opening.

The head should tilt slightly forward.

Keep the face centered.

Add extra stuffing into the chin and back head as needed before closing completely.

Attaching Arms, Ears, Horns, and Tail

• Sew arms at the upper sides of the torso, slightly below neck base.
• Angle arms downward and forward a little so they rest naturally beside the body.
• Sew ears wide on the side of the head, slightly below the top line.
• Sew horns just above the ears, peeking through the flower crown.
• Sew tail at back center, low on body.

Floral Head Garland

The crown includes small flowers, leaves, and berry shapes arranged across the forehead.

Base Garland Cord

• Using green, make an i-cord over 20 rows.

Wrap around the top-front head to check fit. It should sit from one ear base to the other, not all the way around the back.

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Small White Flower

• CO 20 sts in white.
• BO all sts.

Roll the strip into a small spiral rosette and stitch base.

Peach Flower

• CO 16 sts in peach.
• Row 1: *K1, kfb, rep to end. 24 sts.
• BO loosely.

Roll into a flatter blossom.

Yellow Center

• CO 4 sts in yellow as i-cord for 3 rows.
• Draw together into a tiny nub.

Berry Knots

• Make one red berry and one dark blue berry by winding yarn tightly into small embroidered knots over a few stuffing fibers.

Leaves (Make 3)

• CO 3 sts in green.
• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4: Ssk, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
• Row 5: P3tog.

Stitch flowers, berries, and leaves onto the base cord. Sew the completed garland across the forehead between the horns.

Trousers

The trousers are high-waisted, knitted separately, and fitted over the body. The legs are blue with a rust motif band near the top.

Make 2 legs first.

• Using blue, CO 18 sts for first trouser leg and join in round.
• Rnds 1-8: Knit 1, purl 1 rib.
• Rnds 9-18: Knit.

Repeat for second leg.

Join legs with 4 sts cast on between. 40 sts total.

• Rnd 19: Knit.
• Rnds 20-24: Work motif band as follows.

Simple motif band over 10-st repeat:

• Rnd A: K8 blue, K2 rust, rep around.
• Rnd B: K7 blue, K1 rust, K1 blue, K1 rust, rep around.
• Rnd C: Same as Rnd A.
• Rnd D: Knit all blue.
• Rnd E: Repeat Rnd B.

• Rnds 25-32: Knit in blue.
• Rnd 33: K2, p2 rib around.
• Rnds 34-38: Continue rib.
• BO loosely.

Sew the crotch gap neatly if needed. Pull trousers onto doll. They should sit high on the waist under the cardigan.

Sleeveless Under Top

The doll appears to wear a cream underlayer beneath the cardigan.

• CO 32 sts in cream. Join in round.
• Rnds 1-12: Knit.
• Rnd 13: BO 4 sts, knit 12, BO 4 sts, knit 12.

Front and back are now separate.

• Work each section 6 rows in St st.
• BO.

Sew shoulder tops lightly or leave open enough to slide over from the bottom before final dressing.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cream with narrow blue edging, blue and rust sleeve/body stripes, and a v-neck front opening with 3 buttons.

Work flat from lower body upward.

• Using cream, CO 42 sts.
• Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
• Rows 5-8: Knit in cream.
• Rows 9-10: Knit in blue.
• Rows 11-12: Knit in cream.
• Rows 13-14: Knit in rust.
• Rows 15-22: Knit in cream.

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Shape fronts and armholes.

• Row 23: K9, BO 4, K16, BO 4, K9.

Now work left front, back, right front separately.

Left Front

• Row 24 WS: P9.
• Row 25 RS: K7, k2tog. 8 sts.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27: K6, k2tog. 7 sts.
• Continue decreasing 1 st at front neck edge every RS row 4 more times.

At same time, work 8 total rows from armhole edge. BO shoulder.

Back

• Work 10 rows even on 16 sts.
• BO center 6 sts.
• Work each side 2 rows more.
• BO shoulders.

Right Front

Mirror left front.

Sleeves (Make 2)

• Using cream, CO 18 sts.
• Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
• Rows 5-8: Knit cream.
• Rows 9-10: Knit blue.
• Rows 11-12: Knit cream.
• Rows 13-14: Knit rust.
• Rows 15-20: Knit cream.
• Increase 1 st each side on Rows 7 and 15. 22 sts.
• BO.

Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams.

Pick up stitches all around the front opening and neck edge with blue.

• Pick up approximately 38 to 44 sts.
• Work 3 rows in garter stitch.
• BO knitwise.

Sew 3 tiny wooden buttons to one front. The opposite front can be lightly snapped, stitched invisibly, or left decorative.

Hat

The hat is cream with blue-white motif detail and a rust stripe. It has earflaps and long tie cords.

Work from lower edge upward.

• CO 54 sts in cream and join in round.
• Rnds 1-6: K1, p1 rib.
• Rnds 7-10: Knit cream.
• Rnd 11: Knit blue.
• Rnds 12-14: Work small motif band in blue and white using 6-st repeat.
• Rnd 15: Knit rust.
• Rnds 16-21: Knit cream.
• Rnd 22: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
• Rnd 23: Knit.
• Rnd 24: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
• Rnd 25: Knit.
• Rnd 26: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
• Rnd 27: Knit.
• Rnd 28: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
• Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
• Rnd 30: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
• Rnd 31: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

For earflaps, pick up 10 sts at one side lower edge.

• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.

BO. Repeat for second earflap.

Add i-cord ties, 18 to 20 rows each.

Shoulder Bag

The bag is cream with a knitted cow face on the front and a long strap.

• CO 14 sts in cream.
• Rows 1-16: Work in St st.
• BO.

Make two identical rectangles. Sew side and lower edges, leaving top open.

For strap:

• CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 42 to 48 rows.
• Sew to side upper corners.

Front applique cow face:

• Embroider a tiny pink oval muzzle.
• Add two small brown ear shapes.
• Add a tiny white forehead patch.
• Use black embroidery for two dot eyes.

Sandals (Make 2)

The sandals are tan with a blue bow on top and cream foot openings.

Sole

• CO 8 sts in tan.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
• Rows 3-6: Work in St st.
• BO.

Upper Strap

• CO 12 sts in cream.
• Work 2 rows garter.
• BO.

Sew as toe strap.

Heel Strap

• CO 8 sts in tan.
• Work 2 rows garter.
• BO.

Sew from one side of sandal to the other at back.

Bow

• CO 10 sts in pale blue.
• Work 4 rows St st.
• BO.

Pinch center and wrap yarn around middle. Sew onto top front of sandal.

Watering Can

This tiny gray watering can is decorative and should remain lightly stuffed or structured with felt inside.

• CO 8 sts in gray and join in round.
• Rnd 1: Kfb all around. 16 sts.
• Rnds 2-6: Knit.
• Rnd 7: K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
• Rnd 8: Knit.

Stuff lightly or insert felt tube. Close top partially, leaving a slight opening impression.

For spout:

• CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 8 rows.
• Sew to side front at upward angle.

For handle:

• CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 10 rows.
• Curve and sew from upper back to upper side.

Picnic Basket

The basket is tan with a red-and-white check top and a single curved handle.

Basket Base

• CO 10 sts in tan.
• Rows 1-8: Work in St st.

Pick up stitches around all 4 sides and work in round for side walls.

• Rnd 1: Pick up to total about 32 sts.
• Rnds 2-8: Knit.
• BO loosely.

Lid Cushion

• Make two rectangles, 10 sts by 6 rows, in white.
• Duplicate stitch or embroider red vertical and horizontal stripes to form checks.

Lightly pad and sew side by side on basket top.

Handle

• CO 3 sts in tan and work i-cord for 16 rows.

Curve and sew ends to basket sides.

Dressing the Cow

1. Put on the cream under top.
2. Pull on the blue patterned trousers.
3. Place the cardigan over the arms and body.
4. Button front loosely.
5. Set the hat to one side of the doll.
6. Place the shoulder bag beside the cow or across the body if you lengthen the strap slightly.
7. Position sandals in front as shown.
8. Place basket and watering can beside the doll for styling.

Facial Embroidery Notes

• Eyes should be tiny, black, and placed low on the face for a sweet expression.
• The muzzle should sit centered and slightly high relative to the chin.
• Nostrils are small and subtle, not bold.
• A tiny blush of pale pink embroidery beneath the eyes is optional.

Shaping Notes for Image Accuracy

The most important parts of this design are the head width, strong muzzle projection, low eye placement, and broad seated legs.

Do not make the neck too long or too stiff.

Do not overstuff the arms.

The cardigan should feel slightly roomy, not tight.

The trousers should reach the waist and cover the tops of the legs.

The floral crown should sit mainly at the front, not like a full wreath.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Check head tilt before fully securing the neck seam.
• Make sure the ears sit symmetrically but not rigidly flat.
• Adjust the muzzle stuffing so the nose remains softly rounded from the side view.
• Add the flower crown last so it frames the face cleanly.
• Sew all clothing pieces neatly and invisibly where needed.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Handle floral crown and small accessories gently.
• Keep out of reach of very small children if safety eyes or tiny buttons are used.
• Store flat or seated to preserve shaping.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the white blaze centered?
• Are both eyes evenly placed?
• Does the muzzle project clearly?
• Do the trousers sit high enough?
• Is the cardigan striped and buttoned correctly?
• Are the flower, berry, and leaf details balanced across the forehead?
• Do all accessories match the farmhouse styling?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• Use a soft cloth with cool water and mild soap for light cleaning.
• Do not soak wooden buttons, stuffed accessories, or wired pieces.
• Lay flat on a towel to dry and reshape by hand.
• Avoid strong sunlight for long display periods to reduce fading.
• Store in a breathable fabric bag if kept seasonally.