Nativity Set Free Crochet Pattern Image 1

Nativity Set Free Crochet Pattern – Christmas Nativity Scene

I LOVE Christmas time. I love the colors, the smells, the snow, the activities, the food & baking, the lights, the joy and wonder in my kids eyes. And one of my VERY favorite things about the holiday season is DECORATING! Our family does all of it together as we go around the house adding special holiday decor to every room. But what was missing? A crochet nativity set! So, I designed this nativity set free crochet pattern and am so excited to share it with you too!

Whether you make it for your home or as a gift for someone else, this little nativity scene is going to add such a sweet touch of handmade love this holiday season.

Jump into the pattern now, or PIN it for later here!

This nativity set free crochet pattern is supported by ads on my blog. The free version includes the traditionally accepted figures of the nativity scene. I am no scholar, but after doing a little reading, this is what I’ve landed on as who was surely there that special day: Baby Jesus & the manger, Mary, Joseph, Angel, Shepherds and sheep.

The premium version of the nativity scene also includes the 3 wise men/3 kings, who arrived later, as well as the ox and the donkey. If you would like to round out your nativity scene with those characters as well, you can find the 19-page PDF printable, ad-free pattern on my Etsy shop here or on Ravelry here. The printable version includes over 80 photos of in-the-making to help you with every step of the way!

Nativity Set Free Crochet Pattern Notes & Tips:

This nativity set free crochet pattern is written in US terms. If needed, you can find a handy term conversion chart right here in my Resource Library. I recommend giving the pattern a read-through before you begin so you can visualize the big picture and consider any specific notes for help along the way! The printable pattern in my Etsy shop or Ravelry shop comes with LOTS of in-the-making photos for each step of the way as well.

Size & Gauge:

Size: The characters will end up being between 3-4″ tall.

Gauge: 4”x4” of single crochet = 28 stitches x 30 rows. Ultimately with small pieces like the ones from this nativity set free crochet pattern, gauge doesn’t matter. It won’t have to fit someone’s body or a specific space. My patterns will include the size of the finished piece based on the yarn and hook I use. But if you want it smaller or bigger, just use a bigger yarn and hook! Just remember, when crocheting toys, crochet tightly and choose a hook one size smaller than the yarn size recommends in order to avoid holes between each stitch where the stuffing will show through.

Top 10 under $10 Sustainable Yarns Image Stylecraft naturals Organic Cotton DK Yarn

Yarn & Stuffing:

Yarn: Take your choice of yarn! Choose colors that bring you joy and fibers that feel good between your fingers. I use 100% organic cotton yarn because I prefer natural and sustainable fibers.

Stuffing: Stuff more than you think you should. Not enough for the stitches to stretch and show holes, but enough to make the piece stiff. The filling will compress a bit over time. I encourage you to use an alternative to poly-fill (unless it’s recycled!). Try using leftover yarn scraps and snippets or old non-donate-able clothes and materials cut into strips.

Policies & Disclaimers:

This pattern is for PERSONAL USE ONLY. This pattern or parts of it may not be reproduced, resold, distributed, published, altered, translated, posted or shared without authorization. You can sell your finished items provided that you credit Off the Beaten Hook as the designer using this verbiage, “This pattern was designed by Lindsey Roe and Off the Beaten Hook.” Thank you for your respectfulness!

This post contains affiliate links for materials I use and love. If you purchase something using one of these links I may earn a small commission which in no way affects the cost to you. These partnerships help me support my small business which allows me to provide you with free crochet patterns. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!

What makes this pattern eco-friendly and sustainable?

THE YARN: I use only sustainable and eco-friendly yarn that has been ethically grown/raised and processed, putting the people and the planet first. I also used yarn from my stash for this project. Except for ONE of the colors, you will use far less than one ball of yarn per color. I do include the exact brand and colors I used and where to buy them, but check your stash too!

THE STUFFING: I used exclusively yarn snippets to stuff these tiny nativity characters. They don’t take much and I save all my yarn snippets for this purpose.

THE WEIGHTS: For the weights, I used nuts, bolts and washers I had laying around my workshop because I always have extras from miscellaneous projects. Look around your home to find something that can be repurposed to weight the characters down so they stand up straight.

THE SLOW YARN MOVEMENT: I’m participating in the Slow Yarn Movement. There’s far too much to talk about here, but please take a few minutes to learn about what this means by reading the article I wrote about the Slow Yarn Movement as part of my 6-part Sustainable Crochet Series.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable crochet you can read all about it in the 6-part series I did covering everything about Sustainable Crochet and how to implement it into your own crafting starting today!

Materials you will need:

YARN:

I used 100% cotton DK yarn for 95% of this pattern. The exception is I chose to use a wool yarn to make some accents and add different texture to the scene. You can do this too! Alternatively, choose a suitable cotton yarn as substitutions for these bits from the yarn list below.

The pattern refers to colors as “Color A, Color B, etc” in the order they appear in the pattern. In the printable pattern, I provide a color grid where I include the exact yarn I used and I also provide a space for you to fill in the yarn you’re using (if different) in order to better keep track since several yarns repeat for different characters. This way, you’ll be able to refer back to the grid when the pattern simply refers to “Color D” or whatnot. You may want to replicate that somehow with this free pattern if it’s helpful for you!

Colors:

YARN SUBSTITUTION OPTIONS:

If you can’t access the recommended yarn, want to explore other colors, or would just prefer to use a different yarn, here are some others that will work well! All of these are DK weight:

100% Cotton Options:

Cotton Blend & Other Fiber Options:

OTHER TOOLS & MATERIALS:

Abbreviations used in the nativity set free crochet pattern:

ch – chain
chs – chains
st – stitch
hk – hook
sl st – slip stitch
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
FLO – front loop only
BLO – back loop only
inc – increase
dec – decrease
(…) x – repeat instructions indicated number of times
[…] – number of stitches in row/round

CRAFT GLUE STIFFENING METHOD:

As referred to in the pattern below, I stiffen parts of the pieces using this method.

Squirt a small amount of dry-clear craft glue (like Elmers school glue) into a small cup and add a bit of water. Stir to combine. You want the consistency to be similar to thick syrup. Using a small paintbrush, brush the glue onto the part that you are stiffening. The pieces I use this method on are: the ox ears & horns, the sheep ears, the donkey ears, the angel wings and the shepherds staff.

With the shepherds staff, it’s easier to actually dip the staff into the glue, allowing it to absorb into the yarn. Then, lay the staff onto a piece of wax paper on top of foam board or cardboard. Shape the staff and pin it in place until it is completely dry.

The Pattern

BABY JESUS:

Start in Color A

Rnd 1: st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2: inc around [12]

Rnd 3-4: sc around [12]

Rnd 5: dec around [6]

Embroider eyes between Rnds 4 & 5.

Stuff head.

Rnd 6: inc around [12]

Rnd 7-10: sc around [12]

Rnd 11: dec around [6]

Stuff and close.

SWADDLING CLOTHES/SWADDLE

In Color B, chain 26

Row 1 (RS): dc in 3rd ch from hk and each ch thereafter, ch 2, turn (ch 2 doesn’t count as a st, nor do the first 2 skipped chs) [24]

Row 2 (WS): dc across, ch 1, turn [24]

Row 3 (RS): dc 7, dec 5, dc 7 [19]

You’ll see the swaddle naturally curving together towards the shorter edges. With right side facing together, seam the swaddle closed along the short side/back, with slip stitches through the FLO of each st. Fasten off and weave in ends. Wrap Jesus in the swaddle and fasten closed with a dab of hot glue or take a few stitches to seam closed.

THE MANGER:

NOTES:

  • The manger is worked in continuous rounds around a chain. You first make the chain, crochet back into it and continue along the other side of the chain – continually working in that same direction (do not turn).
  • For ease and sanity, I recommend the use of stitch markers at the corners of the manger while you’re making the square so you won’t have to try to keep count. You’ll see my use of those stitch markers in the photos.
  • After the manger is made, the yellow yarn is added and manipulated to look like hay
  • If using, you’ll use your hot glue gun for the manger to prevent the hay from falling out
  • Use photo references to help along the way – photo included below method

With Color C, chain 11

Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hk and next 8, sc 3 in final st [12]. Continue on other side of ch: sc in next 9 st, sc 3 in final st (not the sl st!) [24] PHOTO 07

Rnd 2: sc 9, make 3 sc in the next st (place a st mk in the 2nd st of that trio), sc in next st, make 3 sc in the next st (again, place a st mk in the 2nd of that trio), sc 9, make 3 sc in the next st (mark the 2nd st), sc in next st, make 3 sc in next st (mark the 2nd st) [32] PHOTO 08

Rnd 3-6: sc around, making 3 sc in each st where the st markers are. After Rnd 6, sl st to first st and ch 1 [st count after Rnd 3: 40, Rnd 4: 48, Rnd 5: 56, Rnd 6: 64] PHOTOS 09-11

Rnd 7: sl st around [64] PHOTO 12

Rnd 8: BLO sc around [64] PHOTO 13

Rnd 9-10: sc around [64] PHOTO 14

Rnd 11-12: sc around, decreasing twice at each of the 4 corners PHOTO 15 & 16

MAKE THE HAY FOR THE MANGER:

  • Using Color D, cut several strips of yarn, 3-4 inches long. These are the pieces of hay. I used 50-60 pieces to make a thick mat of hay on the manger.
  • Tie a knot on one end of each of the pieces of “hay” so they won’t slip through the stitches on the manger PHOTO 17
  • Starting near the center of the manger, insert your hook from front to back through a stitch on the manger, snatch a piece of hay and pull through, leaving the knotted end to the inside of the manger. PHOTO 18
  • Repeat Step 3 moving around the rounds of the top of the manger for 3 – 4 rows. PHOTO 19
  • Using a hot glue gun, blob on lots of glue on the inside to keep the hay in place. Before the glue dries completely, shape the manger by gently pressing on the top to make a slight indent for Baby Jesus to lay nicely into PHOTO 20
  • Using a comb, brush through the strands of hay and fray them to make them look more realistic PHOTO 21 & 22
  • Trim hay as desired PHOTO 23 & 24
  • Wrap baby Jesus in his swaddling clothes and secure the swaddle closed with a dab of hot glue or take a stitch or two to keep in place. Lay the baby Jesus in the manger. PHOTOS 25-28

MARY:

NOTES:

  • Mary, and all of the characters are worked in continuous rounds – do not join after each round
  • Use these photos as reference, if needed, as you make each of the characters to follow as the method is the same and I felt like it would be redundant to show the same photos every time. Therefore, the photos may or may not match the actual color of the tunic for each character.
  • I originally used embroidery for the eyes but decided to switch to 3mm safety eyes on the 2nd go around, so some of these photos will show embroidery, but are placed in the same stitch as the safety eyes were.
  • For Mary and all the characters (including animals) I used bolts, nuts and washers for the weights. I have a lot of extras on my tool workbench. You can also use dried beans or rice or sand secured into a small bag.

Start in Color A

Rnd 1: st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]

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

Rnd 4: (sc 2, inc) x6 [24]

Rnd 5-7: sc around [24]

Rnd 8: (sc 2, dec) x6 [18]

Rnd 9: (sc, dec) x6 [12]

Rnd 10: sc around [12]

Insert safety eyes between rnds 7 and 8, spaced with 4 stitches in between. Stuff head. Switch to Color E.

Rnd 11: (sc, inc) x6 [18]

Rnd 12: sc around [18]

Rnd 13: (sc 2, inc) x6 [24]

Rnd 14-23: sc around [24]

Rnd 24: BLO (sc 2, dec) x6 [18]

Stuff Mary and add weights to the base of her.

Rnd 25: (sc, dec) x6 [12]

Rnd 26: dec around [6]

Snip yarn, leaving a 6 inch tail. Pull through final two loops. Using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, weave yarn through front loops only of remaining 6 stitches and pull tightly to close. Bring yarn to inside and back outside a side wall. Snip cleanly with the surface.

Mary’s Veil:

With Color B, chain 36

Row 1 (RS): dc in 3rd ch from hk and each ch thereaftern ch 2, turn (chain doesn’t count as a st) [34]

Row 2 (WS): dc across [34]

Row 3 (RS): dc 13, dec 4, dc 13 [30]

Row 4 (WS): dc 11, dec 4, dc 11 [24]

You’ll see the veil naturally taking on the correct shape to fit over Mary’s head (similar to Jesus’ swaddle). With right side facing together, seam headdress closed along the short side/back, making slip stitches through the FLO. Place veil onto Mary and secure with hot glue or a couple of stitches.

JOSEPH & SHEPHERDS:

NOTES:

  • Joseph and the shepherds use the same method as Mary, but are a bit taller
  • Use some artistic freedom and make Joseph and the shepherds different heights. I write the pattern for one height, but feel free to add or remove 1-2 rows to add some variety (I made one of my shepherds one row shorter)

Start in Color A

Rnd 1: st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]

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

Rnd 4: (sc 2, inc) x6 [24]

Rnd 5-7: sc around [24]

Rnd 8: (sc 2, dec) x6 [18]

Rnd 9: (sc, dec) x6 [12]

Rnd 10: sc around [12]

Insert safety eyes between rnds 7 and 8, spaced with 4 stitches in between. Stuff head. Switch to Color F for Joseph, or Color B for shepherds.

Rnd 11: (sc, inc) x6 [18]

Rnd 12: sc around [18]

Rnd 13: (sc 2, inc) x6 [24]

Rnd 14-26: sc around [24]

Rnd 27: BLO (sc 2, dec) x6 [18]

Stuff and add weights to the base.

Rnd 28: (sc, dec) x6 [12]

Rnd 29: dec around [6]

Snip yarn, leaving a 6 inch tail. Pull through final two loops. Using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, weave yarn through front loops only of remaining 6 stitches and pull tightly to close. Bring yarn to inside and back outside a side wall. Snip cleanly with the surface.

You can find the printable, AD-FREE version of this nativity set crochet pattern here:

SHOP ETSY
SHOP RAVELRY

HEAD COVERING:

Use Color B yarn

Rnd 1: st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]

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

Rnd 4: (sc 2, inc) x6 [24]

Rnd 5-7: sc around [24]

We will now start work in turning rows to work the long back part of the head covering:

Row 8: ch 1, turn, hdc 16 [16]

Row 9-18: ch 1, turn, hdc across [16]

Put onto head and secure with hot glue or a couple of stitches. Snip a strand of jute twine and tie around head.

SHEPHERDS STAFF

With Color F, chain 46.

Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch thereafter [45]

Snip and pull end through final two loops. Tie starting and ending tails in a knot and weave in ends. Using the craft glue stiffening method described in the “Materials & Tools” section above, stiffen and shape the staff using the photo as a reference

ANGEL:

Start in Color F

Rnd 1: st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]

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

Rnd 4: (sc 2, inc) x6 [24]

Rnd 5-7: sc around [24]

Rnd 8: (sc 2, dec) x6 [18]

Rnd 9: (sc, dec) x6 [12]

Rnd 10: sc around [12]

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 7 and 8, spaced with 4 stitches in between. Stuff head. Switch to Color B

Rnd 11: (sc, inc) x6 [18]

Rnd 12: sc around [18]

Rnd 13: (sc 2, inc) x6 [24]

Rnd 14-26: sc around [24]

Rnd 27: BLO (sc 2, dec) x6 [18]

Stuff and add weights to the base.

Rnd 28: (sc, dec) x6 [12]

Rnd 29: dec around [6]

Snip yarn, leaving a 6 inch tail. Pull through final two loops. Using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, weave yarn through front loops only of remaining 6 stitches and pull tightly to close.. Bring yarn to inside and back outside a side wall. Snip cleanly with the surface.

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WINGS – MAKE 2 (photo reference below)

Use Color J

Make a mc, slip knot onto your hook and chain 17

Row 1: hdc in 2nd ch from hk and each ch thereafter, sl st into mc, ch 1, turn [16] PHOTO 48

Row 2: BLO hdc 13, ch 1, turn [13] PHOTO 49

Row 3: BLO hdc 13, sl st into mc, ch 1 turn [13] PH 50

Row 4: BLO hdc 10, ch 1, turn [10]

Row 5: BLO hdc 10, sl st into mc, ch 1, turn [10]

Row 6: BLO hdc 7, ch 1, turn [7]

Row 7: BLO hdc 7, sl st into mc [7] PHOTO 51

Fasten off. Close magic circle PHOTO 52 and weave in ends. Hot glue or stitch onto the back of the angel using the picture as a placement guide. PHOTO 53

HALO

In Color J, chain 22 and join into a circle by slip stitching to the first ch. Ch 1 and sc in the back bump of each chain around. Fasten off and weave in ends. PHOTO 54 Stitch or glue (or not!) onto the head using the picture as a placement guide. PHOTO 55.

SHEEP

NOTES:

  • The sheep is worked in continuous rounds – do not join after each round
  • The puff stitch for the sheep uses a 2-double crochet puff:
    • (YO, insert your hook into the next st, YO and pull up a loop) x2, YO and pull through all loops on your hook, ch 1

Use Color B yarn

Rnd 1: st 6 sc in a magic circle [6]

Rnd 2: (sc 2, inc) x2 [8]

Rnd 3: sc around [8]

Rnd 4: (sc 3, inc) x2 [10]

Rnd 5: (sc 4, inc) x2 [12]

Rnd 6: ps around [12]

Rnd 7: ps in next 2 st, sl st in next st, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3, sl st in same st (first ear made), ps in next 6 st, sl st in next st, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 3, sl st in same st (second ear made), ps in next 2 st [10 puffs + 2 ears]

Rnd 8: ps around [12 puffs]

Embroider on the eyes between Rnds 4 and 5.

Rnd 9: puff inc x2, puff x3, puff dec x2, puff x3 [12 puffs]

Rnd 10: puff, puff inc 4, puff 2, puff dec 2, puff [14]

Rnd 11: puff 3, puff inc 4, puff 7 [18]

Rnd 12: puff around [18]

Rnd 13: puff 6, 5-dcbo, puff 2, 5-dcbo, puff 8 [18]

Rnd 14-17: puff around [18]

Rnd 18: puff 11, 5-dcbo, puff 2, 5-dcbo, puff 3 [18]

Rnd 19: (puff, puff dec) x6 [12]

Put weights in the belly of the sheep and stuff.

Rnd 20: puff 3, 5-dcbo, puff 8 [12]

Finish stuffing the sheep.

Rnd 21: sc dec around [6]

Snip yarn, leaving a 6 inch tail. Pull through final two loops. Using the yarn tail and a tapestry needle, weave yarn through front loops only of remaining 6 stitches and pull tightly to close. Bring yarn to inside and back outside a side wall. Snip cleanly with the surface.

If you’re just lovin’ it, you can find the printable pattern which also includes the 3 wise men, ox and donkey here:

You can find the printable, AD-FREE version of this nativity set crochet pattern here:

SHOP ETSY
SHOP RAVELRY

You did it! Well done! I hope these sweet nativity characters will add a super meaningful and special touch to your holiday home decor this year.

I would love to see your completed nativity scenes. Please post pictures on instagram and tag me @offthebeatenhook and use #offthebeatenhook. Cheers!

PIN THIS NATIVITY SET FREE CROCHET PATTERN FOR LATER!

Want more free Christmas crochet patterns? Check these out!

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