Cow Spots Granny Square Overalls Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

These short-leg toddler overalls are built from a grid of classic granny squares in cotton candy pink, baby blue, and white, so the little white squares scatter across the body like cow spots. They are made for confident beginners who have crocheted a granny square or two and want a wearable project that grows with their skills. The bamboo cotton yarn gives the whole piece a soft, drapey, fairycore finish that feels gentle against toddler skin. Pair the overalls with the matching cow-ear headband and you have an outfit that is as sweet as it is playful.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight (light worsted) bamboo cotton, approx. 50% bamboo / 50% cotton. Color A (cotton candy pink): 300 yd; Color B (baby blue): 300 yd; Color C (white): 120 yd. Yardages are for toddler size 2T.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, 2 small buttons (approx. 1/2 in), scissors
• Finished size: To fit 2T toddler: chest 22 in, waist 21 in, hip 23 in, rise 15 in, inseam 2.5 in, total length shoulder-to-hem 20 in. Headband fits an 18–20 in head.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sc2tog – single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
• inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
• sp – space
• MR – magic ring
• RS – right side
• st(s) – stitch(es)

Gauge

One 4-round granny square measures 3.5 x 3.5 in (9 x 9 cm), and 4 dc = 1 in. Work one square and measure it flat before starting; if it is larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.

Tips Before You Start

• Make all 24 squares first and lay them out in the color grid before joining, so you can check the spot placement at a glance.
• Keep your tension even across squares; slightly different square sizes will make the tube twist when joined.
• Use stitch markers at the four corners of each square while joining to keep the sc-join aligned.
• Bamboo cotton stretches, so block squares lightly before joining and avoid hanging the finished overalls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Granny Squares (make 24)

Rnd 1: In MR: ch3, 2 dc, [ch2, 3 dc] x3, ch2, sl st to top of ch3 (12 dc, 4 ch2 sps).

Rnd 2: Sl st to corner sp, ch3, 2 dc in sp, ch2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch1, [3 dc, ch2, 3 dc] in next sp; rep from * around, ch1, sl st to top ch3 (24 dc).

Rnd 3: Sl st to corner sp, ch3, 2 dc, ch2, 3 dc in sp, *ch1, 3 dc in ch1 sp, ch1, [3 dc, ch2, 3 dc] in corner sp; rep from * around, ch1, sl st (36 dc).

Rnd 4: Work as Rnd 3, with 3 dc in each ch1 sp and [3 dc, ch2, 3 dc] in each corner sp (48 dc). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Color Layout (4 squares wide x 6 rows tall = 24 squares)

Row 1 (chest front/back top): A, B, A, C
Row 2: B, C, B, A
Row 3: A, B, C, B
Row 4: C, A, B, A
Row 5: B, A, C, B
Row 6: A, C, A, B

Front = columns 1–2, back = columns 3–4. The C (white) squares read as cow spots.

Joining the Squares

With RS facing, sc-join squares into vertical strips using A, then join the strips horizontally with sc, matching stitches: 1 sc per dc, 1 sc per ch1 sp, and 2 sc in each corner sp. Work 2 strips of 2 squares for each front leg panel and 2 strips of 2 for the back, then join rows to form a 4x6 tube open at the top and bottom.

Crotch / Gusset

With A, join front and back at center: sc 12 across the center 4 squares of Row 6 front to matching stitches of Row 6 back, leaving a leg opening of 2 squares on each side.

Legs (make 2)

Rnd 1: With A, join yarn at leg opening, sc evenly around opening, sl st (48 sc).

Rnd 2: Ch1, sc around, sl st (48).

Rnd 3: Ch1, sc around, sl st (48). Change to B.

Rnd 4: Ch1, sc around, sl st (48).

Rnd 5: Ch1, [sc 6, sc2tog] x6, sl st (42).

Rnd 6: Ch1, sc around, sl st (42). Fasten off. Repeat for the second leg.

Bodice Top Edge

Rnd 1: With A, join at back center top, sc evenly around top edge, sl st (96 sc).

Rnd 2: Ch1, sc around, sl st (96).

Rnd 3: Ch1, sc 24, ch2, sk 24 (right armhole), sc 24, ch2, sk 24 (left armhole), sc 24, sl st (48 sc, 2 ch2 sps).

Rnd 4: Ch1, sc around including the ch2 sps, sl st (52). Fasten off.

Straps (make 2)

With B, join at front top corner, ch3, dc 3 across 4 sts, turn. Repeat this row until the strap measures 9 in. Fasten off. Attach a button to the strap end, and work a button loop (ch4, sl st) at the back top edge opposite each strap.

Edging

With C, sc evenly around the armholes, leg hems, and top edge, sl st. Fasten off.

Headband

With A, ch 60 and join to a ring.

Rnds 1–3: Ch1, sc around, sl st (60). Change to B.

Rnds 4–5: Ch1, sc around, sl st (60). Fasten off.

Ears (make 2, color C)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6).

Rnd 2: Inc x6 (12).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18).

Rnds 4–6: Sc around (18).

Rnd 7: [sc, sc2tog] x6 (12).

Rnd 8: Sc2tog x6 (6). Fasten off, flatten, and sew to the headband 4 in either side of center front.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the buttons to the strap ends and check that each button loop fits over its button. Weave in all remaining ends, working them through the back of the stitches so they do not show. Block lightly, pinning each square to 3.5 in and shaping the legs and headband flat; let dry completely before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the white C squares for cream or pale gray for a softer, more subtle cow-spot look.
• Make the straps longer and add extra button loops so the overalls can grow with your toddler.
• Use the same square grid to make a matching cow-spot bag or blanket by simply adding more squares.