Create a charming handmade nativity set with detailed crochet instructions for Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, wise men, shepherd, angel, lamb and accessories. This pattern guides you through heads, bodies, arms, beards, tunics, head coverings, a manger and tiny props so you can assemble a complete scene. Clear step-by-step rounds and helpful notes make assembly and finishing straightforward so your set stands and looks polished.
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— Pattern Notes :
Info :
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'. 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. Finished Sizes: Figures range in size from 4" to 7 1/2" in height. Notes: For much of these patterns you'll be working in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep your place. When you need to weave in a leftover yarn end, tie a knot close to the crocheted surface, thread the end through a yarn needle, and use the needle to pull the knot inside. Bring the needle through to the other side and trim the rest of the yarn.
— 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.
Section :
Body: 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.
— Arms (Joseph) :
Info :
Arms (make two): 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. Bend the arm gently into a curve, then sew shut. Attach to the sides of the body as pictured.
— Beard (Joseph) :
Info :
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.
— Tunic :
Info :
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. 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.
Info :
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.
— Head covering (Joseph) :
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. 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, ch 1 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. 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.
— 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.
Body R1 :
Using light blue, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Body R2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Body R3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Body R4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Body R5 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)
Body R6 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (36)
Body R7 :
In back loops only, sc in each st around.
Body R8-R10 :
Sc in each st around, insert mesh screen.
Body R11 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30)
Body R12-R15 :
Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.
Body R16 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)
Body R17-R19 :
Sc in each st around.
Body R20 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Body R21-R23 :
Sc in each st around.
Body R24 :
(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)
Body 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.
— 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.
Section 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.
Section 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.
— Head covering (Mary) :
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. 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, ch 1 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.
— 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.
Body R1 :
Using white, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Body R2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Body R3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Body R4 :
Sc in each st around.
Body R5 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Body R6-R12 :
Sc in each st around.
Body R13 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Body R14 :
Sc in each st around.
Body 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.
— 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.
Info :
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!).
— Wise Man 1 :
Info :
Head: Using dark brown, follow the instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.
Info :
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 :
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. R11: Sc in each of the next 20 sts across. Ch 1. Turn. 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.
— Wise Man 2 :
Info :
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: R11: Switch to gold, sc in each st around, insert mesh screen. (36) R12: (Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30) R13: Sc in each st around, switch back to red. R14-R16: Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go. R17: (Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24) R18-R20: Sc in each st around. R21: (Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18) R22-R24: Sc in each st around. R25: (Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12) 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 :
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, ch 1 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.
Gift :
Using orange, repeat the directions for the gift from Wise Man #1.
— Wise Man 3 :
Info :
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.
Info :
Arms: Using medium brown, follow Joseph's arm instructions and color sequence shown (switch to green, switch to dark blue where indicated). Fasten off, attach to body. Head covering and gift: follow pattern notes for head coverings and gifts from other wise men, using chosen colors.
— Shepherd :
Info :
Head: Using beige, follow instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.
Info :
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.
— Angel :
Info :
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.
Bun :
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).
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.
— 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)
Head R2 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9)
Head R3 :
2 sc in each of first 3 sts, sc in next 6 sts. (12)
Head R4 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Head R5 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Head R6-R9 :
Switch to white. Sc in each st around.
Head R10 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Head 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.
This delightful nativity crochet pattern brings a whole scene to life with small, lovable amigurumi characters that you can display or gift. Each figure is carefully shaped and easy to assemble using the step-by-step rounds and helpful photos included. Make the full set and enjoy a handmade holiday tradition that will be treasured for years to come. 🧶✨
