🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern
4.2★ Rating
8-10 Hours Time Needed
1.3K 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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Charming Critter

Delightful animal designs with sweet details that capture the essence of your favorite woodland and farmyard friends.

About This Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

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

The pattern uses multiple yarn weights and textures to create dimension and visual interest. Loop stitches create the grass effect on the mat while the coasters feature an elegant combination of single crochet, half double crochet, and decorative chain loops.

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

I absolutely love how this pattern combines functionality with pure charm. The Highland cow aesthetic is irresistibly cute, and I appreciate that the coasters aren't just decorative but actually useful for protecting surfaces. What really draws me to this design is the clever storage solution where everything tucks inside the cow head, making it both a conversation starter and a practical organizer. The textured loop stitch mat adds such a realistic grassy feel, and those tiny French knot flowers are the perfect finishing touch that makes this project feel truly special and handcrafted.

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 this pattern to make each Highland cow uniquely mine. Sometimes I swap the traditional brown and tan colors for pastel shades like soft pink or lavender to create a whimsical fairy-tale version that's perfect for a nursery or kids' room.

For the grass mat, I've tried using variegated yarns that blend different shades of green, which creates a more natural meadow effect with depth and dimension. You could even use autumn colors like oranges, reds, and yellows for a seasonal twist.

The French knot flowers are where I really let my creativity shine. Instead of scattering them randomly, I sometimes create intentional flower clusters in specific areas or even arrange them in a pattern like a heart or initials for personalized gifts.

If you want to make this set more functional year-round, consider creating multiple sets of coasters in different colors and swap them out seasonally while keeping the cow head as a permanent holder. I've made summer versions with bright yellows and blues, and winter sets with deep burgundy and forest green.

For an extra special touch, I sometimes add small embroidered details to the cow's face like rosy cheeks using pink embroidery floss, or give the nose a bit of dimensional texture by using a slightly thicker yarn. These small personalized touches make each piece feel like a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Forgetting to flip the horn and ear pieces inside out after the curling begins, which results in the wrong side showing on the finished piece ✗ Not using stitch markers when creating the oval nose shape, making it difficult to track where each round begins and ends as it shifts ✗ Pulling the loop stitches too tight on the mat, which flattens the fuzzy grass texture instead of creating dimensional loops ✗ Skipping the stuffing step for the nose or overstuffing it, which affects the proper oval shape and proportions of the cow's snout

Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

Create an adorable Highland cow coaster set complete with a fuzzy textured head, four round coasters, and a grass-textured mat decorated with tiny French knot flowers. This charming crochet project combines practical coasters with a delightful Highland cow display piece that stores everything neatly inside. Perfect for bringing a touch of farmhouse charm to your coffee table or as a thoughtful handmade gift for cow lovers and crochet enthusiasts alike.

Intermediate 8-10 Hours

Materials Needed for Highland Cow Coaster Set Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Impeccable Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads in Walnut (4.5 oz/127.5g; 285 yd/260m)
  • 02
    Lion Brand Skein Tones in Honey
  • 03
    Impeccable Solid Yarn in Almond for horns
  • 04
    Bernat Super Value in Topaz for nose
  • 05
    Lion's Pride Woolspun Yarn in Forest Print or similar bulky yarn (size 5-6 weight) for grass mat
  • 06
    Various medium weight (4) yarn in assorted colors for flowers

— Tools Required

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

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 :

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

Info :

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

— Horn (make 2) - Use 5 mm hook :

Info :

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

Round 4 :

Dc in next 6 sts

Round 5 :

Sc in next 2 sts

Round 6 :

Dc in next 4 sts

Round 7 :

Sc in next 3 sts

Round 8 :

Dc in next st

Round 9 :

2 dc in next st (increase)

Round 10 :

Dc in next 2 sts

Round 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

Round 12 :

Dc in next 2 sts

Round 13 :

2 dc in next st (increase)

Round 14 :

Dc in next 2 sts

Round 15 :

Sc in next 3 sts

Round 16 :

Dc in next 6 sts

Round 17 :

Sc in next 4 sts

Round 18 :

Dc in next 9 sts

Info :

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)

Info :

Fasten off leaving long tail (approximately 12 inches) to sew onto head. Fold bottom of ear together and sew a few stitches with long tail to keep it pinched. Sew each ear onto opposite sides of the head just under horn, making 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

Round 2 :

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 3 :

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 4

Round 4 :

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 5

Round 5 :

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 6

Round 6-7 :

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

Round 8 :

Sc in next 4 sts. You should end around one of the corners of the oval (not in the middle)

Info :

Fasten off leaving long tail (approximately 20 inches). Stuff lightly and sew onto bottom middle of the head

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

Infos :

The method used to make the mat consists of loop stitches in a round. It can be tricky at first but keep trying. 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

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)

Infos :

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. 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

  • Use black embroidery thread or yarn to embroider eyes onto the cow head between the nose and where the horns will be placed
  • Lightly stuff the horns with fiberfill and shape them into a gentle curve, then sew them onto opposite sides of the top of the head
  • Fold the bottom of each ear together and secure with a few stitches to create the pinched effect, then sew ears onto each side of the head just below the horns facing the same direction
  • Lightly stuff the oval nose and sew it onto the bottom middle section of the cow head, ensuring it sits centered
  • Add French knot flowers scattered across the loop-stitch grass mat using various colored yarns, creating occasional clusters of two to three flowers together
  • Fold the completed grass mat and place it inside the bottom of the cow head
  • Fold one coaster over the front and one over the back of the cow head, then fold the remaining two coasters in half twice and tuck them inside the head with the decorative loops hanging out the top for display

Important Notes

  • 💡Remember to flip horn and ear pieces inside out after they start curling to ensure the right side shows on the finished project
  • 💡Use stitch markers when creating the oval nose to track shifting round beginnings as the starting chain moves along each round
  • 💡Keep loop stitches loose on the grass mat to maintain the fuzzy dimensional texture rather than pulling them tight and flattening the grass effect
  • 💡Wait to add eyes until after the nose is sewn on to ensure proper placement and proportion on the cow face
  • 💡The pattern uses different hook sizes for different components, so keep both 5mm and 5.5mm hooks handy throughout the project
  • 💡When working with two strands of yarn simultaneously for the cow head, make sure they feed evenly to maintain consistent tension

This delightful Highland Cow Coaster Set brings farmhouse charm and functionality together in one adorable package. The clever design allows all four coasters and the grass mat to store neatly inside the fuzzy cow head, making it both a practical accessory holder and a conversation-starting decoration. With its textured loop-stitch grass, delicate French knot flowers, and those signature curled Highland cow horns, this project captures the gentle spirit of these beloved Scottish cattle. Perfect for your own home or as a heartfelt handmade gift for any animal lover. Happy crocheting!

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can adapt the pattern to different yarn weights, but you'll need to adjust your hook size accordingly and be aware that the finished size will vary. The coasters and cow head use medium weight (4) yarn with a 5-5.5mm hook, while the mat uses bulky weight (5-6) yarn with a 6.5mm hook for the textured grass effect.

What does it mean to flip the piece inside out while crocheting the horns and ears?

As you crochet in continuous rounds, the piece naturally begins to curl. When this happens, you need to turn the piece inside out so you're working on the outside surface. This ensures the right side of your stitches shows on the finished horn or ear rather than the wrong side.

How do I prevent the French knot flowers from pulling through the back of the mat?

When pushing your needle back through the mat after creating the French knot, make sure you catch at least one stitch rather than going through the same hole you came up from. This anchors the flower securely to the mat structure and prevents it from slipping through.

Can I make the coasters larger or smaller?

Absolutely! The coaster pattern follows a standard increase pattern. To make them larger, continue adding rounds following the same increase pattern established in the earlier rounds. To make them smaller, simply stop at an earlier round before the decorative edge.

What's the best way to add the eyes to ensure proper placement?

The pattern recommends waiting until after the nose is sewn onto the head before adding eyes. This allows you to see the full face proportions and place the eyes at the correct height and spacing relative to the nose for the most appealing expression.