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Nativity Crochet Pattern

Nativity Crochet Pattern
3.9β˜… Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.9K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Nativity Crochet Pattern

This pattern creates a full nativity set of small amigurumi figures including Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, three wise men, a shepherd, an angel, a lamb, and a manger. Each figure is built from a simple head and conical body, with separate accessories and head coverings to crochet and attach. The pattern uses continuous rounds and provides guidance on stuffing, facial features, and small details to achieve charming expressions.

Nativity Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The instructions include materials, abbreviations, and helpful assembly notes so you can sew pieces accurately and securely. Youll be able to customize colors and small features to make a truly unique nativity set.

Why You'll Love This Nativity Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple shapes into a heartwarming nativity scene you can display every year. I enjoy how each small figure is quick to make yet full of personality through tiny accessories like beards, crowns, and head coverings. As a designer I cherish patterns that are adaptable β€” this one lets me experiment with color schemes and textures for each character. I also love that it teaches useful amigurumi techniques like invisible decreases, working in rows to extend coverings, and adding structure with mesh screens. Making a whole set feels satisfying and festive, and sharing the finished collection with friends and family is such a joy.

Nativity Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Nativity Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Nativity Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Nativity Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this nativity set by changing color palettes β€” try vintage neutrals for a rustic look or jewel tones for a vibrant set.

I often make tiny variations like adding a tiny embroidered mouth or repositioning eyes for different expressions; small facial changes make a big difference in personality.

If you want larger figures, use a bulkier yarn and larger hook and follow the same stitch counts; the proportions will remain consistent and youll get a chunkier set.

To make mini keychain versions, use thinner yarn and a smaller hook and attach a keyring to the top of the head covering or crown for portability.

Try adding felt or crocheted accessories like tiny belts, crowns, or gifts for more texture β€” these can be stitched on and are fully customizable.

I sometimes add wired pipe cleaner inside the arms or staff for posability so characters can hold items or stand with a bit more expression.

Change the hair style by using longer curls, plaited yarn, or a small pom-pom bun to create different looks for Mary, the angel, or the wise men.

Experiment with eyelash styles using embroidery thread; a couple of stitched lashes can make a figure look sleepy, surprised, or joyful.

For a soft, fuzzy look on the lamb or hair, try using a boucle or brushed yarn instead of smooth weight; this gives a lovely texture but may obscure small details.

I also enjoy creating a themed set by matching all trims (crowns, belts, head coverings) in a single metallic or complementary color for a coordinated display.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

βœ— Skipping the stitch marker while working in continuous rounds can throw off round starts; place a marker at the first stitch of each round and move it as you go. βœ— Not inserting the mesh screen at the base makes the figure wobbly and rounded at the bottom; cut a 2" circle of plastic mesh and insert it at the specified rounds. βœ— Overstuffing or under-stuffing heads and bodies leads to distorted shapes; stuff gradually and check the silhouette as you fill to maintain the intended form. βœ— Forgetting to change colors exactly at the specified rounds creates uneven stripes and borders; note the round numbers for color changes and switch yarn before the first stitch of the new round. βœ— Not securing yarn tails can cause parts to come loose over time; weave in ends and use small stitches to tack parts firmly when sewing them together.

Nativity Crochet Pattern

Create a sweet, handmade nativity set with this detailed crochet pattern. Youll make Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, three wise men, a shepherd, an angel, a lamb, and a manger with clear step-by-step instructions. The pattern uses simple amigurumi techniques and allows customization of colors and small details to make a unique holiday display. Perfect for gift-making or seasonal decor, this project brings cozy, handcrafted charm to your home.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Nativity Crochet Pattern

β€” Main Fabric

  • 01
    Linen - Vanna's Choice "Linen" (main neutral color, less than 1 skein)
  • 02
    Beige - Vanna's Choice "Beige" (less than 1 skein)
  • 03
    Black - Vanna's Choice "Black" (small amount for facial embroidery)
  • 04
    White - Vanna's Choice "White" (less than 1 skein)
  • 05
    Gold - Vanna's Choice "Mustard" (accent color, small amount)
  • 06
    Light brown - Loops & Threads Impeccable "Soft Taupe" (facial hair/hands)
  • 07
    Medium Brown - Vanna's Choice "Toffee" (less than 1 skein)
  • 08
    Dark Brown - Vanna's Choice "Chocolate" (beard/hair accents)
  • 09
    Red - Loops & Threads Impeccable "Cherry" (wise man color, small amount)
  • 10
    Green - Vanna's Choice "Kelly Green" (tunic and accents)
  • 11
    Orange - Vanna's Choice "Terracotta" (gift color)
  • 12
    Light Blue - Vanna's Choice "Silver Blue" (Mary color)
  • 13
    Dark Blue - Vanna's Choice "Colonial Blue" (head coverings)
  • 14
    Light Purple - Loops & Threads Impeccable "Lavender" (wise man accent)
  • 15
    Dark Purple - brand and color unknown (wise man)
  • 16
    Gray - Vanna's Choice "Silver Gray" (beard/gift accents)
  • 17
    Gold yarn for hair and crowns (small amount)
  • 18
    Yellow/gold yarn for hay (approximately small bundle)

β€” Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size E (3.5 mm)
  • 02
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving ends
  • 03
    Safety eyes - 10 pairs of 6mm
  • 04
    Black embroidery thread for eyelashes and facial details
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Polyester stuffing
  • 07
    Plastic craft screen (cut to ~2" circle for bases)
  • 08
    Brown pipe cleaner (for shepherds staff, ~6" long)
  • 09
    Pins for assembly (optional)
  • 10
    Stitch markers

Progress Tracker

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β€” Pattern Notes :

Infos :

Materials Needed: Yarn colors (I used less than 1 skein for each color). Linen - Vanna's Choice "Linen" Beige - Vanna's Choice "Beige" Black - Vanna's Choice "Black" White - Vanna's Choice "White" Gold - Vanna's Choice "Mustard" Light brown - Loops & Threads Impeccable "Soft Taupe" Medium Brown - Vanna's Choice "Toffee" Dark Brown - Vanna's Choice "Chocolate" Red - Loops & Threads Impeccable "Cherry" Green - Vanna's Choice "Kelly Green" Orange - Vanna's Choice "Terracotta" Light Blue - Vanna's Choice "Silver Blue" Dark Blue - Vanna's Choice "Colonial Blue" Light Purple - Loops & Threads Impeccable "Lavender" Dark Purple - brand and color unknown Gray - Vanna's Choice "Silver Gray"

Infos :

Size E (3.5 mm) crochet hook. Yarn needle. Safety eyes - 10 pairs of 6mm. Black embroidery thread. Stuffing. Plastic craft screen. Brown pipe cleaner.

Infos :

Stitches Used: magic ring, sl st - slip stitch, sc - single crochet, sc2tog - single crochet 2 together, invdec - invisible decrease, hdc - half double crochet, dc - double crochet, tr - triple crochet.

β€” Joseph :

Round R1 :

Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)

Round R6-R9 :

Sc in each st around. (30)

Round R10 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)

Round R11 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R12 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Info :

Attach the safety eyes between rows 7 and 8, about 6 sts apart. Using light brown yarn and a yarn needle, stitch repeatedly over the sc mid-way between the eyes so the yarn bumps up like a nose. Use a pink crayon to make rosy cheeks. Then stuff the head.

Round R13 :

Sc2tog around until closed. Fasten off, using yarn tail to pull final stitches completely shut.

β€” Joseph Body :

Info :

Note: For Joseph's body and others in this pattern, you will see that I use plastic mesh screens (available at craft stores) at the base of the body. The screen keeps the base from rounding as you add stuffing, making the figures stand more easily on their own. You'll need to cut a circle about 2" in diameter to fit.

Round R1 :

Using linen, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)

Round R6 :

(Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (36)

Round R7 :

In back loops only, sc in each st around.

Round R8-R11 :

Sc in each st around, insert mesh screen.

Round R12 :

(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30)

Round R13-R16 :

Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.

Round R17 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)

Round R18-R20 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R21 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R22-R24 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R25 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Round R26 :

Sc in each st around.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving tail long enough to sew head and body together. Stuff body completely, then match up with head and attach.

β€” Joseph Arms (make two) :

Info :

Stuff lightly as you go.

Round R1 :

Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9)

Round R3 :

Sc in each st around, switch to linen.

Round R4 :

In front loops only, sc in each st around.

Round R5-R9 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R10 :

(Sc, invdec) 3x around. (6)

Round R11-R12 :

Sc in each st around.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff more if necessary. I bend the arm gently into a curve, then sew shut. Attach to the sides of the body as pictured.

β€” Joseph Beard :

Infos :

Using dark brown, ch 16.

Round R1 :

Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across. Ch 1. Turn. (15)

Round R2 :

Sc in first 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next st, tr in next 5 sts, dc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in last 2 sts. Ch 1. Turn

Round R3 :

Sc in each st across. Ch 1. Turn.

Round R4 :

Sc in first 6 sts, ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc in last 6 sts.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving tail for attaching. You should have a tail on each end of the beard from the beginning chain and from fastening off. Pin beard into place, then use these tails to secure the sides of the beard as pictured. Then, sew across the top of the beard, keeping stitches even under the nose.

β€” Joseph Tunic :

Infos :

Using green, ch 21.

Round R1 :

Sc in 2nd st from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1. Turn. (20)

Round R2-R4 :

Sc in each st across. Ch 1. Turn.

Round R5 :

Sc2tog, sc in next 16 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1. Turn. (18)

Round R6-R8 :

Sc in each st across.

Round R9 :

Sc2tog, sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1. Turn. (16)

Round R10-R12 :

Sc in each st across.

Round R13 :

Sl st in first 3 sts, sc in next 10 sts. Ch 1. Turn (skipping last 3 sts).

Round R14-R17 :

Sc in next 10 sts. Ch 1. Turn.

Info :

You now have the back section of the tunic.

Info :

To make the other side, attach yarn to the other side of Row 17 as pictured. Then repeat instructions for rows 18-34, making the other side of the tunic. Sc around what will be the inside edge of the tunic - up one side, around the back of the neck, and down the other side. Weave in all ends. Place around Joseph's shoulders and stitch sides together. To make belt, ch 50 with dark brown yarn, fasten off and weave in ends. Tie around waist. Secure with a few stitches around.

β€” Joseph Head covering :

Round R1 :

Using linen, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)

Round R6-R8 :

Sc in each st around.

Info :

You will now begin working in rows around just part of the circular shape to extend the head covering down.

Info :

From where you are, ch1 and turn the work.

Round R9 :

Sc in each of the next 20 sts across. Ch 1. Turn.

Round R10-R26 :

Repeat Row 9, turning after each row.

Info :

Attach to head by stitching around with linen yarn and yarn needle. To make border, ch 30 using green. Wrap around head covering and secure using yarn needle.

β€” Mary :

Round R1 :

Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)

Round R6-R9 :

Sc in each st around. (30)

Round R10 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)

Round R11 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R12 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Info :

Attach the safety eyes between rows 7 and 8, about 6 sts apart. Using black embroidery thread, stitch 2-3 eyelashes on the outside corners of both eyes as pictured. Using light brown yarn and a yarn needle, stitch repeatedly over the sc mid-way between the eyes so the yarn bumps up like a little nose. Use a pink crayon to make rosy cheeks. Then stuff the head.

Round R13 :

Sc2tog around until closed. Fasten off, using yarn tail to pull final stitches completely shut.

β€” Mary Body :

Round R1 :

Using light blue, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)

Round R6 :

(Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (36)

Round R7 :

In back loops only, sc in each st around.

Round R8-R10 :

Sc in each st around, insert mesh screen.

Round R11 :

(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30)

Round R12-R15 :

Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.

Round R16 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)

Round R17-R19 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R20 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R21-R23 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R24 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Round R25 :

Sc in each st around.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving tail long enough to sew head and body together. Stuff body, then match up with head and attach.

β€” Mary Arms (make two) :

Info :

Stuff lightly as you go.

Round R1 :

Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9)

Round R3 :

Sc in each st around, switch to light blue.

Round R4 :

In front loops only, sc in each st around.

Round R5-R9 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R10 :

(Sc, invdec) 3x around. (6)

Round R11-R12 :

Sc in each st around.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff more if necessary. Use yarn tail to attach arms to body as pictured. Then, use light brown yarn and yarn needle to sew hands together in front of body.

β€” Mary Hair :

Info :

To make Mary’s hair, first you’ll make and attach a few curls that will show from the front. Then you’ll use a yarn needle to sew on "bangs". Mary will look a little odd but when her head covering is attached it will look right.

Infos :

Curls: Using dark brown, ch 20. 2 hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (will begin to curl into loose spiral). Make four and pin in place as pictured, then use yarn tails to attach. If you’d like to add more curls to the back you can.

Info :

Bangs: Use yarn needle and long length of brown yarn to stitch "bangs." At the center point of the forehead, sew multiple strands to each side of Mary’s face as pictured.

β€” Mary Head covering :

Round R1 :

Using dark blue, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)

Round R6-R7 :

sc in each st around.

Info :

You will now begin working in rows around just part of the circular shape to extend the head covering down.

Info :

From where you are, ch1 and turn the work.

Round R8 :

Sc in each of the next 20 sts across. Ch 1. Turn.

Round R9-R28 :

Repeat Row 8, turning after each row.

Info :

To finish the edges, sc up the side where your last row ended, across the top, and down the other side. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Using dark blue yarn and a yarn needle, attach the head covering by stitching around the top of the head.

β€” Baby Jesus :

Round R1 :

Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R5-R8 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R9 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R10 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Info :

Using black embroidery thread, stitch two curves for closed eyes (Youtube has great tutorials if you’d like to learn more about embroidering a curved line). Alternatively, you could attach safety eyes between rows 5 and 6, about 3 sts apart. Using light brown yarn and a yarn needle, stitch repeatedly over the sc mid-way between the eyes so the yarn bumps up like a little nose. Use a pink crayon to make rosy cheeks. Then stuff the head.

Round R11 :

Sc2tog around until closed. Fasten off, using yarn tail to pull final stitches completely shut.

β€” Baby Jesus Body :

Round R1 :

Using white, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

2 sc in each st around. (12)

Round R3 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R4 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R6-R12 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R13 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R14 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R15 :

In back loops only, (sc, sc2tog) 6x around. (12)

Info :

Slip stitch to fasten off, leaving long tail. To add "seams", ch 35. Pull yarn through and cut, leaving long tail. Sew onto body as pictured, starting at the mid-point of the body, wrapping around the back, and then down at a diagonal angle. Then, stuff body, match up with head, and attach.

β€” Manger :

Info :

To make the base/top, using medium brown, ch 24.

Round R1 :

Hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in each ch across. Ch 2. Turn. (22)

Round R2-R9 :

Hdc in each st across. Ch 2. Turn. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Make two.

Info :

To make the long sides, ch 22.

Round R1 :

Hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in each ch across (20), ch 2, turn

Round R2-R3 :

Hdc in each st across (20), ch 2, turn. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Make two.

Info :

To make the short sides, ch 12.

Round R1 :

Hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in each ch across. Ch 2. Turn. (10)

Round R2-R3 :

Hdc in each st across. Ch 2. Turn. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Make two.

Info :

To make manger, use a yarn needle to attach the long and short sides to the base so you have a box shape. Then, stuff lightly and attach the top around each edge.

Infos :

To add "hay", first cut a number of lengths of gold yarn, approximately 5" long. Fold strands in half, and using your crochet hook as pictured, pull yarn through stitches as shown. You’ll do this in layers, beginning by hooking yarn in a rectangle shape as pictured, again in a smaller rectangle, and then hooking yarn again from the middle of the manger. Once you think you have enough "hay", trim up the ends to the length you desire (warning: this is a bit of a yarn eater!).

β€” Wise Man 1 :

Head :

Using dark brown, follow the instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.

Body :

Using purple, follow the instructions for Rounds 1-7 of Joseph's body. Then continue as follows:

Round R8 :

Sc in each st around, switch to gold. (36)

Round R9-R10 :

Sc in each st around, switch back to purple.

Round R11 :

Sc in each st around, insert mesh screen.

Round R12 :

(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around, switch to gold. (30)

Round R13-R14 :

Sc in each st around, switch back to purple.

Round R15-R16 :

Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.

Round R17 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)

Round R18-R20 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R21 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R22-R24 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R25 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Round R26 :

Sc in each st around.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving tail long enough to sew head and body together. Stuff body, then match up with head and attach.

Beard :

Using white, follow directions for Joseph's beard. Attach as instructed.

Arms (make two) :

Stuff lightly as you go. R1: Using dark brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6) R2: (Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9) R3: Sc in each st around, switch to gold. R4: In front loops only, sc in each st around. R5: Sc in each st around, switch to purple. R6-R9: Sc in each st around. R10: (Sc, invdec) 3x around. (6) R11-R12: Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving long tail. Attach to body.

Head Covering :

R1: Using light purple, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6) R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12) R3: (Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18) R4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24) R5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30) R6: (Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (36) R7: Sc in each st around. R8: (Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around, change to gold. (30) R9-R10: Sc in each st around, change to light purple.

Round R11 :

Sc in each of the next 20 sts across. Ch 1. Turn.

Round R12-R25 :

Repeat Row 11, turning after each row. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Using gold yarn and a yarn needle, attach the head covering by stitching around the top of the head.

Gift :

R1: Using gray, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6) R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12) R3-R6: Sc in each st around. R7: Sc2tog around until closed. Fasten off, leaving long tail. Cutting another length of yarn, tie two knots together and sew to the top of the gift. Then use yarn tail to sew gift to hands.

β€” Wise Man 2 :

Head :

Using light brown, follow the instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.

Body :

Using red, follow the instructions for Rounds 1-10 of Joseph's body. Then continue as follows:

Round R11 :

Switch to gold, sc in each st around, insert mesh screen. (36)

Round R12 :

(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30)

Round R13 :

Sc in each st around, switch back to red.

Round R14-R16 :

Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.

Round R17 :

(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)

Round R18-R20 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R21 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R22-R24 :

Sc in each st around.

Round R25 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Round R26 :

Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving tail long enough to sew head and body together. Stuff body, then match up with head and attach.

Beard :

Using dark brown, follow directions for Joseph's beard. Attach as instructed.

Arms (make two) :

Stuff lightly as you go. R1: Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6) R2: (Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9) R3: Sc in each st around, switch to orange. R4: In front loops only, sc in each st around. R5-R6: Sc in each st around, switch to red. R7-R9: Sc in each st around. R10: (Sc, invdec) 3x around. (6) R11-R12: Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving long tail. Attach to body.

Head Covering :

Using red, follow directions for Rows 1-7 of Joseph's head covering. From where you are, switch to orange yarn, ch1 and turn the work. R8: Sc in each of the next 20 sts across. Ch 1. Turn. R9-R25: Repeat Row 8, turning after each row. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Using red yarn and a yarn needle, attach the head covering by stitching around the top of the head.

Crown :

Using gold, ch 32. Slip stitch in first chain to form a ring. R1: Sc in each ch around. (32) R2: (Sl st, ch 3, then [sc, hdc] back down the ch 3, sk 2 sts, sl st) 8x around. Fasten off, leaving long tail to attach. Use yarn needle to sew crown evenly around head covering.

Gift :

Using orange, repeat the directions for the gift from Wise Man #1.

β€” Wise Man 3 :

Head :

Using medium brown, follow the instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.

Body :

Using gold, follow the instructions for Joseph's body. Switch to dark blue at round 11 and continue following instructions through round 26. Attach head to body.

Beard :

Using gray, follow instructions for Joseph's beard and attach as instructed.

β€” Shepherd :

Head :

Using beige, follow instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13

Body :

Using medium brown, follow instructions for Mary's body. Attach body to head.

Arms :

Using beige, then medium brown, follow instructions for Joseph's arms. Attach to body.

Head covering :

Using light brown, follow instructions for Joseph's head covering. Use dark brown for border.

Belt :

Ch 50, fasten off and weave in ends. Tie around waist. Secure with a few stitches around with yarn needle and dark brown yarn if desired.

Staff :

Cut a brown pipe cleaner to 6" in length. Sc around the length of the pipe cleaner. Fasten off, weave in ends. Bend into a curve.

β€” Angel :

Head :

Using beige, follow directions for Mary's head.

Body :

Using white, follow directions for Mary's body. Attach head to body.

Arms :

Follow the directions for Mary's arms, using beige for the hands and white for the remainder of each arm. Attach securely as pictured.

Hair :

Using gold, first make a hair cap as follows: R1: Sc 6 into a magic ring. (6) R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12) R3: (Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18) R4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24) R5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30) R6-R9: Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to attach hair cap to angel's hair.

Info :

Then make a bun as follows: R1: Sc 6 into a magic ring. (6) R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12) R3: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 3x around. (15) R4-R5: Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to attach bun to hair cap (stuff a bit as you attach).

Info :

Bangs: Using a yarn needle, sew gold yarn around angel's hairline as pictured. Draw needle up through the center of hairline and to each side repeatedly.

Wings (make two) :

Using light blue, chain 7. R1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1. Turn. (6) R2: Sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts. Ch 3. Turn. (9) R3: Sc in 2 ch sts (work into them as you would into a foundation chain), sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc, sc in last 2 sts. Ch 1. Turn. R4: Sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc, sc in next 4 sts. Ch 3. Turn. (12) R5: Sc in 2 ch sts, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc, sc in last 3 sts. Ch 1. Turn. R6: Sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc, sc in next 8 sts. Ch 3. Turn. (15) R7: Sc in 2 ch sts, sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc, sc in last 3 sts. Ch 1. Turn. R8: Sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, sc in next 9 sts. Ch 2. Turn. (18) R9: Sc in 1 ch st, sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc, sc in last 4 sts.

Info :

Fasten off, leaving long tail for attaching. If your wings are curling, you may want to block them (there are many online tutorials and videos for blocking). I spray blocked and pinned these wings into shape and let them dry overnight. Using yarn needle, attach wings to back of angel as pictured.

β€” Lamb :

Ears (make two) :

Using beige, sc 6 into a magic ring. Slip stitch into first sc and pull yarn through. Fasten off, leaving tail to attach.

Head R1 :

Using beige, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)

Round R2 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9)

Round R3 :

2 sc in each of first 3 sts, sc in next 6 sts. (12)

Round R4 :

(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)

Round R5 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)

Round R6-R9 :

Switch to white. Sc in each st around.

Round R10 :

(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)

Round R11 :

(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)

Info :

Place safety eyes between rows 4 and 5, about 6 stitches apart. To embroider the nose as pictured, first use gray yarn to make a Y shape. Then, use pink yarn to fill in the top of the Y. Then attach the ears between at row 8, about 10 stitches apart. Stuff the head and then move on to round 12.

Round R12 :

Sc2tog around until closed.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach head to body by aligning the base of the head with the top opening of the body and sewing securely with the long tail using a whipstitch or ladder stitch.
  • Insert a 2" plastic mesh screen into the base of bodies at the specified rounds before finishing stuffing to keep the base flat and help figures stand upright.
  • Pin and sew arms to the sides of the body at approximately the upper body rounds shown in photos, bending slightly for a natural pose and sewing hands together in front for prayerful pose where indicated.
  • Position beards under the nose and use the tail ends from the beard piece to stitch the sides and top so the beard sits flush against the face.
  • Sew head coverings around the top of the head and weave border yarn around the edge to secure and create decorative trim.
  • Assemble the manger by sewing the long and short side panels to the base to form a box, stuff lightly, attach the top, and add yarn "hay" by pulling looped strands through the surface and trimming to shape.

Important Notes

  • πŸ’‘Work in continuous rounds unless instructed otherwise and use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
  • πŸ’‘Insert the plastic mesh screen at the base of the body before final stuffing to maintain a flat base for standing figures.
  • πŸ’‘Begin stuffing bodies early (as instructed) so shaping is easier and pieces sit well when assembled.
  • πŸ’‘Weave in ends as you go and use the long tails indicated to sew pieces together securely for a neat finish.

This nativity crochet pattern invites you to create a charming handmade holiday scene filled with love and character. Each figure is small, thoughtful, and perfect for displaying or gifting during the season. Customize colors, add tiny embroidered details, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of amigurumi making. 🧢✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished pieces be?

Figures range in size from approximately 4" to 7 1/2" in height depending on yarn and hook tension.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but the size and stitch counts may change; choose an appropriate hook for your yarn and expect different finished sizes.

Do I need advanced crochet skills to make these?

This pattern is rated intermediate; basic amigurumi experience, working in continuous rounds, and familiarity with increases and decreases will be helpful.

How long does this project typically take?

Most crocheters complete individual figures in 5-7 hours for the set overall; time will vary depending on how many pieces you make and your experience level.