Swiss Alps Cow – Free Crochet Pattern

Traditional Alpine Cow Amigurumi Pattern

She is dressed in a beautifully detailed traditional Dirndl ensemble. Her outfit consists of a crisp white puff-sleeve blouse worn underneath a striking black corset-style bodice with intricate crisscross lacing. The skirt is a rich deep red, delicately embroidered with tiny white Edelweiss flowers, the symbol of the Alps.

On her head, she wears a modest floral headscarf tied neatly under her chin. Her sturdy light yellow clogs are perfect for walking on rocky paths. To complete her chores, she carries a silver milk pail and has prepared a delicious wedge of Swiss cheese for a picnic.

This pattern is a wonderful project for those who appreciate cultural costumes and storytelling.

Important Note

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

Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR – magic ring
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
inc – increase (2 sc in same stitch)
dec – decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
st(s) – stitch(es)
rnd – round
row – row
BLO – back loop only
FLO – front loop only
Bobble – bobble stitch (used for cheese holes or texture)
FO – fasten off

Materials

DK or Sport weight yarn in Light Brown/Tan (Cow Body)
DK weight yarn in White (Blouse, Horns, Edelweiss Flowers)
DK weight yarn in Black (Corset Bodice)
DK weight yarn in Deep Red/Burgundy (Skirt)
DK weight yarn in Light Yellow/Cream (Clogs, Cheese)
DK weight yarn in Silver/Grey (Milk Pail)
Scrap of floral fabric (optional for headscarf) or Cream yarn
2.5 mm crochet hook (amigurumi parts)
3.0 mm crochet hook (clothing)
Pair of 10 mm black safety eyes
Dark brown embroidery thread (nostrils, mouth, lacing)
Fiberfill stuffing
Yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers, pins
Cardboard or plastic canvas (milk pail base)

Gauge & Finished Size

Work tightly in continuous spiral rounds so stuffing does not show.
Using DK yarn and a 2.5 mm hook, the finished cow measures approximately 26–28 cm (10–11 inches) tall.
The clothing is removable.

Construction Overview

The cow is made in separate pieces: head, body, legs, arms, ears, and horns.

The white blouse is crocheted as part of the upper body and arms
The Dirndl dress is removable
The clogs are crocheted onto the feet
Milk pail and cheese are separate accessories

Body Parts

Head

Use Light Brown yarn and 2.5 mm hook

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat around (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat around (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat around (30)
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat around (36)
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) repeat around (42)
Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) repeat around (48)
Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) repeat around (54)
Rnd 10–21: sc around (54)
Rnd 22: (7 sc, dec) repeat around (48)
Rnd 23: (6 sc, dec) repeat around (42)
Rnd 24: (5 sc, dec) repeat around (36)

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 16–17, about 10 stitches apart.

Rnd 25: (4 sc, dec) repeat around (30)
Rnd 26: (3 sc, dec) repeat around (24)

Stuff firmly. FO, leaving a long tail.

Muzzle

Use Light Brown or a slightly lighter shade.

Rnd 1: Ch 8. Start 2nd ch: inc, sc 5, 4 sc in last. Turn: sc 5, inc (18)
Rnd 2: inc, sc 7, 2 inc, sc 7, inc (22)
Rnd 3: sc, inc, sc 7, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 7, inc, sc (26)
Rnd 4–6: sc around (26)

FO. Sew to face, stuff lightly, embroider nostrils.

Horns (Make 2)

Use White or Cream yarn.

Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) around (6)
Rnd 3: sc around
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around (8)
Rnd 5: sc around

FO and sew to head.

Ears (Make 2)

Use Light Brown yarn.

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) around (9)
Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) around (12)
Rnd 4: (3 sc, inc) around (15)
Rnd 5–9: sc around (15)
Rnd 10: (3 sc, dec) around (12)

Flatten and sew below horns.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with Light Yellow (Clogs).

Rnd 1: Ch 7. Oval: sc 5, 3 sc in last, sc 4, inc (14)
Rnd 2: inc, sc 4, 3 inc, sc 4, 2 inc (20)
Rnd 3: (BLO) sc around (20)
Rnd 4–6: sc around (20)
Rnd 7: sc 6, 4 dec, sc 6 (16)
Rnd 8: sc 6, 2 dec, sc 6 (14)

Change to Light Brown.

Rnd 9: (BLO) sc around (14)
Rnd 10–20: sc around (14)

Stuff firmly. FO first leg. Do not cut yarn on second leg.

Body

Join legs with ch 4.

Rnd 21: sc 14, sc 4, sc 14, sc 4 (36)
Rnd 22: (5 sc, inc) around (42)
Rnd 23–28: sc around (42)
Rnd 29: (5 sc, dec) around (36)

Change to White (Blouse).

Rnd 30: (BLO) sc around (36)
Rnd 31–33: sc around (36)
Rnd 34: (4 sc, dec) around (30)
Rnd 35–37: sc around (30)
Rnd 38: (3 sc, dec) around (24)
Rnd 39: sc around (24)

Stuff firmly. FO and sew head to body.