Enter a world of blooming gardens and whimsical farmyard friends with this magnificent project. This design captures the essence of springtime elegance, featuring a gentle cow character adorned in a breathtaking hydrangea-themed ensemble. The centerpiece of this project is the multi-textured skirt, which mimics the dense, colorful clusters of a hydrangea bush in full bloom. Paired with a delicate lace collar, a floral crown, and a charming snail companion, this creation is perfect for advanced amigurumi enthusiasts or those looking to elevate their handmade collection. If you are ready to start, you can buy yarn and purchase crochet supplies through reliable online retailers such as Amazon to find the perfect shades of lilac, sky blue, and petal pink. The estimated cost for materials is approximately $20 to $25. Once completed, a high-detail artisan doll of this quality can command a selling price between $85 and $130 on handmade marketplaces, reflecting the intricate labor and artistic detail involved. Prepare your hooks for a rewarding journey into botanical character design.

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

Project Materials and Tools

Success in amigurumi depends heavily on the quality of your fibers and the consistency of your tension. For this specific character, a mercerized cotton yarn or a high-quality cotton-acrylic blend is recommended to ensure the bobble stitches of the hydrangea skirt remain crisp and the structural integrity of the cow remains firm over time. Selecting a hook size that is slightly smaller than what the yarn label suggests will help create a dense fabric that prevents the fiberfill from peeking through.

• Yarn Selection:
  • White: For the main head, muzzle, and body base.
  • Black: For the eye patch, ear details, and arm/leg spots.
  • Light Pink: For the muzzle and snail body.
  • Cream/Beige: For the small horns.
  • Lilac/Purple: For the dress bodice, snail shell, and hydrangea florets.
  • Sky Blue and Rose Pink: For the mixed hydrangea clusters in the skirt and crown.
  • Grey/Silver: For the watering can accessory.
• Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm or 2.75 mm for the main body; 2.25 mm for the tiny hydrangea florets.
• Safety Eyes: 12 mm black safety eyes with a glossy finish.
• Stuffing: Premium polyester fiberfill.
• Lace: A small strip of pre-made white crochet lace or fine white yarn for the collar.
• Tapestry Needle: Essential for assembly and embroidery.
• Stitch Markers: For tracking rounds in continuous spirals.

Common Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• dec: Invisible Decrease (sc 2 together using front loops only)
• hdc: Half Double Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• BLO: Back Loops Only
• FLO: Front Loops Only
• B (Bobble Stitch): Work 5 incomplete dc in the same stitch, then yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook.
• st(s): Stitch or stitches

Constructing the Character Head

The head features a distinctive black patch over the right eye. This is achieved through tapestry crochet color changes. When changing colors, pull the new color through the final loops of the previous stitch to maintain a clean transition. Use White and Black yarn.

1. Round 1: Start with White yarn. 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
9. Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)
10. Round 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6 (60)
11. Round 11: (9 sc, inc) x 6 (66)
12. Rounds 12-16: 1 sc in each st around (66)
13. Round 17: Begin the color change for the eye patch. Work 15 sc in White, switch to Black for 12 sc, then switch back to White for the remaining 39 sc (66)
14. Round 18: 14 sc in White, 14 sc in Black, 38 sc in White (66)
15. Round 19: 13 sc in White, 16 sc in Black, 37 sc in White (66)
16. Round 20: 13 sc in White, 16 sc in Black, 37 sc in White (66)
17. Round 21: 14 sc in White, 14 sc in Black, 38 sc in White (66)
18. Round 22: 15 sc in White, 12 sc in Black, 39 sc in White (66)
19. Rounds 23-26: Switch entirely to White yarn. 1 sc in each st around (66)
20. Round 27: (9 sc, dec) x 6 (60)
21. Round 28: (8 sc, dec) x 6 (54)
22. Round 29: (7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)
23. Round 30: (6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)
24. Round 31: (5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)
25. Round 32: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30). Begin stuffing firmly.
26. Round 33: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
27. Round 34: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
28. Round 35: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12). Finish stuffing.
29. Round 36: 6 dec (6). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Placement of the eyes is critical. The right eye should be centered within the black patch, while the left eye is placed on the white side. Use round 19 as a guide for height.

Facial Details: Muzzle, Ears, and Horns

The Soft Pink Muzzle

The muzzle is an oval shape that adds a gentle expression. Use Light Pink yarn.

1. Round 1: Ch 7. Starting in the second ch from hook, work: 5 sc, 3 sc in the last ch. Working along the opposite side of the chain: 4 sc, 1 inc (14)
2. Round 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc (20)
3. Round 3: 1 sc, inc, 4 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 3, 4 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 2 (26)
4. Round 4: 2 sc, inc, 4 sc, (2 sc, inc) x 3, 4 sc, (2 sc, inc) x 2 (32)
5. Rounds 5-7: sc in each st around (32)
6. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Embroider two small nostrils with a slightly darker pink or brown thread. Stuff the muzzle lightly and sew it to the face, centered below the eyes between rounds 20 and 28.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

The Bovine Ears (Make 2)

Create one ear in White and one in Black to match the image. Do not stuff the ears.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. Rounds 5-8: sc in each st around (24)
6. Round 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
7. Round 10: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
8. Flatten the ear and work 6 sc through both layers to close. Fold the base slightly and sew to the sides of the head at round 12.

Small Horns (Make 2)

Use Cream or Beige yarn. These should be short and sturdy.

1. Round 1: 4 sc in a MR (4)
2. Round 2: (1 sc, inc) x 2 (6)
3. Round 3: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)
4. Round 4: 8 sc around (8)
5. Fasten off and sew to the top of the head, between the ears.

The Main Body and Spotted Limbs

The body is designed with a sturdy base to allow the character to stand upright. We incorporate black patches on the arms and legs for a realistic cow pattern.

The Spotted Arms (Make 2)

Start with Black yarn for the hooves, then switch to White for the arm, including a color-change patch.

1. Round 1: With Black yarn, 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Rounds 3-5: sc in each st around (12)
4. Round 6: Switch to White yarn. BLO sc in each st around (12)
5. Rounds 7-10: sc in each st around (12)
6. Round 11: Color change for spot. 4 sc White, 5 sc Black, 3 sc White (12)
7. Round 12: 3 sc White, 7 sc Black, 2 sc White (12)
8. Round 13: 4 sc White, 5 sc Black, 3 sc White (12)
9. Rounds 14-22: Switch entirely to White yarn. sc in each st around (12)
10. Stuff the hooves firmly and the upper arms lightly. Flatten the top and sew to the body after the torso is completed.

The Body Torso

Use White yarn. We work from the neck down to the hips.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
9. Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)
10. Round 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6 (60)
11. Rounds 11-20: sc in each st around (60)
12. Round 21: (9 sc, inc) x 6 (66)
13. Rounds 22-28: sc in each st around (66). Stuff firmly as you go.
14. Round 29: (9 sc, dec) x 6 (60)
15. Round 30: (8 sc, dec) x 6 (54)
16. Round 31: (7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)
17. Round 32: (6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)
18. Round 33: (5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)
19. Round 34: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
20. Round 35: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
21. Round 36: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
22. Round 37: 1 sc in each st (18). Fasten off, leaving a tail for neck assembly.

Designing the Floral Hydrangea Ensemble

Lilac Dress Bodice

The bodice is worked directly onto the body or as a separate piece that is sewn on. Use Lilac yarn.

1. Row 1: Ch 33. Starting in second ch, 32 sc. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-8: 32 sc. (32)
3. Assembly: Wrap around the upper torso and join at the back. Add ch-15 straps over the shoulders if making it removable.

The Textured Hydrangea Skirt

This is the most time-consuming portion. We use bobble stitches to simulate the dense flower clusters. Alternate colors between Pink, Sky Blue, and Lilac every few stitches to achieve the variegated look of a real hydrangea bush.

1. Round 1: Attach yarn to the bottom of the bodice. (sc 2, inc) around (approx 44)
2. Round 2: inc in each st (88)
3. Round 3: *sc 1, B (Bobble Stitch)* repeat around. (88)
4. Round 4: sc in each st around (88). Remember to alternate your flower colors (Pink, Blue, Purple) randomly.
5. Round 5: *B, sc 1* repeat around. (88)
6. Round 6: sc in each st around (88)
7. Rounds 7-18: Repeat Rounds 3-6. This builds the voluminous, “bubbly” texture of the skirt.
8. Round 19: Final round in sc to stabilize the hem. Fasten off and weave in all tails.

The Hydrangea Floral Crown

The crown is made of dozens of tiny florets. Use a 2.25 mm hook for these.

• Individual Floret (Make 25-30): MR, (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st into ring) x 4 petals. Fasten off.
• Assembly: Crochet a long chain that fits around the cow’s head (approx 45-50 ch). Sew the tiny florets onto the chain, alternating colors between pink, blue, and purple. Place the crown around the horns and ears, securing it with a few hidden stitches.

The White Lace Collar

If you choose to crochet the collar rather than using fabric lace:

1. Row 1: Ch 25. sc in each st across.
2. Row 2: (ch 3, skip 1, sc in next) across.
3. Row 3: In each ch-3 space, work (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc). This creates a delicate scalloped lace edge. Fasten off and sew to the neckline.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Accessories: Watering Can and Shoes

Grey Watering Can

1. Body: MR, 6 sc. R2: 6 inc (12). R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18). R4: BLO 18 sc. R5-10: 18 sc. R11: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12). Stuff lightly and close.
2. Spout: Ch 5, work 4 sc back down. Sew to the front side of the can.
3. Handle: Ch 8, work 7 sc back down. Sew to the top and back of the can.
4. Attach to the cow’s hand using a few small stitches.

Purple Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

1. Round 1: With Lilac yarn, Ch 6. Start in second ch: 4 sc, 3 sc in last st, turn: 3 sc, inc (12)
2. Round 2: inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc (18)
3. Round 3: BLO sc in each st around (18)
4. Round 4: sc around (18)
5. Round 5: 6 sc, 3 dec, 6 sc (15)
6. Strap: Ch 8 across the top, sl st to opposite side. Finish with a small white embroidery dot for a button.

The Snail Friend

This tiny companion consists of a coiled shell and a soft body. Use Pink and Purple yarn.

1. The Body: Use Light Pink. Ch 10. Start in second ch: sl st, 6 sc, 2 sl st. (9). This creates the flat “foot” and head. Add two tiny ch-2 antennas at the head.
2. The Shell: Use Lilac/Purple yarn. Ch 25. Work 24 hdc across. Roll this long strip into a tight coil and sew it together to maintain the spiral shape.
3. Assembly: Sew the shell onto the center of the pink body. Place the snail on a flat surface next to the cow.

Final Assembly and Finishing Details

Correct assembly is what brings the character’s soul to life. Follow these steps meticulously to mirror the reference image.

• Joining the Head: Sew the head to the body. Cows have a slightly forward-tilted head, so ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to prevent drooping.
• Limbs: Sew the arms at round 28 of the body. The legs should be sewn to the bottom of the torso so that the cow can stand with her hooves pointing slightly outward.
• Color Balance: Ensure the black patch on the head and the spots on the limbs are visible. These patches should be scattered asymmetrically for a natural look.
• Floral Styling: Fluff the bobble stitches of the skirt. If the skirt looks too heavy, you can add a layer of tulle underneath to give it extra volume.
• Cheek Blush: Use a bit of actual pink cosmetic blush or a pastel pencil to add rosy circles to the white cheeks and the pink muzzle for a healthy garden glow.

Your Hydrangea Cow and her Snail Friend are now complete. This character is designed to evoke the peace of a sunny garden and the intricate beauty of floral life. By combining the textured bobble stitch with traditional character design, you have created a unique work of fiber art. Store your finished piece in a dry area and avoid direct sunlight to maintain the vibrancy of the hydrangea colors for years to come.

Would you like me to provide tips on how to stiffen the watering can handle or suggest alternative floral patterns for the sheep?