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Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern

Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern
3.9★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.2K Made This
✂️

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 Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a charming Baby Jesus amigurumi set complete with curly hair, a swaddling diaper wrap, a straw bed, a halo, and instructions to build a wooden manger. The design uses size 2 (super fine) yarn with tiny hooks for delicate shaping and neat stitches. You will follow clear round-by-round instructions, plus wet-blocking and assembly tips to get tidy straw details and secure hair placement. Perfect for adding a handmade tradition to your holiday decor or gift giving.

Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes full materials list, abbreviations, and diagrams for the wooden manger templates. Step-by-step photos and wet-blocking guidance ensure the straw bed looks tidy and realistic.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it captures a sweet, nostalgic feel while using tiny, precise stitches that make the final piece feel special and handcrafted. I love the combination of crochet and a small craft construction (the wooden manger) that makes it interactive and hands-on. The curly hair technique is one of my favorite finishes — it adds so much personality to the doll and is surprisingly simple to achieve. I also enjoy how the wet-blocking step transforms the straw bed into a neat, realistic looking base that complements the tiny baby figure perfectly.

Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love to experiment with color and accessories on this Baby Jesus set. Try pastel yarns for a softer, vintage look or jewel tones for a more dramatic display.

If you want a larger figure, switch to a thicker yarn and larger hooks — a size 3 yarn will give you a chunkier, more tactile doll. Remember to increase the hook sizes for the straw bed and halo by about 0.5mm as noted.

I often substitute metallic embroidery thread for the halo if I want a super-shiny look; you can also add seed beads or small sequins for extra sparkle before stuffing the halo.

For a mini pocket-sized version, use a thinner thread and a smaller hook (and skip the wooden manger) to make a tiny keychain or ornament.

You can create multiple hair styles by changing curl lengths or spacing; for straighter hair, reduce the chain lengths used for hair strands and press them gently while gluing to lay flat.

Consider making a whole nativity scene by repeating the Sweet Handfuls doll pattern in different sizes and costume colors to create Joseph, Mary, and animals.

I sometimes add a tiny felt blanket or embroidered initials to the swaddle for personalization — it makes the piece an extra-special gift.

To alter the straw bed texture, use a boucle or slightly fuzzy yarn instead of smooth yarn for a rustic look, but wet blocking may be less effective with highly textured yarns.

Want a posable option? Slip a thin craft wire into the limbs or under the swaddle for a bendable pose, but be careful with safety for children.

If you prefer not to glue the hair, you can stitch each curl in place using a yarn needle for a no-glue finish and easier future adjustments.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers when starting continuous rounds can create mismatched joins; place a marker on the first stitch and move it each round to keep track of your starting position. ✗ Not counting stitches after increases or decreases causes shaping errors and misaligned pieces; count your stitches at the end of each round and correct mistakes immediately. ✗ Using too large a hook for amigurumi results in visible gaps showing stuffing; use the recommended small hooks (1.5mm or 2.0mm) and work tightly so fiber fill does not show. ✗ Forgetting to wet block the straw bed leads to unruly straw pieces; wet the straw bed, pin pieces straight on thick foam, and allow to dry fully to get tidy straw. ✗ Gluing hair without pinning first can create uneven placement and visible glue; pin the hair piece into position, check symmetry, then glue under the curls as instructed for a neat finish.

Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern

Create a heartfelt Baby Jesus amigurumi set inspired by classic nativity figures. This pattern guides you through crocheting a mini baby doll, a cozy straw bed, a wooden manger, curly hair, a diaper wrap, and a glowing halo. Clear step-by-step rounds and assembly tips help you bring this sweet tradition to life for your home or gifts. Suitable for stitchers comfortable with small hooks and detailed assembly.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Size 2 (super fine weight) yarn (also called fingering/sock/super fine) - White or Natural White (for diaper wrap and swaddle)
  • 02
    Size 2 (super fine weight) yarn - Light Brown (for hair)
  • 03
    Size 2 (super fine weight) yarn - Golden Yellow (for straw bed)
  • 04
    Size 2 (super fine weight) yarn - Olive (or light brown) (for straw interior)
  • 05
    Metallic Gold yarn (for halo)
  • 06
    I used Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 in Natural White (002), Light Brown (006), Curry (056), Olive (072), and Go Handmade Cocktail Deluxe in Gold (metallic) (also from Hobbii)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 1.5mm (same hook size used for the dolls and diaper wrap)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 2.0mm (0.5mm larger than doll; used for straw bed and halo)
  • 03
    14 craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to construct the wooden manger
  • 04
    Scissors
  • 05
    Craft glue or wood glue (hot glue optional)
  • 06
    Craft paint or spray paint (optional)
  • 07
    Tapestry needle for sewing and finishing
  • 08
    Stitch markers or paper clips
  • 09
    Stick pins for wet blocking and hair placement (lots of these)
  • 10
    Large Styrofoam or thick foam piece for wet blocking the straw bed
  • 11
    Medium wooden button (for swaddle closure or decoration)
  • 12
    One Sweet Handfuls Mini Baby Doll (base doll) made in desired skin tone, eyes open or closed (used as the doll base)

Progress Tracker

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— Manger Templates :

Info :

You will need 14 craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to construct the wooden manger. Print the template page to use as a template. Note: The sticks used were approx 4 1/2" (11.5 cm) long, and 3/8" (1 cm) wide for reference.

Template A (Make 2) :

You will need 4 craft sticks. Glue craft sticks in an X position to form Template A (Make 2).

Template B (Make 4) :

You will need 4 craft sticks. Lay craft stick on template, mark lines, and cut as shown. Glue to X-shape to form a double layer for support (make 4 pieces).

— Manger :

Info :

The wooden manger is constructed using regular sized craft sticks and craft glue (or hot glue). Craft glue is less bulky but takes longer to dry; hot glue dries quickly but seams may not be as tight. This manger works for dolls made with size 2 yarn and are roughly 5" long.

Step 1 :

You will need the manger templates and 14 craft sticks. Lay one craft stick on Template A and put a dot of glue in the center, then lay a second craft stick in the glue forming the X shape. Make 2 of these X shapes.

Step 2 :

Using Template B, mark where you will need to cut craft sticks. Cut the craft stick on the two marked lines to create the smaller pieces (cut 4 craft sticks this way to yield small pieces). Using the smaller cut pieces, glue them onto the X shape to reinforce it so you have 2 double thick X shapes.

Step 3 :

Find a way to prop up the X shapes so they stand upright and make sure the distance they are separated is the length of a craft stick. Starting in the center, put drops of glue on the X shapes and carefully place the two center craft sticks, then continue adding glue and craft sticks so that there are three on each half forming the trough. Let glue dry, remove props, and ensure everything is straight.

Info :

*I use regular scissors to cut the craft sticks. Sometimes a craft stick will start to split so try to make the split side the small center piece not used for the outer craft. Optional: you can paint the wooden manger with craft paint or spray paint if desired, or stain it. The manger can be left as natural wood.

— Straw bed :

Info :

Using Yarn Over (v-stitch) or your preference. Using 2.0mm hook (0.5mm larger hook size than doll). Using Golden Yellow yarn. Note: Turning ch (ch1) will not be included in the stitch count.

Row 1 :

Start with Ch17. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, 16sc, ch1, turn (16)

Row 2-27 :

16sc, ch1, turn (26 rows) (16)

Row 28 :

16sc (do not turn) (Fig. 1) (16)

Info :

Border and Straw: Place marker, and start continuous rounds.

Round 1 :

27 sc across ends of rows, 3sc in corner, 14sc, 3sc in corner, 27sc across ends of rows, 3sc in corner, 14sc, 3sc in corner (Fig. 2) (94)

Round 2 :

BLO - [28sc, INC (in corner), 16sc, INC (in corner), 29sc, INC (in corner), 17sc, INC (in corner)] (Fig. 3) (98)

Round 3 :

(2 pieces of straw) * (ch10 (Fig. 4), starting 2nd ch from hook - 9slst, 1sc in next sc (Fig. 5), ch15, starting 2nd ch from hook - 14slst, 1sc in next sc (Fig. 6)), continue from * around, (last piece of straw will be a ch15 piece) (Fig. 7) (98 pieces of straw)

Info :

Finish off, and sew in ends.

Info :

Join Olive (or light brown) yarn to exposed front loops from Rnd 2. (Fig. 8)

Interior Round :

*(Ch12, starting 2nd ch from hook - 11slst, 1sc in next sc, ch8, starting 2nd ch from hook - 7slst, 1sc in next sc (Fig. 9)), continue from * around (Fig. 10) (92 pieces of straw)

Info :

Finish off, and sew in ends. Wet the straw bed and wring out excess water. Lay out the damp straw bed on thick foam or Styrofoam and carefully stretch each piece of straw straight, pin down with stick pins. Let dry overnight or until completely dry. Wet blocking will help the straw to lay more neatly (also see Notes on page 4).

— Hair :

Info :

Using Yarn Under (x-stitch). Using 1.5mm hook (same hook size as doll). Using Light Brown yarn.

Round 1 :

7sc in mr (7)

Round 2 :

(INC) x7 (14)

Round 3 :

(1sc, INC) x7 (21)

Round 4 :

(2sc, INC) x7 (28) (Fig. 14)

Round 5 :

(This round will be crocheting the pieces of hair, and each piece will be numbered)

Piece 1 :

*Ch15, starting in 2nd ch from hook – INC, 1sc, INC, 11sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd) (Fig. 15, 16)

Piece 2 :

**Ch17, starting in 2nd ch from hook – INC, 1sc, INC, 13sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd) (Fig. 17, 18)

Piece 3 :

Repeat *(Ch15...)

Piece 4 :

Repeat **(Ch17...)

Piece 5 :

Repeat *(Ch15...)

Piece 6 :

***Ch13, starting in 2nd ch from hook – INC, 1sc, INC, 9sc, 1sc in next st (on Rnd)

Piece 7 :

Repeat ***(Ch13...)

Piece 8 :

Repeat ***(Ch13...)

Space :

3sc (in next 3sts on Rnd, forming a gap between hair strands)

Piece 9 :

Ch7, starting in 2nd ch from hook – 6sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd)

Piece 10 :

Ch9, starting in 2nd ch from hook – 8sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd)

Piece 11 :

Ch11, starting in 2nd ch from hook – 10sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd)

Piece 12 :

Ch9, starting in 2nd ch from hook – 8sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd)

Piece 13 :

Ch7, starting in 2nd ch from hook – 6sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd)

Space :

3sc (in next 3sts on Rnd, forming a gap between hair strands)

Round 14 :

***Ch13, starting in 2nd ch from hook – INC, 1sc, INC, 9sc, 1sc in next st (on Rnd)

Round 15 :

Repeat ***Ch13...

Round 16 :

Repeat ***Ch13...

Round 17 :

*Ch15, starting in 2nd ch from hook – INC, 1sc, INC, 11sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd)

Round 18 :

**Ch17, starting in 2nd ch from hook – INC, 1sc, INC, 13sc, 1sc in next sc (on Rnd)

Round 19 :

Repeat *Ch15...

Round 20 :

Repeat **Ch17...

Round 21 :

Repeat *Ch15... You should have 21 pieces of hair, with 2 spaces. (Fig. 19, 20)

Info :

Note: The hair piece will be placed on the head with the back side facing out, so that the curls are curling under. Using stick pins, fasten the middle section of the hair piece to the head, carefully centering the 5 shorter strands in front (back strands will reach the back of the neck area).

Info :

When satisfied with placement, glue the middle of the hair piece to the top of the head and re-pin. Starting from the center of the back, carefully place glue under the 2 middle strands gluing down to just above the curl. Pin down each strand; hair strands should touch each other and lie neatly flat around the back of the head (except for the curl at the end of each strand which will be loose).

Info :

Continue to glue down and pin each strand around the back of the head, alternating sides until all 10 strands on the back of the head are glued and pinned in place. After the 10 strands of hair on the back are glued and pinned, find the 6 strands above the ears (3 on each side - these were the ch13 pieces). Apply glue under the 3 side hair strands down to the ear and glue down the middle strand first with curl falling just in front of the ear, pinning in place.

Info :

The two strands on either side of the middle strand will fall with their two curls above the middle curl. Glue and pin into place. Repeat for the other side. For a more symmetrical look the curls can be manually turned to face back and glued that way if preferred. Next, glue the shorter hair (bangs) in the front of the forehead. Allow craft glue to dry, then carefully remove stick pins. A small pliers can help remove pins stuck from glue if necessary. If spots are uneven or too loose, add more glue and re-pin until hair is shaped as desired.

— Diaper Wrap :

Info :

Using Yarn Over (v-stitch). Using 1.5mm hook (same hook size as doll). Using White or Natural White yarn.

Start :

Start with Ch28, then join in a circle by making a sc into the beginning chain, being careful not to twist the row of chains. (Fig. 21) Place your marker and begin working in continuous rounds.

Info :

Note: When you sew in your ends (after making the diaper wrap), you can make an invisible join with your starting tail.

Rnd 1-3 :

28sc (3 rounds) (Fig. 22) (28)

Info :

Leaving the marker in place, you will now change to Rows to form the crotch section. Note: Turning ch (ch1) will not be included in the stitch count, and the crotch rows will be designated with letters.

Row A :

BLO 8sc (skipping the rest of the round), ch1, turn (Fig. 23) (8)

Row B :

DEC, 4sc, DEC, ch1, turn (4)

Row C :

6sc, ch1, turn (6)

Row D :

DEC, 2sc, DEC, ch1, turn (Fig. 24) (4)

Row E-H :

4sc, ch1, turn (4 rows) (Fig. 25) (4)

Row I :

INC, 2sc, INC, ch1, turn (6)

Row J :

INC, 4sc, INC (Fig. 26) (8)

Info :

Cut yarn leaving a tail for sewing. Sew crotch piece to waistband using a whipstitch through the inside loop (Fig. 28) on the waistband and both loops on the crotch piece (leaving the loop to the outside exposed for later). Be careful to center it (there will be 6sts on the waistband over each leg hole) (Fig. 27). Sew in ends.

Info :

Return to where your marker was, and continue with Round 4.

Rnd 4 :

(working into exposed front loops, and FLO) (3sc, INC) x7 (see photos below) (35)

Rnd 5 :

FLO 35sc (Fig. 29) (35)

Rnd 6 :

10sc, (INC, 1sc) x6, 13sc (41)

Rnd 7-8 :

41sc (2 rounds) (41)

Rnd 9 :

FLO 41sc (Fig. 30) (41)

Info :

Finish off with invisible join. Sew in ends. With the garment facing you (join on the starting round of chains on the waistband should be on the back side (see Fig. 32)). Take the right side and pinch it into creases (Fig. 33). Using a bit of white yarn, sew through the creases from bottom to top and back again to hold them in position (Fig. 34, 35, 36). Pull the yarn tight and knot it, sew in the ends (Fig. 37, 38).

— Halo :

Info :

Using Yarn Under (x-stitch). Using 2.0mm hook (0.5mm larger hook size than doll).

Using Metallic Gold yarn - Round 1 :

8sc in mr (8)

Round 2 :

(INC) x8 (16)

Round 3 :

(1sc, INC) x8 (24)

Round 4 :

BLO – (1sc, INC, 1sc) x8 (32)

Round 5 :

(3sc, INC) x8 (40)

Round 6 :

(2sc, INC, 2sc) x8 (48)

Round 7 :

BLO – (5sc, INC) x8 (56)

Round 8 :

(3sc, INC, 3sc) x8 (64)

Round 9 :

(7sc, INC) x8 (Fig. 39) (72)

Info :

Do not finish off. Set aside to make second circle.

Using Golden Yellow yarn - Round 1 :

8sc in mr (8)

Round 2 :

(INC) x8 (16)

Round 3 :

(1sc, INC) x8 (24)

Round 4 :

(1sc, INC, 1sc) x8 (32)

Round 5 :

(3sc, INC) x8 (40)

Round 6 :

(2sc, INC, 2sc) x8 (48)

Round 7 :

(5sc, INC) x8 (56)

Round 8 :

(3sc, INC, 3sc) x8 (64)

Round 9 :

(7sc, INC) x8 (Fig. 40) (72)

Info :

Finish off with invisible join. Sew in ends.

Assembly :

Cut a piece of plastic canvas, cardboard, or other thin sturdy material into a circle slightly smaller than the crocheted circles. Place the two crocheted circles back-to-back and use the yarn from the Metallic Gold circle to crochet through both loops of matching sc on both circles. When you reach about 2/3 of the way around, insert the plastic canvas piece between the two circles. Optional: add a little fiber fill between the canvas and the Golden Yellow back piece to puff out the back of the halo. Continue sc around until the circles are fully sewn together. Finish off and sew in ends.

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew the crotch piece to the diaper waistband using a whipstitch through the inside loop on the waistband and both loops on the crotch piece, centering so there are 6 sts on the waistband over each leg hole.
  • Pin the hair piece to the head with stick pins, center the shorter front strands, then glue the middle section and glue under each strand, pinning until dry for secure placement.
  • Attach the finished Baby Jesus to the straw bed by placing him in the center of the wet-blocked straw bed once dry, and use pins briefly to check placement before removing and displaying inside the wooden manger.
  • Assemble the wooden manger by gluing craft sticks to Template A and reinforcing with cut pieces from Template B; place three craft sticks on each side to form the trough and let glue dry before painting or staining.
  • Sew the two halo circles together around a small plastic canvas insert and use invisible joins to finish, then position and attach the halo to the back of the doll’s head with a few stitches or a small dab of glue if desired.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of continuous rounds and changes in the straw bed border to avoid miscounts.
  • 💡Wet block the straw bed on thick foam or Styrofoam, pinning each straw strand straight and allowing it to dry fully before removing pins.
  • 💡Work with consistent tension and use the recommended small hooks (1.5mm and 2.0mm) to keep stitches tight enough so fiber fill does not show through.
  • 💡Pin parts in place before gluing or sewing to ensure symmetry and correct placement, especially for hair and the swaddle.
  • 💡When cutting craft sticks, try to make any splitting occur on the smaller center supporting pieces rather than on the pieces forming the visible trough edges.

This Sweet Handfuls Baby Jesus set brings a handmade holiday tradition to your home with tiny details and tender charm. 🧶✨ The little doll, straw bed, halo, and wooden manger create a memorable display that can become part of your seasonal celebrations. Make one for your family tree or as a thoughtful gift that will be treasured for years. 🎁🙏

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures roughly 4-6 inches long depending on yarn tension and hook size; the doll made with size 2 yarn will be about 5 inches long when using the recommended hooks.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but this will change the final size; choose an appropriate hook size to match your yarn and remember to adjust hooks used for straw bed and halo by approximately 0.5mm larger if recommended in the pattern.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated Intermediate and assumes you are comfortable with amigurumi basics, working in the round, increases and decreases, and front/back loop techniques. Detailed assembly and wet-blocking steps are included to help along the way.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete the Baby Jesus set in 5-7 hours, but time varies with experience, wet-blocking drying time, and whether you build the wooden manger and attach hair carefully.