5 Little Monsters: Crocheted Nativity Set

Crocheted Nativity Set

*Purchase an ad-free version of this pattern on Etsy or Ravelry*


This Crocheted Nativity Set is probably one of my favorite things that I have made. I really love the way it turned out. When I was trying to think of what I could make for the finale of So You Think You're Crafty I went back and forth on what kind of project I wanted to do. I thought about making some kind of quilt or something but every time I thought about it I kept coming back to crochet. I feel like although I enjoy sewing and doing other crafts, crocheting is the most representative of me and of my blog. I have more crochet patterns on my blog than anything else, it is what I spend the most time working on and I just felt like it was the craft that would really represent me as a crafter and as a blogger and I really wanted my final project to be me in a project. I love nativities and since it is almost Christmas time I decided that  it would be really cool to make one. When I finished making it, I felt so happy with what I had made. It wasn't about winning or losing the competition, either way I had made something that I loved and I was happy with that. Feeling that way made me feel like I had succeeded in what I wanted, I had put myself in a project. When I found out that I had won I was really excited and happy, I am still sort of in shock about it. When I first started out I told my husband that I really just didn't want to be the first one to go home. The longer I stayed in the more I wanted to, and thought that maybe I could, make it all the way. Making it to the finale felt awesome, winning was really great.




Anyway, enough about that. We should probably get on to the details of the pattern. It is kind of a big project so this is going to be a long post. When I was making the Nativity I started out with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. I figured they were the most important and needed to be there. Then I figured I would add as many more figures as I had time to. I ended up with two shepherd, a sheep and a donkey. I think I will add some Wise Men at some point but I wasn't worried about getting them done right away.


All of the figures are made with worsted weight yarn with the exception of the sheep's body, which was a bulky yarn, and the boy shepherd's shawl thing. I used lots of different brands and colors of yarn and I'm not going to list them in the pattern because really, you can use anything you have. You don't need a lot of any of the colors so if you have some little balls of leftover yarn in your stash you can use that. If you have questions about specific colors, feel free to ask me and I will let you know. Most of what I used was Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Heartland, and Vanna's Choice. There was a little bit of Joann's and Michaels' store brands in there too.


The stable in the pictures is one that I borrowed from my mom. She found it at a thrift store a few years ago and worked perfectly with my set.



*This post contains affiliate links*

*Purchase an ad-free version of this pattern on Etsy or Ravelry*


How to Make a Crocheted Nativity Set


You will need:


Instructions:


Joseph-

Finished size about 7 1/2" tall

Body

Make a weighted insert to put in the base by cutting a circle about 6" in diameter, stitch a running stitch all the way around the outside of the circle, pull thread to cinch up slightly to create a bowl shape, pour in some weighted stuffing beads, cinch up the rest of the way and stitch closed, set aside 

Start with the color you are going to use for the body
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (24 sc)
Round 5: [1 sc in first 3 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (30 sc)
Round 6: [1 sc in first 4 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (36 sc)
Round 7: 1 sc blo in each stitch (36 sc)
Rounds 8-13: 1 sc in each stitch (36 sc)
Round 14: [1 sc in first 10 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (33 sc)
Rounds 15-17: 1 sc in each stitch (33 sc)
Round 18: [1 sc in first 9 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (30 sc)
Rounds 19-20: 1 sc in each stitch (30 sc)
Round 21: [1 sc in first 8 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (27 sc)
Rounds 22-23: 1 sc in each stitch (27 sc)
Round 24: [1 sc in first 7 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (24 sc)
Rounds 25-26: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Now is a good time to add the weighted insert to the base of the figure and begin stuffing, continue stuffing as you work
Round 27: [1 sc in first 6 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (21 sc)
Round 28: 1 sc in each stitch (21 sc)
Round 29: [1 sc in first 5 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (18 sc)
Round 30: [1 sc in first stitch, sc2tog] (12 sc)
switch to tan/skin color yarn
Round 31: 2 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Rounds 32-36: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Round 37: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, sc2tog] (18 sc)
Round 38: [1 sc in first stitch, sc2tog] (12 sc)
Round 39: sc2tog around (6 sc)
Finish off

Make 2 arms

start with skin color
Round 1: in mr, ch 1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: [1 sc in first 2 stitched, 2 sc in next] repeat around (8 sc)
change to clothing color
Rounds 3-11: 1 sc in each stitch (8 sc)
stitch arms to the side of the body at the neck

Headpiece

Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (24 sc)
Rounds 5-7: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Round 8: [1 sc in first 7 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (27 sc)
at this point you will begin working in rows, turning at the end of each
Row 9: sc in next 18 stitches
Rows 10-14: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each stitch (18 sc)
Row 15: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 16 stitches, 2 sc in last stitch (20 sc)
Rows 16-17: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each stitch (20 sc)
Finish off, weave in ends
Place on head
ch 30 (or number needed to wrap around head), wrap around headpiece, tie in the back, trim ends

For Joseph's belt I just tied a piece of yarn around his waist

Mary

Finished size about 6" tall

Make weighted insert the same way as for Joseph

Start with the color you are going to use for the body
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (24 sc)
Round 5: [1 sc in first 3 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (30 sc)
Round 6: [1 sc in first 4 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (36 sc)
Round 7: [1 sc in first 5 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (42 sc)
Round 8: 1 sc blo in each stitch (42 sc)
Round 9: 1 sc in each stitch (42 sc)
Round 10: [sc2tog, 1 sc in next 3] 3 times, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 7, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 7, sc2tog, 1 sc in next 7 (36 sc)
Round 11: [sc2tog, 1 sc in next 2] 3 times, sc2tog, sc in next 22 (32 sc)
Round 12: sc in first 2, sc2tog, sc in next 2, sc2tog, sc in next 24 (30 sc)
Round 13: 1 sc in each stitch (30 sc)
Round 14: [1 sc in first 8 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (27 sc)
Rounds 15-16: 1 sc in each stitch (27 sc)
Round 17: [1 sc in first 7 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (24 sc)
Rounds 18-19: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Now is a good time to add the weighted insert to the base of the figure and begin stuffing, continue stuffing as you work
Round 20: [1 sc in first 6 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (21 sc)
Round 21: 1 sc in each stitch (21 sc)
Round 22: [1 sc in first 5 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (18 sc)
Round 23: [1 sc in first stitch, sc2tog] (12 sc)
switch to tan/skin color yarn
Round 24: 2 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Rounds 25-28: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Round 29: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, sc2tog] (18 sc)
Round 30: [1 sc in first stitch, sc2tog] (12 sc)
Round 31: sc2tog around (6 sc)

Make 2 arms

start with skin color
Round 1: in mr, ch 1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: [1 sc in first 2 stitched, 2 sc in next] repeat around (8 sc)
change to clothing color
Rounds 3-10: 1 sc in each stitch (8 sc)
stitch arms to the side of the body at the neck

Hair

Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (24 sc)
Round 5: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Round 6: 1 dc in first 7 stitches, hdc, sc slip stitch, sc, hdc, dc in next 12 (19 dc, 2 hdc, 2 sc, 1 slip stitch)
Finish off, sew to the top of Mary's head

Head Shawl

*Shawl is worked back and forth in rows, not in the round, even though you still start in a magic ring.

Row 1: in mr, ch 1, sc 4 (4 sc)
Row 2: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in each stitch (8 sc)
Row 3: ch 1, turn, [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (12 sc)
Row 4: ch 1 turn, [1 sc in first 2 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (16 sc)
Rows 5-7: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (16 sc)
Row 8: ch 1, turn, 2sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 14, 2 sc in last stitch (18 sc)
Rows 9-15: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (18 sc)
turn 90 degrees, ch 1, sc across front to other corner, finish off, sew to top of head


Baby Jesus

Finished size about 2 1/2" long

start with skin color
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Rounds 3-4: 1 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Stuff head
Round 5: sc2tog around (6 sc)
switch to white
Round 6: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Rounds 7-11: 1 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Stuff body
Round 12:  sc2tog around (6 sc)
Finish off, weave in ends

Manger

Finished size about 3" x 5" x 1 1/2"

Make 1 base

ch 13
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to end (12 sc)
Rows 2-6: ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each stitch (12 sc)

Make 2 short sides

ch 7
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to end (6 sc)
Row 2: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 4, 2 sc in last stitch (8 sc)
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (8 sc)
Row 4: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 6, 2 sc in last stitch (10 sc)
Row 5:ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (10 sc)

Make 2 long sides

ch 13
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to end (12 sc)
Row 2: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 10, 2 sc in last stitch (14 sc)
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (14 sc)
Row 4: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 12, 2 sc in last stitch (16 sc)
Row 5:ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (16 sc)

Use sc to attach the 4 sides to each other and the base (hold the two pieces you are attaching wrong sides together and sc through both layers)

Finish off, weave in ends

Hay

Finished size about 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"

ch 18
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to end (17 sc)
Row 2: ch1, turn, sc in first stitch, sc in next 15 stitches making a loop in each stitch by wrapping the yarn around 2 fingers as you work, sc in last stitch (17 sc, 15 with loops)
Row 3:ch 1, turn, 1 sc in each stitch (17 sc)
Repeat rows 2 and 3, 3 more times
Finish off, weave in ends, set inside of manger loopy side up, set Baby Jesus on the hay

Star

Finished size about 3", star on dowel about 13" tall

Make 2
Round 1: in mr, ch 1, 5 sc (5 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (10 sc)
Round 3: [ch 5, skip 1, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next 2, skip 1 sc on original circle, slip stitch to next stitch] repeat 4 more times (5 points)
Once you have finished both stars, sc together around the outside

Take your 3" x 5" plaque and drill a 1/4" hole in the center, about a 1/4" deep, cut the dowel to desired length, insert dowel into hole gluing if needed, stick the dowel into the star between the two layers


Shepherd

Finished size about 7 1/2" tall

Make body, arms and headpiece exactly the same as Joseph but with different colors

For the Belt
ch 34
sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across
Wrap around waist and stitch ends together

For the Crook
cut a piece of wire about 7 inches long, bend one end into the crook shape
in mr, ch 1, 4 sc
sc in each stitch until you have a piece long enough to cover the wire
put the wire into the center of the crocheted tube
finish off, weave in ends 

Shepherd Boy

Finished size about 5 1/2" tall

Make weighted insert the same as for Joseph but using a 5" circle

Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (24 sc)
Round 5: [1 sc in first 3 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (30 sc)
Round 6: 1 sc blo in each stitch (30 sc)
Rounds 7-12: 1 sc in each stitch (30 sc)
Round 13: [1 sc in first 8 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (27 sc)
Rounds 14-15: 1 sc in each stitch (27 sc)
Round 16: [1 sc in first 7 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (24 sc)
Rounds 17-18: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Now is a good time to add the weighted insert to the base of the figure and begin stuffing, continue stuffing as you work
Round 19: [1 sc in first 6 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (21 sc)
Round 20: 1 sc in each stitch (21 sc)
Round 21: [1 sc in first 5 stitches, sc2tog) repeat around (18 sc)
Round 22: sc2tog around (9 sc)
change to skin color
Round 23: 2 sc in each stitch (18 sc)
Rounds 24-27: 1 sc in each stitch (18 sc)
Round 28: [1 sc in first stitch, sc2tog] (12 sc)
Round 29: sc2tog around (6 sc)

Make 2 arms

Start with skin color
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 1 sc in each stitch (6 sc)
change to clothing color
Rounds 3-7: 1 sc in each stitch (6 sc)
Sew to sides of body at neck

Headpiece

Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4: [1 sc in first 5 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (21 sc)
Round 5: 1 sc in each stitch around (21 sc)
Now you will begin working in rows
Row 6: sc in next 13 stitches (13 sc)
Rows 7-10: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (13 sc)
Row 11: 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next 11, 2 sc in last stitch (15 sc)
Rows 12-13: sc in each stitch (15 sc)
Finish off, weave in ends
Place on shepherd boy's head, tie a piece of yarn around it

Shoulder Wrap

ch 7
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and each stitch to end (6 sc)
Rows 2-6: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (6 sc)
Row 7: ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in 2 stitches, sc2tog (4 sc)
Rows 8-15: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (4 sc) 
Row 16: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in last stitch (6 sc)
Rows 17-22: ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch (6 sc)
Place over one shoulder and tie a piece of yarn around the waist to keep in place

Sheep

Finished size about 2 1/2" tall

with white worsted weight yarn
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Rounds 3-4: 1 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Change to bulky, textured yarn
Rounds 5-9: 1 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Stuff
Round 10: sc2tog around (6 sc)
finish off weave in ends

Make 4 legs

With worsted weight yarn
Round 1: in mr, ch 1, 4 sc
Rounds 2-3: 1 sc in each stitch (4 sc)
sew legs to bottom of body

Fluff on top of head

With bulky yarn
in mr, ch 1, 6 sc
stitch to top of head

Make 2 ears

ch 3
sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch (2 sc)
stitch one ear to each side of the head

Donkey

Finished size about 4 1/2 inches tall

Body

with gray yarn
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4: [1 sc in first 2 stitches, 2 sc in next] repeat around (24 sc)
Rounds 5-17: 1 sc in each stitch (24 sc)
Begin stuffing and continue stuffing as you go
Round 18:  [1 sc in first 2 stitches, sc2tog] repeat around (18 sc)
Round 19: [1 sc in first stitch, sc2tog] repeat around (12 sc)
Round 20: sc2tog around (6 sc)

Neck

with gray yarn
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Rounds 4-10: 1 sc in each stitch (18 sc)
Finish off leaving long end for sewing

Head

with gray yarn
Round 1: in mr, ch1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 3-4: 1 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Round 5: [1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (18 sc)
Rounds 6-7: 1 sc in each stitch (18 sc)
Now you will begin working back and forth in rows
Row 8: sc in next 9 stitches
Row 9: turn, slip stitch in first stitch, sc in next 8 (8 sc)
Row 10: turn, slip stitch in first stitch, sc in next 7 (7 sc)
Row 11: turn, slip stitch in first stitch, sc in next 6 (6 sc)
Row 12: turn, slip stitch in first stitch, sc in next 5 (5 sc)
Finish off leaving long end for sewing

Stuff neck and sew to the front of body, stuff head and sew to the neck, I twisted the head so that the donkey is kind of looking to the side

Make 2 Ears

with gray yarn
ch 4
slip stitch in first ch, sc in next, hdc in last 2 ch
sew ears to top side of head

Mane

with black yarn
ch 13
sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to the end
stitch onto neck, from the base of the neck up over the top of head

Make 2 Front Legs

start with black yarn
Round 1: in mr, ch 1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: [1 sc in first 2 stitched, 2 sc in next] repeat around (8 sc)
Round 3: 1 sc in each stitch (8 sc)
change to gray
Rounds 4-12: 1 sc in each stitch (8 sc)
Now you will begin working back and forth in rows
Row 13: sc in next 4 stitches
Row 14: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 2, 2 sc in last stitch (6 sc)
Finish off leaving long tail for sewing

Make 2 Back Legs

start with black yarn
Round 1: in mr, ch 1, 6 sc (6 sc)
Round 2: [1 sc in first 2 stitched, 2 sc in next] repeat around (8 sc)
Round 3: 1 sc in each stitch (8 sc)
change to gray
Rounds 4-9: 1 sc in each stitch (8 sc)
Round 10: [1sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next] repeat around (12 sc)
Rounds 11-12: 1 sc in each stitch (12 sc)
Now you will begin working back and forth in rows
Row 13: sc in next 6 stitches
Row 14: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 4, 2 sc in last stitch (8 sc)
Row 15: ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 4, sc2tog (6 sc)
Row 16: ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 2, sc2tog (4 sc)
Finish off leaving long tail for sewing

Sew legs to body, front legs should be sewn so that they point forward,then fold back under the body, back legs are angled slightly to the back then they fold in towards the front of the body, make sure as you are sewing them on that the donkey sits up straight

Tail

with gray yarn
ch 10, slip stitch in each ch
cut 3- 4" lengths of black yarn, attach to the end of tail with a larks head knot, sew tail to donkey



I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I have, if you have any questions let me know and I will try to help as much as I can. 






87 comments :

  1. So wonderful!!!! I know this took time, creativity, and work. I appreciate so much that you've made this set free. It is beautiful. Darlene P.

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    1. Thank you. I hope that you are able to use the pattern to make your own.

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  2. I'm with you, I love crochet and nativities. My daughter-in-law's mother is a crochet wizard and helped her make a smaller set for me a few years ago, but she didn't write it down. It must have taken a long time to figure out the final pattern. You're so generous to offer it for free. Thank you!

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    1. You're welcome. It is something I have always wanted to do so I was really excited to make it.

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  3. This is a lovely nativity set, thank you for sharing with us. I too apprexiate the time thats gone into making this and your kindness in sharing the pattern.....I'm also a crochetter and juat love making things with yarn x

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  4. This is a lovely nativity set, thank you for sharing with us. I too apprexiate the time thats gone into making this and your kindness in sharing the pattern.....I'm also a crochetter and juat love making things with yarn x

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  5. This is beautiful! I have been looking for a pattern for quite a while now; THANK YOU!! I am new to crocheting (novice; just learning this year-mainly self taught with help from another new crocheter).
    My favorite thing about Christmas is the Nativity. I have collected small sets from different places I have traveled to in addition to one that I painted for myself 31 years ago-my first Christmas as a 'grown up'.
    Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Someday, I hope to be ready to design/write my own patterns. In the meantime, I appreciate all of you who generously share yours free. Its what keeps me loving the craft and searching for more challenging projects.

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    1. Thank you, I love nativities too. I am really excited to be able to put this one out this year. I hope that you are able to use the pattern to make your own. If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will try to help.

      I go back and forth sometimes on selling patterns versus offering them for free and I always come back to offering them for free because before I started making my own patterns I always appreciated being able to use other people's free patterns. I couldn't really afford to buy patterns so I used the ones I could find for free. I feel like sharing my patterns is kind of my way of paying that back. Getting comments like the ones here make me feel like I am doing the right thing. I am sure that there are other people in that same position of wanting to try new patterns but not being able to afford to pay for new patterns all of the time. The way that I got to the point of creating my own patterns was by making patterns made by other people and learning the techniques and eventually I understood the construction and shaping process well enough that I could make my own designs.

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    2. Do you sell the finished nativity?
      Love it but I think I couldn't make it.

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    3. Erica Hi I will try this Nativity set.i have been crocheting for at least 40years and I have to follow a pattern. I have made up handbags phone bags etc without a pattern beanies but nothing as detailed as this. Thank you for sharing your pattern free of charge

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  6. Does the mr stand for main row?
    I think you did a great job. I love it.

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    1. It stands for magic ring, sorry, I probably should have written that in the pattern. You start most of the pieces with a magic ring or magic circle. Alternatively you can chain 2 then work the single crochets in the first chain.

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  7. Thank you so much for the pattern. I can't wait to get started.

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  8. Beautiful...I'll have to see if our amazing grandma can make us one! Thank you for sharing the true Spirit of Christmas!

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  9. i have a question on the donkey pattern. when working on the body rows 5-17 are 24 stitches but on row 18 it says sc in each and only says that it's 18 stitches. am I missing something?

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    1. You may have figured it out by now, but it's 18 because you're decreasing. Single crochet in the first 2 stitches, then single crochet 2 together, all the way around. That's how you go from 24 to 18. (I'm not the author, I just know because I finished the donkey yesterday :)

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  10. What is a weighted base? /What is it made of?

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    1. I explain how to make it in the pattern for Joseph, basically it is just a circle of fabric gathered around the edges and filled with weighted stuffing beads. The ones I use are from Fairfield World and they are called Poly-Pellets. I will add a link in the pattern. I pull the circle closed and it creates a little, almost like a beanbag type thing, that I put in the bottoms of the figures. The added weight at the bottom really helps them stand up better, at least I feel like it does.

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  11. We are making this now and are really struggling with Mary's shawl... it seems to make a sort of cone shape instead of what I thought it would make... any chance there is a minor error in that part of the pattern?

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    1. I think it is written right. Are you joining or working in rounds? The shawl is worked in rows. You make your first 4 sc in the magic ring then ch 1 and turn working back across those stitches. To start out it should create a sort of semicircle shape.

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    2. I was working in circles so I will try that and hope for the best! Thanks for the help!

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  12. This looks like a great fun pattern. I collect nativities and love to crochet, so I'm happy when I can combine the two interests. Thank you so much for offering it for free!

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  13. Is there a guide to your stitch abbreviations?

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    1. I don't have one written down anywhere on my blog, I try to use standard abbreviations, ch- chain, sc- single crochet, dc- double crochet, mr is magic ring (I don't know if that is the most common abbreviation for that but that is the one I use), sc2tog- single crochet 2 together, blo- back loop only. I think those are all of the abbreviations I use in this pattern.

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    2. Sorry for my ignorance.... What is a "magic ring"? I've been crocheting my entire life and never heard that term until now.

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    3. Sorry for my ignorance.... What is a "magic ring"? I've been crocheting my entire life and never heard that term until now.

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  14. What size hook did you use? I assume it was the same for every figure?

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  15. such a fun pattern! thank you so much for sharing it! is there a pdf so we could easily print it off?

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    1. I don't have a pdf right now. I will try to get one added this week, but in the meantime you can use the print friendly button at the bottom of the post and it will let you remove the sections that you don't want to print so that you can print only part of the post.

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  16. I love this set! I just started on Joseph and am halfway through the body I think. I made the weighted base but what is the rest of the body stuffed with? Just the same poly beads or fiber stuffing? Thank you!

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  17. Just regular fiber fill stuffing. I just noticed that I left that out of the supplies list, I will go add it in right now.

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  18. This is wonderful!!! Thank you very much for sharing!!!!! Can't wait to get started!!

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  19. Beatiful, thank you for sharing.

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  20. These are awesome! I just finished making Joseph and Mary and Baby Jesus. My 2 yr old thinks they're the greatest things ever! Thanks for offering them for free! I was just looking at making the donkey, I think there is a small mistake, it was mentioned about also. The question is what is supposed to happen between rows 17 and 18? Just the standard stitch decrease?

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    1. Thanks for noticing that and letting me know. Row 18 is a decrease row, I just typed it up wrong. I fixed it in the pattern so it should be right now. I seem to have made several errors typing up the donkey portion but I think they are all fixed now. I hope.

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  21. I just wanted to let you know that your pattern is lovely. I can think of a few family members and friends who might be either getting a whole set or just Mary, Josef and the baby from me this year.

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  22. Such a great Nativity set! I've been working on a set a bit smaller than yours; a pattern I purchased at Etsy but still I needed to tweak it to make it just right. But your pattern looks perfect! The size, the styling of the figures... I love it! I wish I'd seen yours before I began the one I'm working on! LOL

    Thank you so very much for sharing your creativity with the rest of us! Merry Christmas!

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  23. Thank you so much for this free pattern! I love it! I love collecting Nativities and crocheted ones add so much! I love the classic look to this Nativity. I would make this as family Christmas gifts. Thank you again!

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  24. Love it! Thank you. Thank you, thank yooooouuuuuu!
    Made Maria, Josef and Jesus today. They look so wonderful. Fell in love. <3
    Have a wonderful christmastime.
    Love, Marie from www.schautmal.de

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  25. This is amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to make a pattern. I can't wait to start making a set this week!

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  26. Thank you for this, I'm going to make the characters this week whilst I'm recuperating as home. What a beautiful gift you have given us xx

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  27. Thank you for this, I'm going to make the characters this week whilst I'm recuperating as home. What a beautiful gift you have given us xx

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  28. Thank you for sharing these lovely patterns for free. I am currently recovering from surgery and crochet is keeping me focused, distracted and busy. In hospital I finished an adult poncho in two days :-)
    I hope you don't mind a couple of quick questions: is this written using American or English crochet terms as I know they are different (sorry haven't been crocheting too long and so not quite an expert yet)? Also do you know what a G hook is in mm?
    Thank you again for such fab patterns. S x

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  29. Thanks for this pattern ... I am excited to try it! Very generous of you to make it free... Thanks so very much!

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  30. Did you slip stitch at the end of every row, or do a continuous round?


    Thanks for sharing! It is so cute!

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  31. I'm so glad to have found this pattern. I want to make nativity sets for my neighbors and this is the first one I hav found that I think I can make several of quickly! Thank you for sharing.

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  32. its great. wondering if you have figured out the wise men? :) thank you for sharing it for free

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  33. Thank you so much for sharing this pattern! I've always wanted a nativity scene and now I've made my own. The pattern was extremely easy to follow. You did a really nice job!

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  34. This is amazing, thank you so much! Are you going to do wise men also? I guess they'd just be the same as Joseph etc, but maybe with bright colours?

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    1. I will add some wise men but not before this Christmas. My plan is to make them similar to Joseph in brighter, more royal colors, and with some different headress options.

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  35. Do you think I could make these without the beads? I don't have any. :-(

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    1. You can, they just may not stand up as well. The weighted bottom really helps them stand up better. You could try using something like rice, or dry corn or beans, I know that is what some people use, the problem with those is that they could go bad especially if there is any moisture but it is another option.

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  37. This was such a fun pattern! I wanted them a little bigger so I used an "H" hook. They turned out great. I also made an angel fashioned after the Joseph body pattern. Thanks again for an awesome pattern. Xoxox

    http://imgur.com/gallery/rGysi

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    1. I also sewed Mary's hands together so she could hold the baby. When Jesus is in the manger the hands fall to look like she is praying :)

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  38. Sorry for all the comments, but can I sell the finished product?

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    1. Sorry for the super late reply but yes you can. The only thing that I ask is that you acknowledge where the pattern is from, link to it if you are selling online. Other than that, sure, I have no problem with it.

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  39. Replies
    1. yes, there should be a pin it button that pops up in the top left hand corner of the picture and you can save it that way or copy the url and paste into pinterest and it can be saved that way.

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  41. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful nativity!! I love nativities, too, and have several as well - but none crocheted . . . and thanks to you, I can make this one myself. :-)

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  42. I am so EXCITED to make this!!! Thank you so much!!!

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  43. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern! This was my first attempt at anything like this. I ended up adding an angel and 3 kings as a part of a gift for someone special to me and they turned out SO cute! I'm sure they will be thrilled when they get the finished product! :) Thank you thank you! :)

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  44. I love this and since I collect nativities it's about time I make one myself. Just curious if you ever made the wise men or camels. Thanks for the great patterns!

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  45. Thanks from Germany, i have finished joseph already and started crocheting Mary now. I am very excited to Show ist to my 2 year old and the whole Family. Thanks for this free pattern.

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  46. Thank you! So kind of you to share them for free. I appreciate your time and effort. This is an adorable nativity and I can't wait to make it for my grandsons.

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  47. About how big is the creche/stable you got from your mom? I wanted to order one but I have no idea how big I'll need, how big the figures will end up in the end... Thanks!

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  48. Ty for this set I'm adding wise men and a camel to mine.can't wait to do the advent calendar

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  49. I just finished Joseph using Vanna's Choice yarn and a size G hook and he is 5" tall rather than 7 1/2". I went back and counted my rounds and there are 39, just like the pattern calls for. I'm curious about that. I didn't think I crocheted that tightly! lol... Actually, I'm quite happy with his height. I almost decided to eliminate some rows because I wasn't sure I wanted him to be as tall as 7 1/2"!

    I crocheted a Nativity set waaaaay back in the early 1980's (I think) from a pattern I found in a Family Circle magazine. I located the pattern on Ebay last year and was thrilled to have found it but it's nowhere near as nice and as easy to follow as your pattern.

    Thank you again for freely sharing your patterns. You are very generous.

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  50. I collect Nativity sets and can not wait to make this one. Love it!

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  51. Am I blind or is anybody else missing the pattern for the sheep's head?

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    1. I'm also struggling to get the sheep right - I think the first 9 rows, where it says to use the non-textured wool, is meant to make its head. But mine doesn't seem to poke out enough to look separate from the body.

      Any tips?

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  52. I have a sister in law who collects Nativity sets. I will do my darudest to get it done in time for her December display. She displays one a day until Christmas. Thank you for shsring.

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  53. I crochet a circle the same size as the bottom of the figure and cut a piece of plastic the same size and sandwich them together. This makes a solid base and the figures will stand up without any problem.

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  54. I crochet a circle the same size as the bottom of the figure and cut a piece of plastic the same size and sandwich them together. This makes a solid base and the figures will stand up without any problem.

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  55. The complete is so adorable... really beautiful... though it seems like a lot of work to me.. :P

    But totally worth it... so live and nice... :P

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  56. Thank you so much for this set of patterns! I am going to try these for sure. So perfect for what I was searching for!

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  57. Did you design wise men to go with this set?

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  58. Would you mind if I made this and sold it if I gave credit to your page and pattern?

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  59. Thanks a lot for your pattern and for sharing ! It will be a gift for christmas :D

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