This project was undertaken as part of the Cow Parade at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts in early summer 2025. I was one of the artists chosen to decorate a fiberglass cow that would eventually be auctioned off to support the museum. I had 60 days to complete it.

Because (until now!) you couldn’t just search on Ravelry for a sweater for a life-sized cow, I had to create the pattern that is reproduced below.

If you are interested in a more in-depth look at the process of designing and knitting this sweater, I have details on my blog.

The cow, along with 24 other decorated bovines, will be on display at Old Sturbridge Village through September 28th, 2025. This was the first time anyone has knit a garment for a Cow Parade cow.

This pattern is offered freely. The author takes no responsibility for injuries to the knitter or the sweater or bovine in attempting to dress a real cow!

Feel free to contact me at lisa@ljcohen.net if you have any questions.

Yarn: Alafosslopi

Amount: approximately 25 skeins, various colors – exact amount will depend on how much of the sweater is knit plain and how many colorwork motifs you desire.

This is knit in the round and steeked

Size 10 needles, or needles to make gauge below
60” (153 cm) and 15” (38 cm) cables

Gauge: 12 stitches/16 rows = 4” (10 cm)