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Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern
4.8★ Rating
6-8 Hours Time Needed
2.4K Made This
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Intermediate Level

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

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All-Day Adventure

Requires 8-10 hours, ideal for a full day of immersive knitting.

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

This Highland cow pattern brings together practicality and charm in one adorable package. The set includes a fuzzy-textured cow head with curved horns and floppy ears, four decorative coasters with sunflower-style edges, and a grass mat with loop stitch texture. What makes this pattern special is its clever storage design where all pieces nest inside the cow head for easy organization. Using earthy walnut, honey, and almond tones, this project captures the rustic beauty of Scottish Highland cattle.

Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The pattern uses medium weight yarn and multiple hook sizes to create different textures throughout the set. French knot embroidery adds delicate flower details to the grass mat, while the loop stitch technique creates realistic fuzzy texture for both the cow's coat and the mat.

Why You'll Love This Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love how this pattern combines form and function in such a clever way. The Highland cow isn't just decorative – it's a practical storage solution that keeps your coasters organized when not in use. I'm drawn to the textural variety in this project, from the smooth coaster centers to the decorative sunflower edges and the fuzzy loop stitch work. The color palette of warm browns and honey tones creates such a cozy, rustic feel that works beautifully in any home. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about creating a complete coordinated set rather than just a single item. The French knot flowers on the mat add that perfect finishing touch of whimsy.

Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with different colorways for this Highland cow set. While the classic brown and tan tones are gorgeous and authentic, I've had so much fun creating variations. Try making a white Highland cow with grey accents for a snowy winter version, or go bold with a black cow and cream nose for dramatic contrast.

The coasters are perfect for customization too. I've made sets with different colored centers while keeping the honey-colored edges consistent, creating a rainbow collection that still coordinates beautifully. You could also experiment with the decorative edge on the coasters - add more or fewer loops for different sunflower petal effects.

For the grass mat, I encourage you to really play with color. I've created autumn mats using rust, burgundy, and golden yellow for the French knot flowers, and spring versions with bright pinks, purples, and white. You could even make a wildflower meadow by using every color of yarn scraps you have.

The loop stitch technique can be adjusted too. Wrap your yarn around more fingers before pulling through for longer, shaggier grass, or use fewer fingers for a more manicured lawn look. I've even made mats with different shades of green yarn alternating to create depth and dimension.

Another fun variation is sizing. Make a smaller version with baby yarn and a tiny hook for a dollhouse accessory, or go jumbo with super bulky yarn and a large hook for an actual coaster holder that sits on your table. I've also made just the cow head in different sizes as quirky plant pot covers or pencil holders.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not using two strands of yarn together for the cow head, resulting in a flimsy structure that won't hold its shape properly ✗ Skipping the slip stitch closures in coaster rounds, which causes the circles to spiral instead of maintaining clean round shapes ✗ Failing to flip the horn inside out at the right point, making it curl incorrectly and look unnatural when attached ✗ Forgetting to stuff the nose lightly before sewing, creating a flat appearance instead of the dimensional oval muzzle ✗ Not using stitch markers during the nose construction, losing track of the shifting starting chain and creating an uneven shape ✗ Pulling loop stitches too tight on the mat, which flattens the fuzzy grass texture instead of letting loops stand up

Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

Create an adorable Highland cow head storage set complete with four decorative coasters and a textured grass mat. This charming pattern combines functionality with cuteness, featuring a fuzzy Highland cow head that cleverly stores the coasters and mat inside. Perfect for adding a whimsical Scottish touch to your home décor while keeping your surfaces protected. The coasters feature beautiful sunflower-style edges, and the grass mat uses loop stitches for authentic texture.

Intermediate 6-8 Hours

Materials Needed for Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Impeccable Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads (4.5 oz/127.5g; 285 yd/260 m) in Walnut color for coasters and cow head
  • 02
    Lion Brand Skein Tones in Honey color for coaster edges and cow accents
  • 03
    Impeccable Solid Yarn in Walnut color for ears
  • 04
    Impeccable Solid Yarn in Almond color for horns
  • 05
    Bernat Super Value in Topaz color for nose
  • 06
    Lion's Pride Woolspun Yarn in Forest Print for grass mat (or any bulky weight yarn)
  • 07
    Various yarn colors for mat flowers (medium weight 4)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size U.S H/8 (5 mm)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size U.S H/9 (5.5 mm)
  • 03
    Crochet hook size 6.5 mm for mat (or size appropriate for chosen yarn)
  • 04
    Embroidery thread or black yarn for eyes
  • 05
    Tapestry needle or yarn needle
  • 06
    Small amount of stuffing for nose
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Stitch counter (optional)
  • 09
    Stitch markers (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— COASTERS (make 4) - Use 5 mm hook :

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

— COW HEAD - Use 5.5 mm hook :

Info :

To make the head, use 2 strands of yarn at the same time

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) - Use 5 mm hook :

Info :

Working in continuous rounds. Starting at the tip of the horn

Step 1 :

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

Step 2 :

Sc around (5)

Step 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

Step 4 :

Dc in next 6 sts

Step 5 :

Sc in next 2 sts

Step 6 :

Dc in next 4 sts

Step 7 :

Sc in next 3 sts

Step 8 :

Dc in next st

Step 9 :

2 dc in next st (increase)

Step 10 :

Dc in next 2 sts

Step 11 :

Sc in next 4 sts

Info :

All of the sc sts should be lining up in each row and you should start to see the horn curling

Step 12 :

Dc in next 2 sts

Step 13 :

2 dc in next st (increase)

Step 14 :

Dc in next 2 sts

Step 15 :

Sc in next 3 sts

Step 16 :

Dc in next 6 sts

Step 17 :

Sc in next 4 sts

Step 18 :

Dc in next 9 sts

Step 19 :

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) - Use 5 mm hook :

Info :

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

Info :

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)

Finishing :

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 just under horn. Make sure both ears are facing the same direction

— NOSE - Use 5 mm hook :

Info :

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. 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 - Use 6.5mm hook or size needed for your yarn :

Info :

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. You can customize the size of your mat depending on how big you want it. Just keep increasing the number of sc in between an increase st in each row. The total number of stitches will increase by 6 with every row

Row 1 :

MC, 6 sc into MC, sl st to close (6)

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 (18)

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)

French Knot Flowers :

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

Assembly Instructions

  • Fold the grass mat and place it inside the bottom of the cow head
  • Fold one coaster over the front of the head and another coaster over the back of the head
  • Take the remaining two coasters and fold each in half, then fold in half again
  • Stuff the folded coasters into the top of the cow head with the decorative loops hanging out the top for display

Important Notes

  • 💡Remember to use two strands of yarn held together when crocheting the cow head for proper structure and stability
  • 💡Use stitch markers when making the nose to track the shifting starting chain as it moves around the oval shape
  • 💡Wait to add the embroidered eyes until after the nose is attached to ensure proper placement and facial proportions
  • 💡When flipping the horns and ears inside out, do this at the exact point indicated to achieve the correct curled shape
  • 💡For the loop stitch mat, avoid pulling the loops too tight - they should stand up to create realistic grass texture
  • 💡French knot flowers should catch at least one stitch when going back through the mat to prevent pulling through
  • 💡When assembling, fold coasters carefully to avoid creasing the decorative edges permanently

This charming Highland Cow Coaster Set pattern brings Scottish countryside whimsy to your home with a perfect blend of form and function. The adorable fuzzy cow head becomes a clever storage solution for four sunflower-edged coasters and a textured grass mat, all working together as a coordinated set. Whether displayed on your coffee table or given as a unique handmade gift, this project showcases beautiful texture work from loop stitches to French knots. It's a delightful way to practice intermediate techniques while creating something both decorative and practical. 🐄🧶✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Why do I need to use two strands of yarn for the cow head?

Using two strands together creates a thicker, sturdier fabric that helps the cow head maintain its shape and structure. Single strand would result in a floppy head that can't stand up or hold the coasters properly inside.

Can I make the coasters and mat without the cow head?

Absolutely! The coasters and mat work beautifully as standalone pieces. You can make just the coasters for a functional set, or create the grass mat as a decorative trivet or small rug.

What's the best way to learn loop stitches for the mat?

Loop stitches can be tricky at first. Search for video tutorials on loop stitch technique, practice on a small swatch first, and don't pull too tight. The loops should stand up freely to create the fuzzy grass texture.

How do I make the nose oval instead of it becoming a circle?

The key is following the shifting starting chain method carefully and using stitch markers. The pattern intentionally moves the beginning point around to create the oval shape rather than a standard circular increase pattern.

Can I use different yarn weights for this project?

You can adjust yarn weights, but you'll need to change hook sizes accordingly and be aware that your finished measurements will differ. The pattern works best with medium weight (4) yarn as specified for consistent results.

Why won't my horns curl properly?

The horns should naturally start to curl as you work. The critical step is flipping them inside out at the indicated point. If you miss this step or do it too early/late, the curl won't form correctly. The alternating dc and sc stitches create the curl effect.

How do I keep track of rounds when the pattern doesn't use slip stitches?

Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round. When you come back around to the marker, you know you've completed one full round. Move the marker up as you begin each new round.

Can this pattern be made child-safe?

Yes! Use safety eyes if making for young children, embroider the eyes securely, and ensure all pieces are sewn on firmly. Avoid small embellishments that could be choking hazards. The coasters and mat are naturally safe.