I recently completed the Highland Cow by Leisure Arts crochet pattern, and I’m absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. Amigurumi has always been a challenge for me, only because I don't care for the sewing however, I loved this one. This pattern is a delightful project for anyone who loves a bit of fun and whimsy in their crochet creations. Here is what stood out to me:
Pattern Clarity and Instructions
The pattern was incredibly well-written, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. The designer provided helpful photos for each step, especially for tricky parts like shaping the cow’s face and horns. The stitch counts were always spot on, so I never had to frog my work due to errors in the pattern. This pattern also comes with instructional videos to show you how to create the stitches.
Skill Level
Since this pattern includes these instructional videos, it is suitable for beginners, as long as they can do basic stitches. The pattern involves simple basic stitches (like single crochet and back loop only single crochet) as well as some shaping and assembly that might take a little more patience. The sewing on this pattern is minimal. The legs are crocheted to the body. The nose is crocheted to the head. To me, that made it easier. That said, any advanced beginner or intermediate crocheter should be able to follow along without issue.
Materials and Customization
The pattern calls for Red Heart Soft. I found it difficult to find the colors I needed for this project. I used Red Heart Super Saver in the colors Buff, Café Latte and Coffee for my Highland cow, and it worked out very well. You can change the colors of the coat, horns, or even give the cow a unique scarf or accessories, which really makes each creation special. I opted for a soft brown and beige combination, and the results were just like I imagined.
Finished Product
The result was absolutely adorable. The highland cow’s fluffy mane and long, dramatic horns are perfectly captured. I particularly loved the use of fringe for the mane—it gives the cow a lot of character and really sets it apart from other animal crochet patterns. Although the hair did take a great deal of time to complete, the results were great. The small details, like the nostrils and little hooves, made the finished piece even more endearing.
Time Commitment
This project took me about a week to complete, working a couple of hours a day. All total, it took a little less than 11 hours. It is not a quick project, but the end result is definitely worth the time. It was a nice balance between challenging and relaxing, and I never felt frustrated.
Final Thoughts
For someone who does not make Amigurumi on a daily basis, this pattern was an easy one for me. (I have been crocheting for 53 years but, I have made maybe, 5 toys in that time.) I have only 2 things that I would add to the pattern. First, I would put the safety eyes on and embroidery the nostrils before stuffing. This makes things easier for me. Secondly, the pattern calls for a 4.0mm hook which worked fine for the crochet part. I found that using a smaller hook for applying the fringe was very helpful.
Overall, if you are looking for a cute, quirky crochet project, the Highland Cow pattern is a fantastic choice. It is fun, customizable, and produces an adorable result that is sure to stand out in your collection. I highly recommend this pattern to any crocheter looking for a bit of challenge and a whole lot of cuteness!
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