Have you seen any of those posts popping up on your Facebook feed lately that say stuff like “12 more Sundays until Christmas” or stuff like that? I know that the impending festivities can get a bit stressful at times, but you’ve got to remember all the good stuff too. That’s what these free amigurumi nativity crochet patterns are all about – helping you remember what Christmas is really all about!
Do you have a nativity scene already? If you don’t, making one yourself is a great option. It’s a cute way to decorate your house for Christmas, and it’s also a fun way to teach kids the story of baby Jesus. Unlike store bought options like glass and ceramic which are really fragile, your kids can get hands on with these amigurumi nativity crochet patterns without worrying about breaking anything.
How elaborate your crocheted nativity set is, that’s up to you! Of course, you’ve got to have the big 3 – Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. It’s also nice to make a little manger for baby Jesus. If you’re feeling fancy you can throw in the 3 wise men, some angels, some farm animals, and a shepherd or two. Don’t worry, you are going to get plenty of ideas to customize your very own scene from these free amigurumi nativity crochet patterns!
In addition to amigurumi nativity crochet patterns, we’ve also included a handful of other non-amigurumi nativity themed crochet patterns that I just know you’re going to love. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to see them for yourself!
Nativity Set
This nativity scene strikes a nice balance between basic and elaborate – perfect for easy holiday decor. The set includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus in a manger, a star, 2 shepherds, a sheep and a donkey pattern. The figures range in size from about 2 1/2” tall to 7 1/2” tall. It all fits perfectly under this adorably rustic wooden stable.
Designer: 5 Little Monsters
Yarn: Red Heart Baby Clouds (Aran Weight #4)
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Joseph
Here’s a more detailed version of Joseph that includes eyes, arms, a beard, a hat, and a head full of curly hair. If you love adding extra touches to your amigurumi projects to make them special and unique then you are going to love this design. Plus, this designer has a couple other nativity patterns in a similar style that we’ll cover a bit later.
Designer: La Torre di Cotone
Yarn: None Specified
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The First Wise Man
Of course, nativity scenes don’t have to be super detailed, but c’mon, you have to admit that The First Wise Man amigurumi looks amazing! I especially love his big fancy hat and the fact that he is holding the present he brought for baby Jesus. This is a great opportunity to let your creativity loose!
Designer: La Torre di Cotone
Yarn: Ophelia Italy Stella (DK Weight #3)
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Nativity Set
Here we have a scene of Mary kneeling over baby Jesus in a manger. A shepherd and Joseph stand behind her. Everyone is surrounded by a small flock of adorably small sheep. The tree branches and pinecones are a nice touch and they really help set the scene in lieu of a stable, don’t you think?
Designer: Sue Brockett & Dee Knipfer for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
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Nativity Accessories
This pattern is broken up into multiple pages – all free patterns on the designers website. The picture above is of the entire nativity scene complete with accessories. These accessories really help tell the story of the birth of Jesus and make the nativity scene special. It includes a shepherd’s crook, two different crowns, gifts, wings, and a halo.
Designer: The Cookie Snob
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! (Aran Weight #4)
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Baby and Manger
Here’s a quick and easy pattern for just the baby Jesus in a manger. I love how the designer made the manger look like it was actually full of hay! This basic pattern would be a great starting point for any nativity scene and it’s simple enough for even the most novice of crocheters to be able to accomplish.
Designer: The Cookie Snob
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! (Aran Weight #4)
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Mary and Joseph
Of course, when you see the baby Jesus lying in a manger then you must know that his parents aren’t far behind. Here you see Mary and Joseph looking pleased as punch as they gaze down adoringly at their little bundle of joy. The best part about small patterns like this is that you don’t need very much yardage at all.
Designer: The Cookie Snob
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! (Aran Weight #4)
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Nativity
Let’s get cozy with our next simple nativity scene. The 3 figures for this design are actually sewn together with Joseph’s arm around Mary and baby Jesus in their arms. The “aww” inducing pose and the more simplistic design adds a certain charm to this set that is sure to make you smile every time you see it.
Designer: Catherine Roberts
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
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Nativity Advent Calendar Background
Here’s a super fun and unique design for a nativity advent calendar. All the characters start out in their numbered pockets and then they are put into their places in the background as each day passes. Unfortunately, the pattern for the characters themselves is not free, but the background pattern is!
Designer: Laura Loves Crochet
Yarn: Patons Smoothie DK (DK Weight #3)
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Nativity Set
Visual learners will love the next one of our amigurumi nativity crochet patterns. Follow along with the Youtube video playlist to learn how to crochet this elaborate nativity scene. I can spot the 3 wise men, an angel, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a sheep, a shepherd, and a donkey. Phew, that’s a lot!
Designer: Crafty Crochet Castle
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids (Aran Weight #4)
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Mary
Mary is looking very sweet and serene here with her closed eyes and her rosy cheeks. At just 5 cm tall, she may be small, but she sure is chock full of personality! I especially love the beautiful hair and the elaborate headdress that she wears. She makes a stunning pair with the Joseph pattern that’s next on our list.
Designer: Chiara Cremon
Yarn: None Specified
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Joseph
This Joseph is very similar to his Mary counterpart except for his head dress and his bobble stitch beard. I am totally into the closed eyes look for some reason. I don’t know why but they just look so peaceful and content! They are probably just really tired after all the excitement around Jesus’ birth.
Designer: Chiara Cremon
Yarn: None Specified
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Baby Jesus
Baby makes three for this cute and simple crochet nativity set. Just like his mom and dad, Jesus’ eyes are closed as he lies in his hay-filled manger. These 3 figures make an adorable set that is sure to receive lots of love and be enjoyed year after year. After all, amigurumi nativity crochet patterns are heirlooms, don’t you know!
Designer: Chiara Cremon
Yarn: None Specified
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Nativity Finger Puppets
Make the story of the birth of Jesus even more hands-on with these fun finger puppets. There are 7 figures total: Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a wise man, a shepherd, an angel, and king Herod. Each of the figures is very similar to one another. Use different colors of yarn to keep them distinct.
Designer: Amelia Makes
Yarn: WeCrochet Brava (Worsted Weight #4)
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Nativity Advent Calendar
On one side it’s a crochet square with a stable in the center that’s adorned with felt nativity characters. On the other side it’s a colorful advent calendar, complete with little drawers that can be pulled out to reveal the surprises inside! What a fun and unique way to count down the days until Christmas.
Designer: Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
Yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
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Holy Family
Fingering weight yarn makes this small family of 3 even smaller. A compact nativity set like this is great for taking on the go or for crocheting to give away as gifts. The simple crochet and basic shapes are super easy to understand while also being easy to recognize as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
Designer: Pebie Crochet
Yarn: DMC Petra Crochet Cotton 3 (Fingering Weight #1)
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Donkey and Ox
Add some animal life to your nativity scene by crocheting a donkey, an ox, or both! Farm animals can make learning about the birth of baby Jesus more fun for small children. Just imagine them playing with the little crochet figures like dolls and making all the animal noises – totally adorable, right?!
Designer: Pebie Crochet
Yarn: DMC Petra Crochet Cotton 5 (Thread)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Three Kings
Some of these amigurumi nativity crochet patterns are seriously small, so it’s a really clever idea to create embellishments using something other than crochet. Here you can see crowns made out of felt and sequins on the left 2 kings, as well as some simple embroidery on the middle king, and a little jewel or button on the king on the right.
Designer: Pebie Crochet
Yarn: DMC Petra Crochet Cotton 3 (Fingering Weight #1)
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Evening Nativity C2C Blanket
The stark silhouette of the nativity scene stands out against the dark blue background and the starry sky of this stunning Evening Nativity C2C Blanket. If you’re not up for crocheting an entire blanket, you could try using single crochet stitches instead to create a smaller version that could be hung on the wall like a tapestry.
Designer: Living the Craft Life
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Aran Weight #4)
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Sheep
These cute sheep are sure to instantly upgrade any nativity scene! Just look at all of that fluffy and soft wool. You could put them outside the stable with a shepherd or two, or you could snuggle them inside the stable along Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. There’s no wrong way to add a sheep or two to your scene!
Designer: Apuuga’s Amigurumi
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Puddel (Super Bulky Weight #6) and
Garnstudio DROPS Fabel (Fingering Weight #1)
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Angel
Hark the herald angel sings and all that jazz. These darling little amigurumi iangels are just too cute to pass up! The sweet simplicity of this design will blend seamlessly in with many of the other nativity characters that we have already covered in this roundup. Of course, you could also make them more detailed if you want!
Designer: Stitch by Fay
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (DK Weight #3)
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Little Angels Amigurumi
If you are looking for a little more detail in your amigurumi angels, then be sure to check out this pattern. It’s available in both video and written formats. Choose from 3 different hairstyles: a bun, pigtail puns, or short hair worn down. Or crochet all 3 and then you won’t have to make such a hard decision!
Designer: Crochethea
Yarn: (Sport Weight #2)
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Mini Nativity Stable
Despite my exhaustive search for free amigurumi nativity crochet patterns, I had one heck of a hard time finding patterns for stables to help set the scene. I did find this one though, and I think you’re really going to like it! The stable stands up on its own, has a textured roof that resembles thatch, and it’s a great size too.
Designer: 5 Little Monsters
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
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Cow
Don’t let anyone tell you that cows don’t belong in nativity scenes, because you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. Besides, adding extra animals is a great way to help small children practice naming them and making their sounds. Plus, this cow pattern is seriously cute and it’s a good size for a nativity scene.
Designer: Katrine Klarer
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
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Donkey
There may or may not have been cows present at baby Jesus’ birth, but I’m pretty sure that there would have been a donkey or two! Just like the last design, this pattern is made with fingering weight yarn so it’s a nice small size that will fit in nicely with the other characters of your nativity scene.
Designer: Amination
Yarn: Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 (Fingering Weight #1)
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We are going to have the best nativity scenes on the block now! (Not that it’s a competition, but still) Which of these free amigurumi nativity crochet patterns was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
For our family, we stress the Advent as the reason for the Christmas season and teach our kids about the Lord’s birth – and an adorable crocheted nativity set is a great way to do it! These decorations can last for years and become family heirlooms. I hope these patterns help you have a Merry Christmas.
I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live.
Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern round-up that you will definitely be using again and again.
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda