Crochet Cow Potholder

ByLee Ma

Crochet Cow Potholder

This tapestry crochet potholder features a classic cow motif, framed by a delicate picot border. Worked flat in rows using two contrasting colors of cotton yarn, it includes an integrated hanging loop for easy storage. It is a functional and charming addition to any rustic or farmhouse-style kitchen.

Project Specifications

  • Hook Size: 3.0 mm (US D/3)

  • Yarn: DK weight 100% cotton yarn in two highly contrasting colors.

    • Color A (Main/Background): Approx. 62 yards (57 meters)

    • Color B (Pattern/Spots): Approx. 39 yards (35 meters)

  • Finished Size: 6.7” x 7.3” (17 cm x 18.5 cm)

  • Gauge: 28 single crochets × 26 rows = 4” (10 cm) square in tapestry stitch.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • Ch: Chain

  • Sc: Single crochet

  • Sl st: Slip stitch

  • St(s): Stitch(es)

  • Picot: Ch 3, sl st into the first ch.

Pattern Notes

  • The turning Ch 1 counts as the first stitch of the row and is always worked in Color A.

  • The overall stitch count remains exactly 45 stitches per row until you reach the border.

  • Turn your work at the end of every row.

  • Odd-numbered rows represent the Right Side (RS). Even-numbered rows represent the Wrong Side (WS).

  • Carry the unused color along the top of the previous row, crocheting over it (tapestry technique) to hide it until needed.

Instructions

With Color A, Ch 46.

  • Row 1 (RS): Sc into the second chain from your hook and into every chain across. Turn. (45 sts)

  • Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each remaining stitch across. Turn.

  • Row 3: Ch 1. Introduce and carry Color B inside your stitches. Color A: 1 sc. Repeat [Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 4 sc] 8 times. Color B: 1 sc. Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Rows 4–7: Ch 1, Color A: 44 sc. Turn.

  • Row 8: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 14 sc, Color B: 11 sc, Color A: 14 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Row 9: Ch 1, Color A: 14 sc, Color B: 4 sc, Color A: 7 sc, Color B: 4 sc, Color A: 15 sc. Turn.

  • Row 10: Ch 1, Color A: 13 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 13 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 14 sc. Turn.

  • Row 11: Ch 1, Color A: 12 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 5 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 5 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 13 sc. Turn.

  • Row 12: Ch 1, Color A: 12 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 13 sc. Turn.

  • Row 13: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 10 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 5 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 10 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Row 14: Ch 1, Color A: 12 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 15 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 13 sc. Turn.

  • Row 15: Ch 1, Color A: 13 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 13 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 14 sc. Turn.

  • Row 16: Ch 1, Color A: 14 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 11 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 15 sc. Turn.

  • Row 17: Ch 1, Color A: 14 sc, Color B: 4 sc, Color A: 7 sc, Color B: 4 sc, Color A: 15 sc. Turn.

  • Row 18: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 12 sc, Color B: 15 sc, Color A: 12 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Row 19: Ch 1, Color A: 14 sc, Color B: 6 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 6 sc, Color A: 15 sc. Turn.

  • Rows 20–22: Ch 1, Color A: 14 sc, Color B: 7 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 7 sc, Color A: 15 sc. Turn.

  • Row 23: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 11 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 11 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Rows 24–25: Ch 1, Color A: 13 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 14 sc. Turn.

  • Row 26: Ch 1, Color A: 12 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 5 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 5 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 13 sc. Turn.

  • Row 27: Ch 1, Color A: 7 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 2 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 2 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 8 sc. Turn.

  • Row 28: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 14 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 14 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Row 29: Ch 1, Color A: 5 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 5 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 6 sc. Turn.

  • Row 30: Ch 1, Color A: 5 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 9 sc, Color A: 5 sc, Color B: 9 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 6 sc. Turn.

  • Row 31: Ch 1, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 5 sc, Color A: 7 sc, Color B: 5 sc, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 8 sc, Color A: 5 sc. Turn.

  • Row 32: Ch 1, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 6 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 4 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 4 sc, Color B: 4 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 6 sc, Color A: 5 sc. Turn.

  • Row 33: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 10 sc, Color B: 5 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 5 sc, Color A: 10 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Row 34: Ch 1, Color A: 11 sc, Color B: 21 sc, Color A: 12 sc. Turn.

  • Row 35: Ch 1, Color A: 11 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 9 sc, Color A: 3 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 12 sc. Turn.

  • Row 36: Ch 1, Color A: 10 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 17 sc, Color B: 3 sc, Color A: 11 sc. Turn.

  • Row 37: Ch 1, Color A: 10 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 19 sc, Color B: 2 sc, Color A: 11 sc. Turn.

  • Row 38: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 8 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 21 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 8 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Row 39: Ch 1, Color A: 11 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 19 sc, Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 12 sc. Turn.

  • Rows 40–42: Ch 1, Color A: 44 sc. Turn.

  • Row 43: Ch 1, Color A: 1 sc. Repeat [Color B: 1 sc, Color A: 4 sc] 8 times. Color A: 2 sc. Turn.

  • Rows 44–45: Ch 1, Color A: 44 sc. Turn. Do not fasten off.

Edging and Loop

Both colors should now rest at the top-left corner of the potholder.

  1. Hanging Loop: Using Color A, Ch 20, then slip stitch back into the final stitch of Row 45 to form a loop. Turn your work and distribute 25 sc evenly inside the chain loop. Fasten off Color A.

  2. Picot Border: Turn the piece over to work on the wrong side (WS) for a cleaner decorative look. Join Color B at the left edge.

    • Left Side: (2 sc, then work [1 sc, 1 picot, 1 sc] all in the next stitch) 14 times total, then 2 sc.

    • Corner: Work [1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc] into the corner stitch.

    • Bottom Side: Sc 45 evenly across the starting chain.

    • Corner: Work [1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc] into the corner stitch.

    • Right Side: Repeat the picot sequence used on the left side.

    • Top Side: Sc 45 across the top edge.

Join the round with a slip stitch into the starting stitch. Fasten off and weave in all yarn tails.

I am a seasoned Technical Design Manager with expertise in Womenswear and Menswear. I specialize in patternmaking, product development, and textile qualities, ensuring top-notch garment construction.
I excel in taking designs from concept to production, solving challenges efficiently, and leading global teams to deliver high-quality garments on time. LinkedIn

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