Create a full nativity scene with this detailed crochet pattern that guides you through making Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, three wise men, a shepherd, angel, lamb, manger and accessories. Each figure is designed to be charming, palm-sized, and full of personality, perfect for handmade holiday decor or treasured gifts. The pattern includes step-by-step rounds, materials, and assembly notes to help you through each piece. Enjoy a satisfying, creative project that brings the nativity to life stitch by stitch.
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β Notes :
Infos :
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 (yarn will recede inside where you trim it).
β Joseph :
Round 1 :
Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Round 3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Round 4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Round 5 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)
Round 6-9 :
Sc in each st around. (30)
Round 10 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)
Round 11 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Round 12 :
(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 13 :
Sc2tog around until closed. Fasten off, using yarn tail to pull final stitches completely shut.
β Joseph Body :
Info :
Note: For Joseph's body and others in this pattern, you will see that I use plastic mesh screens (available at craft stores) at the base of the body. The screen keeps the base from rounding as you add stuffing, making the figures stand more easily on their own. You'll need to cut a circle about 2" in diameter to fit.
Round 1 :
Using linen, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Round 3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Round 4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Round 5 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)
Round 6 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (36)
Round 7 :
In back loops only, sc in each st around.
Round 8-11 :
Sc in each st around, insert mesh screen.
Round 12 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30)
Round 13-16 :
Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.
Round 17 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)
Round 18-20 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 21 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Round 22-24 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 25 :
(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)
Round 26 :
Sc in each st around.
Info :
Fasten off, leaving tail long enough to sew head and body together. Stuff body completely, then match up with head and attach.
β Joseph Arms (make two) :
Info :
Stuff lightly as you go.
Round 1 :
Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9)
Round 3 :
Sc in each st around, switch to linen.
Round 4 :
In front loops only, sc in each st around.
Round 5-9 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 10 :
(Sc, invdec) 3x around. (6)
Round 11-12 :
Sc in each st around.
Info :
Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff more if necessary. I bend the arm gently into a curve, then sew shut. Attach to the sides of the body as pictured.
β Joseph Beard :
Info :
Using dark brown, ch 16.
Round 1 :
Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st across. Ch 1. Turn. (15)
Round 2 :
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 3 :
Sc in each st across. Ch 1. Turn.
Round 4 :
Sc in first 6 sts, ch 3, skip 3 sts, sc in last 6 sts.
Info :
Fasten off, leaving tail for attaching. You should have a tail on each end of the beard from the beginning chain and from fastening off. Pin beard into place, then use these tails to secure the sides of the beard as pictured. Then, sew across the top of the beard, keeping stitches even under the nose.
β Joseph Tunic :
Info :
Using green, ch 21.
Round 1 :
Sc in 2nd st from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1. Turn. (20)
Round 2-4 :
Sc in each st across. Ch 1. Turn.
Round 5 :
Sc2tog, sc in next 16 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1. Turn. (18)
Round 6-8 :
Sc in each st across.
Round 9 :
Sc2tog, sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog. Ch 1. Turn. (16)
Round 10-12 :
Sc in each st across.
Round 13 :
Sl st in first 3 sts, sc in next 10 sts. Ch 1. Turn. (skipping last 3 sts)
Round 14-17 :
Sc in next 10 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Info :
You now have the back and one side of the tunic finished. 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 β up one side, around the back of the neck, and down the other side. Weave in all ends. Place around Joseph's shoulders and stitch sides together. To make belt, ch 50 with dark brown yarn, fasten off and weave in ends. Tie around waist. Secure with a few stitches around.
β Joseph Head covering :
Round 1 :
Using linen, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Round 3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Round 4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Round 5 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)
Round 6-8 :
Sc in each st around.
Info :
You will now begin working in rows around just part of the circular shape to extend the head covering down. From where you are, ch 1 and turn the work.
Round 9 :
Sc in each of the next 20 sts across. Ch 1. Turn.
Round 10-26 :
Repeat Row 9, turning after each row.
Info :
Attach to head by stitching around with linen yarn and yarn needle. To make border, ch 30 using green. Wrap around head covering and secure using yarn needle.
β Mary :
Round 1 :
Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Round 3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Round 4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Round 5 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)
Round 6-9 :
Sc in each st around. (30)
Round 10 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)
Round 11 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Round 12 :
(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 13 :
Sc2tog around until closed. Fasten off, using yarn tail to pull final stitches completely shut.
β Mary Body :
Round 1 :
Using light blue, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Round 3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Round 4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Round 5 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)
Round 6 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (36)
Round 7 :
In back loops only, sc in each st around.
Round 8-10 :
Sc in each st around, insert mesh screen.
Round 11 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30)
Round 12-15 :
Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.
Round 16 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)
Round 17-19 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 20 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Round 21-23 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 24 :
(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)
Round 25 :
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.
β Mary Arms (make two) :
Round 1 :
Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 3x around. (9)
Round 3 :
Sc in each st around, switch to light blue.
Round 4 :
In front loops only, sc in each st around.
Round 5-9 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 10 :
(Sc, invdec) 3x around. (6)
Round 11-12 :
Sc in each st around.
Info :
Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff more if necessary. I bend the arm gently into a curve, then sew shut. Use yarn tail to attach arms to body as pictured. Then, use light brown yarn and yarn needle to sew hands together in front of body.
β Mary Hair & Curls :
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.
Info :
Curls: Using dark brown, ch 20. 2 hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (will begin to curl into loose spiral). Make four and pin in place as pictured, then use yarn tails to attach. If you'd like to add more curls to the back you can.
Info :
Bangs: Use yarn needle and long length of brown yarn to stitch "bangs." At the center point of the forehead, sew multiple strands to each side of Mary's face as pictured.
β Mary Head covering :
Round 1 :
Using dark blue, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Round 3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Round 4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Round 5 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30)
Round 6-7 :
Sc in each st around.
Info :
You will now begin working in rows around just part of the circular shape to extend the head covering down. From where you are, ch 1 and turn the work.
Round 8 :
Sc in each of the next 20 sts across. Ch 1. Turn.
Round 9-28 :
Repeat Row 8, turning after each row.
Info :
To finish the edges, sc up the side where your last row ended, across the top, and down the other side. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Using dark blue yarn and a yarn needle, attach the head covering by stitching around the top of the head.
β Baby Jesus :
Head R1 :
Using light brown, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Head R2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Head R3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Head R4 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Head R5-8 :
Sc in each st around.
Head R9 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Head R10 :
(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)
Info :
Using black embroidery thread, stitch two curves for closed eyes. 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.
Head R11 :
Sc2tog around until closed. Fasten off, using yarn tail to pull final stitches completely shut.
β Baby Jesus Body :
Round 1 :
Using white, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
Round 2 :
2 sc in each st around. (12)
Round 3 :
(Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18)
Round 4 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 5 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24)
Round 6-12 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 13 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Round 14 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 15 :
In back loops only, (sc, sc2tog) 6x around. (12)
Info :
Slip stitch to fasten off, leaving long tail. To add "seams", ch 35. Pull yarn through and cut, leaving long tail. Sew onto body as pictured, starting at the mid-point of the body, wrapping around the back, and then down at a diagonal angle. Then, stuff body, match up with head, and attach.
β Manger :
Info :
To make the base/top, using medium brown, ch 24.
Round 1 :
Hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in each ch across. Ch 2. Turn. (22)
Round 2-9 :
Hdc in each st across. Ch 2. Turn. Fasten off, weaving in ends. Make two.
Info :
To make the long sides, ch 22. R1: Hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in each ch across (20), ch 2, turn. R2-R3: Hdc in each st across (20), ch 2, turn. Fasten off. Make two. To make the short sides, ch 12. R1: Hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in each ch across. Ch 2. Turn. (10) R2-R3: Hdc in each st across. Fasten off. 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. 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.
β Wise Man 1 :
Head :
Using dark brown, follow the instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.
Body :
Using purple, follow the instructions for Rounds 1-7 of Joseph's body. Then continue as follows: R8: Sc in each st around, switch to gold. (36)
Round 9-10 :
Sc in each st around, switch back to purple.
Round 11 :
Sc in each st around, insert mesh screen.
Round 12 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around, switch to gold. (30)
Round 13-14 :
Sc in each st around, switch back to purple.
Round 15-16 :
Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.
Round 17 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)
Round 18-20 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 21 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Round 22-24 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 25 :
(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)
Round 26 :
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 white, follow directions for Joseph's beard. Attach as instructed.
Arms (make two) :
Stuff lightly as you go. Use dark brown for R1 then switch to gold/purple as noted in pattern images and attach as instructed.
β Wise Man 2 :
Head :
Using light brown, follow the instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.
Body :
Using red, follow the instructions for Rounds 1-10 of Joseph's body. Then continue as follows: R11: Switch to gold, sc in each st around, insert mesh screen. (36)
Round 12 :
(Sc in next 4 sts, invdec) 6x around. (30)
Round 13 :
Sc in each st around, switch back to red.
Round 14-16 :
Sc in each st around, begin stuffing as you go.
Round 17 :
(Sc in next 3 sts, invdec) 6x around. (24)
Round 18-20 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 21 :
(Sc in next 2 sts, invdec) 6x around. (18)
Round 22-24 :
Sc in each st around.
Round 25 :
(Sc, invdec) 6x around. (12)
Round 26 :
Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving tail long enough to sew head and body together.
Beard :
Using dark brown, follow directions for Joseph's beard. Attach as instructed.
Arms :
Using light brown, follow Joseph's arms instructions, changing colors as noted (switch to orange, then to red) and 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.
β Wise Man 3 :
Head :
Using medium brown, follow the instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.
Body :
Using gold, follow the instructions for Joseph's body. Switch to dark blue at round 11 and continue following instructions through round 26. Attach head to body.
Beard :
Using gray, follow instructions for Joseph's beard and attach as instructed.
β Shepherd :
Head :
Using beige, follow instructions for Joseph's head, rounds 1-13.
Body :
Using medium brown, follow instructions for Mary's body. Attach body to head.
Arms :
Using beige, then medium brown, follow instructions for Joseph's arms. Attach to body.
Head covering :
Using light brown, follow instructions for Joseph's head covering. Use dark brown for border.
Belt :
Ch 50, fasten off and weave in ends. Tie around waist. Secure with a few stitches around with yarn needle and dark brown yarn if desired.
Staff :
Cut a brown pipe cleaner to 6" in length. Sc around the length of the pipe cleaner. Fasten off, weave in ends. Bend into a curve.
β Angel :
Head :
Using beige, follow directions for Mary's head.
Body :
Using white, follow directions for Mary's body. Attach head to body.
Arms :
Follow the directions for Mary's arms, using beige for the hands and white for the remainder of each arm. Attach securely as pictured.
Hair :
Using gold, first make a hair cap as follows: R1: Sc 6 into a magic ring. (6) R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12) R3: (Sc, 2 sc) 6x around. (18) R4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (24) R5: (Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc) 6x around. (30) R6-9: Sc in each st around. Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to attach hair cap to angel's hair.
Then make 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) R4-5 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) R1 :
Using light blue, chain 7. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1. Turn. (6)
Wings R2 :
Sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts. Ch 3. Turn. (9)
Wings 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.
Wings R4 :
Sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc, sc in next 4 sts. Ch 3. Turn. (12)
Wings R5 :
Sc in 2 ch sts, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc, sc in last 3 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Wings R6 :
Sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc, sc in next 8 sts. Ch 3. Turn. (15)
Wings R7 :
Sc in 2 ch sts, sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc, sc in last 3 sts. Ch 1. Turn.
Wings R8 :
Sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc in each of next 2 sts, sc in next 9 sts. Ch 2. Turn. (18)
Wings 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. Using yarn needle, attach wings to back of angel as pictured.
β Lamb :
Ears (make two) :
Using beige, sc 6 into a magic ring. Slip stitch into first sc and pull yarn through. Fasten off, leaving tail to attach.
Head R1 :
Using beige, sc 6 into a magic ring. (6)
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 R6-9 :
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)
Round 12 :
Sc2tog around until closed.
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. Attach the ears between at row 8, about 10 stitches apart. Stuff the head and then move on to round 12.
This Nativity Crochet Pattern gives you everything you need to create a charming, handmade nativity set to display every holiday season. Each tiny figure is packed with personality and handcrafted detail, perfect for gifting or your own festive dΓ©cor. Enjoy stitching, assembling, and sharing this small but meaningful project with friends and family. ππ§Ά