Crochet Nativity: Complete Instructions for 10 Dolls by Bianca Santos is here, and I’m diving deep to give you all the details! From the patterns and supports included to the skill levels needed, I’ll cover everything you need to know. Whether you’re planning to create your own handmade nativity set for your Christmas display or wondering if this book deserves a spot in your crochet library, I’ve got you covered!
Thanks to Stackpole Books, I have a copy of this book to giveaway to one lucky winner. Keep reading to learn more about the book and how you can enter to win.
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About the Author
Bianca is the crochet designer behind this book and the online site Crocheniacs. She’s a former military sergeant who started to crochet as a form of stress relief from her air traffic controller job. In her bio, she says that writing this book was “one of the most amazing accomplishments of my life” and I’m just so happy for her. It is a huge accomplishment, so a big congratulations to her!
Patterns in Crochet Nativity
There are 10 crochet doll patterns in Crochet Nativity. Those patterns are:
- Mary
- Joseph
- The 3 wise men: Melchior, Balthasar and Caspar
- Angel
- Baby Jesus
- Sheep
- Donkey
- Cow
What are The Patterns Like?
The patterns are relatively easy to understand, particularly if you have experience reading amigurumi patterns. Some of the special details included for assembly and special techniques used required a few read-throughs in order to fully grasp the instructions. I found that some special techniques were given non-standardized names which could be confusing for some however, once you understand the instructions, experienced amigurumi makers will be able to make the connection.
Each pattern includes step-by-step instructions and there are support photos for differen parts. There are numbers included with these images but there are no labels to indicate which row instructions they go with so it takes a few moments to sort that out.
Each piece is a highly detailed work of art, especially the crocheted hair for these dolls. The results are definitely worth the effort though.
View the Video Version of This Review & See a Flip-Through of the Book
What Terminology Is Used?
Crochet Nativity uses US crochet terminology and you can find a list of abbreviations used on page 5. There is no UK conversion available in this book.
What Are the Skill Levels For These Patterns?
The book indicates an intermediate skill level for all the patterns in this book. I agree with this assessment and would add on that you will also benefit from having some amigurumi making experience before tackling these patterns as well.
What Supports are Included?
There are no stitch supports included in this book. It is expected that you should be familiar with all the basic stitches so they have opted to leave those instructions out.
I assume this book is meant for well-established amigurumi makers as there are no supports included if you were an experienced crocheter but wanted to tackle these as your first amigurumi projects. Finished sizes are included but no guidance is given on how to get that size (i.e. gauge / tension) which would’ve been helpful if you had limited space for your holiday display.
What Materials Do I Need?
The patterns use a (3/0) 2.2 mm crochet hook paired with a sporth (2), super fine (1) or lace weight (0) yarn. The yarns used are Circulo Amigurumi, Circulo Clea and Circulo ANne Sparkle. No yardage amounts are given so make sure that you have more than enough yarn on hand than you think you’ll need.
You’ll also need the following:
- pins
- tapestry needle,
- stitch markers
- glue
- craft wire
- stuffing
- 10mm, 11mm, 12 mm safety eyes
These toys can be made with larger crochet hooks and heavier yarn weights, however, you would need to adjust the size of your safety eyes.
If you want to buy a copy of Crochet Nativity, it is available here on Amazon.
Overall
This book is a beautiful collection of crochet nativity dolls, reminiscent of charming Funko Pop toys, perfect for creating a scene you’ll cherish every holiday season. I recommend this title to intermediate to advanced amigurumi makers who are ready for a fun, festive challenge and want to add some handmade magic to their holiday decor!
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Crochet Nativity Book Giveaway
I’m giving away a copy of Crochet Nativity by Bianca Santos!
This giveaway is only open to U.S. and Canadian participants (excluding Quebec and where prohibited by law). The giveaway ends on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:45 pm Eastern Standard Time.
To enter, simply use the King Sumo form below. If you’re on mobile and run into any trouble, try switching to a desktop computer. Only your email and name are required to enter—everything else, like following on social media, is optional and just for bonus entries!
Can’t see the entry form below? Click here: Giveaway Form
