Tinsel Highland Cow & Cushion Covers in King Cole Tinsel, King Cole Big Value Chunky, King Cole Dollymix DK - 9089pdf - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Tinsel Highland Cow and Cushion Covers – Knitting Pattern 9089

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole (pattern number 9089) presents two delightful projects in one leaflet: a knitted Highland Cow toy and a set of cushion covers, all worked using a combination of King Cole Tinsel, King Cole Big Value Chunky, and King Cole Dollymix DK yarns. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to tackle shaping, multiple yarn weights, and three-dimensional construction. A donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with every King Cole pattern purchased.

Project One: The Tinsel Highland Cow Toy

The Highland Cow is a charming, tactile knitted toy measuring approximately 12.5 inches (32 cm) in finished size. Its most distinctive feature is the use of King Cole Tinsel yarn for the body, which gives the cow its characteristic shaggy, glittering coat — a wonderfully creative choice that mimics the long, flowing fur of a real Highland cow. Structural and detail pieces such as the legs are worked in King Cole Dollymix DK in a Taupe colourway, adding realistic contrast and definition.

Construction and Techniques

The Highland Cow is knitted in separate pieces that are then sewn together and stuffed, a classic knitted toy construction method. The pattern specifies that pieces should be sewn up from the outside, which is an important finishing note for achieving a neat result. The body is divided into distinct sections — including a Right Body and corresponding parts — and the Front Legs are worked as a pair (make 2), each beginning on 3.25mm needles using Taupe DK. The legs are stuffed partially, leaving the top open for attachment to the body.

Stitches and Shaping

The toy relies on a core set of knitting stitches and techniques to build its three-dimensional form:

• Stocking stitch (St-st) – the primary fabric stitch, worked by alternating knit and purl rows, used throughout the body and legs
• K2tog – knitting two stitches together to decrease and shape the body, particularly used in the torso shaping rows
• P2tog – purling two stitches together as a decrease on purl rows
• M1 (Make 1) – increasing by picking up and working a loop between stitches, used extensively to widen the legs and body sections
• Threading yarn through remaining stitches – a standard toy-making technique used to close shaped ends neatly

The shaping of the body is detailed and methodical. For example, the Right Body is cast on with 35 stitches using 5mm needles and King Cole Tinsel, then increased to 41 stitches before a series of decrease rows bring the stitch count down progressively — through 31 stitches, 21 stitches, 11 stitches, and finally just 6 stitches — at which point the yarn is threaded through the remaining stitches to close the piece. This graduated shaping creates the rounded, organic form of the cow's body.

The Front Legs begin with just 5 stitches cast on using 3.25mm needles and Taupe DK, then are increased rapidly through a series of M1 rows — reaching 9 stitches, then 17 stitches, then 25 stitches — before being worked straight in stocking stitch for several rows. This increase structure gives the leg its tapered, natural shape.

Needles and Yarn for the Toy

• King Cole Tinsel – used for the body, worked on 5mm needles
• King Cole Dollymix DK in