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Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern
4.4β˜… Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
3.6K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour projectβ€”great for savoring the process over several sessions.

πŸŽ„

Holiday Cheer

Festive fun for the season, bringing handmade magic to celebrations and creating new family traditions.

About This Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

This beautiful nativity scene pattern combines traditional craftsmanship with modern amigurumi techniques to create three distinctive figures that tell the Christmas story. The shepherd stands proudly at 20cm tall, complete with intricate details like a rolled headpiece, flowing cape, and authentic shepherd's stick reinforced with wire. The bull and donkey companions measure approximately 15-16cm each, featuring realistic proportions and charming details that bring these beloved stable animals to life.

Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Each figure is carefully designed with attention to authentic details, from the shepherd's layered clothing and textured beard to the animals' expressive faces and carefully sculpted features. The pattern uses sport weight yarn in earthy, natural tones that create a cohesive and traditional nativity aesthetic.

Why You'll Love This Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it brings such meaningful tradition into your home through the art of crochet. There's something deeply satisfying about creating each figure stitch by stitch, watching the shepherd's character emerge with his flowing robes and weathered staff, and seeing the gentle animals take shape with their sweet expressions. I find the process meditative and rewarding, especially knowing these pieces will become treasured holiday decorations that can be passed down through generations. The intermediate techniques keep the work interesting without being overwhelming, and the final display is simply stunning.

Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with this nativity pattern to create unique variations that reflect different artistic visions and cultural traditions. One of my favorite modifications is changing the shepherd's robe colors to deep purples and golds for a more regal appearance, or using rich jewel tones that catch the light beautifully when displayed. I've also created versions where the animals have different markings - perhaps a spotted bull or a donkey with a darker muzzle gradient - by strategically planning color changes throughout the body rounds.

For a more rustic folk-art aesthetic, I sometimes use homespun or heathered yarns that give the figures a textured, handwoven appearance that's absolutely charming. I've experimented with adding small details like embroidered stars on the shepherd's cloak or tiny bells attached to the animals' necks for a whimsical touch. Another wonderful variation is creating the shepherd's headscarf and cloak in festive Christmas patterns by alternating red and white stripes or adding small snowflake embroidery.

You could also adjust the scale by using fingering weight yarn with a 1.5mm hook for a delicate miniature version perfect for small display spaces, or bulky yarn with a 4mm hook for impressively large statement pieces. I find that changing the shepherd's facial features - perhaps giving him a fuller beard or different eyebrow expressions - really personalizes each figure and tells a slightly different story. The pattern is wonderfully adaptable, so don't hesitate to let your creativity guide you!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

βœ— Forgetting to stuff the shepherd's arms only two-thirds full can make them too stiff and prevent proper positioning when attached βœ— Not using a stitch marker consistently leads to losing track of rounds, especially during the animals' body construction with leg attachments βœ— Inserting safety eyes too early before proper head sculpting can result in asymmetrical or incorrectly positioned facial features βœ— Skipping the cardboard base for the shepherd's body causes the figure to be unstable and unable to stand upright properly βœ— Not changing yarn colors at the last step of the previous stitch creates visible color transitions that disrupt the clean aesthetic βœ— Overstuffing the pieces, particularly the animals' bodies, can distort the intended shape and make limbs appear bulky and unnatural

Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

Create a heartwarming nativity scene with this enchanting crochet pattern featuring a shepherd, bull, and donkey. This intermediate-level project brings the timeless story to life through beautifully crafted amigurumi figures that capture the essence of the Christmas story. Perfect for holiday decorating or as a meaningful handmade gift, this pattern includes detailed instructions for creating a 20cm shepherd complete with traditional headscarf, cloak, and shepherd's stick, alongside adorable 15-16cm animal companions.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Nativity Scene Shepherd, Bull and Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

β€” Main Fabric

  • 01
    Sport weight 4 ply yarn - YarnArt Jeans (55% cotton, 45% polyacrylic, 50g/160m) or equivalent
  • 02
    Brown (40) for shepherd's arms and body, and animal legs
  • 03
    Beige (07) for shepherd's head and arms, bull horns and tail tassel
  • 04
    Dark brown (70) for shepherd's beard, hair, headpiece roll and stick, bull body and head
  • 05
    Terracotta (85) for shepherd's headscarf and cape
  • 06
    Milk white (03) for headscarf decoration
  • 07
    White (62) for animal legs and muzzle details
  • 08
    Grey (46) for donkey body, legs and head
  • 09
    Black (53) for donkey mane and tail

β€” Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 2.00mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook 2.25mm
  • 03
    Black safety eyes 8mm (2 pieces for shepherd)
  • 04
    Black safety eyes 7mm (4 pieces total, 2 for bull and 2 for donkey)
  • 05
    Stuffing material (fiberfill)
  • 06
    Thick cardboard for shepherd body base (6cm diameter circle)
  • 07
    Wire 1.5mm diameter, 20cm long for shepherd's stick
  • 08
    Duct tape for wire ends
  • 09
    Thin white thread for eye highlights
  • 10
    Thin black thread for facial details and embroidery
  • 11
    Thin brown thread for eyebrows and eyelashes
  • 12
    Yarn needle for sewing and weaving
  • 13
    Scissors
  • 14
    Stitch markers
  • 15
    Pins for assembly
  • 16
    Glue for cardboard base

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

β€” Shepherd - Arms (make 2):

Info:

Start with beige yarn, hook 2.25mm

Rnd 1:

5 sc in MR (5)

Rnd 2:

5 inc (10)

Rnd 3-6:

10 sc (4 rounds)

Info:

Change to brown yarn. Cut the beige yarn.

Rnd 7:

10 sc

Rnd 8:

BLO - 10 sc

Rnd 9-20:

10 sc (12 rounds)

Info:

Stuff only the lower 2/3 of the arm. Fold the arm in half and crochet through two layers, 5 sc. Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail inside the piece.

Sleeves decoration:

Hold the arm with the hand pointing up, attach brown yarn color to the first unused front loop of round 7.

Rnd 1:

(1 sc, ch 2)*10, slst

Info:

Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail inside the piece. Crochet the 2nd arm the same way.

β€” Shepherd - Body:

Info:

Start with brown yarn, hook 2.25mm

Rnd 1:

8 sc in MR (8)

Rnd 2:

8 inc (16)

Rnd 3:

(1 sc, inc)*8 (24)

Rnd 4:

(3 sc, inc)*6 (30)

Rnd 5:

2 sc, inc, (4 sc, inc)*5, 2 sc (36)

Rnd 6:

(5 sc, inc)*6 (42)

Rnd 7:

(13 sc, inc)*3 (45)

Info:

Trace the bottom of the piece on a cardboard and cut it out.

Rnd 8:

BLO - 45 sc

Rnd 9-15:

45 sc (7 rounds)

Rnd 16:

(13 sc, dec)*3 (42)

Rnd 17-18:

42 sc (2 rounds)

Rnd 19:

6 sc, dec, (12 sc, dec)*2, 6 sc (39)

Rnd 20-21:

39 sc (2 rounds)

Info:

Apply some glue to the cardboard. Place the cardboard inside the bottom of the piece.

Rnd 22:

(11 sc, dec)*3 (36)

Rnd 23-24:

36 sc (2 rounds)

Rnd 25:

5 sc, dec, (10 sc, dec)*2, 5 sc (33)

Rnd 26-27:

33 sc (2 rounds)

Info:

Start stuffing as you go.

Rnd 28:

(9 sc, dec)*3 (30)

Rnd 29-30:

30 sc (2 rounds)

Rnd 31:

4 sc, dec, (8 sc, dec)*2, 4 sc (27)

Rnd 32:

27 sc

Info:

Join the arms to the body in next round symmetrically on the sides.

Rnd 33:

4 sc on the body, through both stitches of the 1st arm and the body crochet 5 sc, then on body 8 sc, through both stitches of the 2nd arm and the body crochet 5 sc, then 5 sc on the body (27)

Rnd 34:

(7 sc, dec)*3 (24)

Rnd 35:

(6 sc, dec)*3 (21)

Info:

Change to beige yarn. Cut the brown yarn.

Rnd 36:

(5 sc, dec)*3 (18)

Rnd 37:

18 sc

Info:

Stuff the body with fiberfill. Continue crocheting the head beige yarn.

β€” Shepherd - Head:

Rnd 38:

18 inc (36)

Rnd 39:

(5 sc, inc)*6 (42)

Rnd 40:

(13 sc, inc)*3 (45)

Rnd 41-47:

45 sc (7 rounds)

Rnd 48:

(7 sc, dec)*5 (40)

Rnd 49:

3 sc, dec, (6 sc, dec)*4, 3 sc (35)

Info:

Insert the eyes between round 44 and 45 with 7 sts apart.

Rnd 50:

(5 sc, dec)*5 (30)

Rnd 51:

(4 sc, dec)*5 (25)

Rnd 52:

(3 sc, dec)*5 (20)

Info:

Stuff the head with fiberfill.

Rnd 53:

(2 sc, dec)*5 (15)

Rnd 54:

(1 sc, dec)*5 (10)

Info:

Fasten off, pull the hole closed and weave in the yarn tail inside the piece.

Body bottom decoration:

Hold the body upside down, and attach brown yarn to the first unused front loop of round 7. Rnd 1: FLO - (1 sc, ch1)*45, slst. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Infos:

Make the head sculpting. Embroider highlights around the eyes with white thread. Pull the thread ends and tie a knot. Embroider eyelashes and eyebrows with brown thread. The top point of the eyebrow should be located, leaving 2.5 rounds up from the eyes, and the lower point - leaving 2 rounds up from the eyes. The length of one eyebrow is 2 stitches. The distance between the eyebrows is 4 stitches. Pull the thread ends and tie a knot. The nose is located between round 43-44, width is about 3 sts. Embroider the nose with several horizontal stitches.

β€” Shepherd - Beard:

Info:

Use dark brown yarn, hook 2.25mm

Rnd 1:

ch 24. Start in the second chain from the hook: 23 sc, ch 1, turn

Rnd 2:

3 sc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, 2 tr, 1 inc-tr, 2 tr, 3 dc, 3 hdc, 3 sc

Info:

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Embroider the mustache with three stitches long. Sew or glue the top part of the beard to face. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

β€” Shepherd - Headscarf:

Info:

Use terracotta yarn, hook 2.25mm

Rnd 1:

6 sc in MR (6)

Rnd 2:

6 inc (12)

Rnd 3:

(1 sc, inc)*6 (18)

Rnd 4:

(2 sc, inc)*6 (24)

Rnd 5:

(3 sc, inc)*6 (30)

Rnd 6:

2 sc, inc, (4 sc, inc)*5, 2 sc (36)

Rnd 7:

(5 sc, inc)*6 (42)

Rnd 8:

3 sc, inc, (6 sc, inc)*5, 3 sc (48)

Rnd 9-12:

48 sc (4 rounds)

Info:

Attach milk yarn.

Rnd 13:

FLO - 20 sc, change to terracotta yarn and cut the milk yarn - FLO - 28 sc (48)

Info:

Continue crocheting in turning rows.

Row 1:

ch 2, 28 hdc, turn (28)

Row 2:

ch 2, 1 hdc, inc-hdc, 24 hdc, inc-hdc, 1 hdc, turn (30)

Row 3-5:

ch 2, 30 hdc, turn (3 rows)

Info:

Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail inside the piece. Now we are going to make a list along the side of the headscarf, attach milk yarn right after the last milk yarn of round 13. Make 9 sc along the side edge. In the corner, make 3 sc into the same stitch. Continue crocheting 29 sc along the bottom. In the corner, make 3 sc into the same stitch. Finally, 10 sc along the side edge, and slst in the first ch. Fasten off and cut the yarn.

Hair:

Attach dark brown yarn to back loops of the 12th round.

Rnd 1:

BLO - 48 sc

Rnd 2:

start crocheting the strands (ch 3, start in the second chain from the hook 2 sc, 3 slst in the base)*16. Finish crochet slst in the next stitch.

Info:

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

β€” Shepherd - Roll headpiece:

Info:

Use dark brown yarn, hook 2.25mm. Do not stuff.

Rnd 1:

5 sc in MR (5)

Info:

Then continue crocheting 5 sс without counting the rows. Crochet a tube around the circumference of the head (I made a tube 23 cm long). Twist terracotta and milk yarn together, then use them to wrap the tube. Put the headscarf on head. The back side of the hair should be placed lower than the front side. Sew on or glue. Put the second piece around the headscarf.

β€” Shepherd - Cloak:

Info:

Use terracotta yarn. Crochet in turning rows, at the end of the row, do ch 2 and turn. Hook 2.25mm

Row 1:

ch 55, start in the third chain from the hook: 53 hdc

Row 2:

inc-hdc, 52 hdc (54)

Row 3:

54 hdc

Row 4:

inc-hdc, 53 hdc (55)

Row 5:

55 hdc

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn. Leave a long tail for sewing. Sling the cloak on the shepherd's shoulders. Connect the ends of the robe.

β€” Shepherd - Stick:

Info:

Use dark brown yarn, hook 2.25mm. Do not stuff.

Rnd 1:

6 sc in MR (6)

Info:

Then continue crocheting 6 sс without counting the rows. Crochet total 20 cm long, finish with slst. Fasten off and cut the yarn. Leave a long tail for sewing. Take a piece of wire about 20 cm long. Wrap the ends of the wire with duct tape to prevent any sharp edges. Insert the wire into the shepherd's stick and sew up the hole. Sew the stick to the shepherd's hand.

β€” Bull - Legs (make 4):

Info:

Use brown yarn, hook 2.00mm

Rnd 1:

6 sc in MR (6)

Rnd 2:

(1 sc, inc)*3 (9)

Info:

Change to white yarn. Cut the brown yarn.

Rnd 3:

(2 sc, inc)*3 (12)

Info:

Change to dark brown yarn. Cut the white yarn.

Rnd 4-8:

12 sc (5 rounds)

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn. Crochet three more legs in the same way.

β€” Bull - Body:

Info:

Use dark brown yarn, hook 2.00mm. We start crocheting body from tummy. Ch 9. Stitches are worked around both sides of the foundation chain.

Rnd 1:

Start in the second chain from the hook: - 7 sc, crochet 3 sc into last stitch. Continue on the other side of the foundation chain - 6 sc, inc (18)

Rnd 2:

inc, 6 sc, 3 inc, 6 sc, 2 inc (24)

Info:

Now we should join tummy to legs. Lean the details face to face side.

Rnd 3:

1 sc on the tummy, through both stitches of the 1st leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then on tummy 4 sc, through both stitches of the 2nd leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then 2 sc on the tummy, through both stitches of the 3rd leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then on tummy 4 sc, through both stitches of the 4th leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then on tummy 1 sc (24)

Rnd 4:

continue crocheting using the remaining stitches of the legs: 1 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the first leg, 4 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the second leg, 2 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the third leg, 4 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the fourth leg, 1 sc in a tummy (48)

Rnd 5-10:

48 sc (6 rounds)

Info:

Stuff the legs firmly.

Rnd 11:

dec, 13 sc, (2 sc, dec)*5, 13 sc (42)

Rnd 12:

10 sc, (2 sc, dec)*5, 10 sc, dec (36)

Rnd 13:

10 sc, (2 sc, dec)*4, 10 sc (32)

Rnd 14:

8 sc, (2 sc, dec)*4, 8 sc (28)

Rnd 15:

6 sc, (2 sc, dec)*4, 6 sc (24)

Info:

Stuff the body firmly.

Rnd 16:

(2 sc, dec)*6 (18)

Rnd 17:

18 sc

Rnd 18:

6 sc, 6 hdc, 6 sc (18)

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn, leave a long tail for sewing.

β€” Bull - Head:

Info:

Start with white yarn, hook 2.00mm. Ch 6. Stitches are worked around both sides of the foundation chain.

Rnd 1:

Start in the second chain from the hook: - 4 sc, crochet 3 sc into last stitch. Continue on the other side of the foundation chain - 3 sc, inc (12)

Rnd 2:

inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc (18)

Rnd 3-4:

18 sc (2 rounds)

Info:

Change to dark brown yarn. Cut the white yarn.

Rnd 5:

(2 sc, inc)*6 (24)

Rnd 6:

24 sc

Rnd 7:

(3 sc, inc)*6 (30)

Rnd 8:

30 sc

Rnd 9:

2 sc, inc, (4 sc, inc)*5, 2 sc (36)

Rnd 10-15:

36 sc (6 rounds)

Rnd 16:

(4 sc, dec)*6 (30)

Rnd 17:

(3 sc, dec)*6 (24)

Info:

Insert the eyes between round 9 and 10 with 10 sts apart. Stuff the head with fiberfill.

Rnd 18:

(2 sc, dec)*6 (18)

Rnd 19:

(1 sc, dec)*6 (12)

Rnd 20:

6 dec (6)

Info:

Do not close the hole. Make the head sculpting. Insert a long threaded needle into the head opening (point 5) and pull it out from the point 1. Then insert the needle into the point 2 and and pull out from the point 3. Insert again the needle into the point 4 and pull out from the head opening (point 5). Pull the thread ends and tie a knot. Now weave in yarn end through the front loops of Rnd 20, pull the hole to close and weave in the yarn tail inside the piece. Embroider the nostrils and eyebrows with black thread. Pull the ends of the threads and tie a knot. Weave in ends.

β€” Bull - Ears (make 2):

Info:

Use dark brown yarn, hook 2.00mm. Do not stuff.

Rnd 1:

6 sc in MR (6)

Rnd 2:

(1 sc, inc)*3 (9)

Rnd 3:

9 sc

Rnd 4:

(2 sc, inc)*3 (12)

Rnd 5:

(3 sc, inc)*3 (15)

Rnd 6-7:

15 sc (2 rounds)

Rnd 8:

(3 sc, dec)*3 (12)

Rnd 9:

(2 sc, dec)*3 (9), slst

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn, leave a long tail for sewing.

β€” Bull - Horns (make 2):

Info:

Use beige yarn, hook 2.00mm. Do not stuff.

Rnd 1:

3 sc in MR (3)

Rnd 2:

inc, 2 sc (4)

Rnd 3:

inc, 3 sc (5)

Rnd 4:

inc, 4 sc (6)

Rnd 5-6:

6 sc (2 rounds)

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn, leave a long tail for sewing.

β€” Bull - Assembly:

Infos:

Fix the body to bottom of the head over round 10-14 with pins, sew around with a strong seam. When there is a small opening left, add some more fiberfill between the head and the neck, then sew closed. Pin the ears symmetrical on the sides of head between 13th and 15th rounds, 10sts apart and sew them. Sew the horns between the ears.

β€” Bull - Tail:

Info:

Attach the brown yarn in the center of the back. The tail are sewn 6 rounds above the leg. Make ch 11. Start in the second chain from the hook 10 slst. Fasten off and cut the yarn. Make a tassel at the end of the tail by attaching a few pieces of beige yarn.

β€” Donkey - Legs (make 4):

Info:

Use brown yarn, hook 2.00mm

Rnd 1:

6 sc in MR (6)

Rnd 2:

(1 sc, inc)*3 (9)

Info:

Change to white yarn. Cut the brown yarn.

Rnd 3:

(2 sc, inc)*3 (12)

Info:

Change to grey yarn. Cut the white yarn.

Rnd 4-8:

12 sc (5 rounds)

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn. Crochet three more legs in the same way.

β€” Donkey - Body:

Info:

Use grey yarn, hook 2.00mm. We start crocheting body from tummy. Ch 9. Stitches are worked around both sides of the foundation chain.

Rnd 1:

Start in the second chain from the hook: - 7 sc, crochet 3 sc into last stitch. Continue on the other side of the foundation chain - 6 sc, inc (18)

Rnd 2:

inc, 6 sc, 3 inc, 6 sc, 2 inc (24)

Info:

Now we should join tummy to legs. Lean the details face to face side.

Rnd 3:

1 sc on the tummy, through both stitches of the 1st leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then on tummy 4 sc, through both stitches of the 2nd leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then 2 sc on the tummy, through both stitches of the 3rd leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then on tummy 4 sc, through both stitches of the 4th leg and the tummy crochet 3 sc, then on tummy 1 sc (24)

Rnd 4:

continue crocheting using the remaining stitches of the legs: 1 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the first leg, 4 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the second leg, 2 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the third leg, 4 sc in a tummy, 9 sc in the fourth leg, 1 sc in a tummy (48)

Rnd 5-10:

48 sc (6 rounds)

Info:

Stuff the legs firmly.

Rnd 11:

dec, 13 sc, (2 sc, dec)*5, 13 sc (42)

Rnd 12:

10 sc, (2 sc, dec)*5, 10 sc, dec (36)

Rnd 13:

10 sc, (2 sc, dec)*4, 10 sc (32)

Rnd 14:

8 sc, (2 sc, dec)*4, 8 sc (28)

Rnd 15:

6 sc, (2 sc, dec)*4, 6 sc (24)

Info:

Stuff the body firmly.

Rnd 16:

(2 sc, dec)*6 (18)

Rnd 17:

18 sc

Rnd 18:

6 sc, 6 hdc, 6 sc (18)

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn, leave a long tail for sewing.

β€” Donkey - Head:

Info:

Start with white yarn, hook 2.00mm.

Rnd 1:

6 sc in MR (6)

Rnd 2:

6 inc (12)

Rnd 3:

(1 sc, inc)*6 (18)

Rnd 4:

(2 sc, inc)*6 (24)

Rnd 5-6:

24 sc (2 rounds)

Info:

Change to grey yarn. Cut the white yarn.

Rnd 7:

24 sc

Rnd 8:

(3 sc, inc)*6 (30)

Rnd 9:

30 sc

Rnd 10:

2 sc, inc, (4 sc, inc)*5, 2 sc (36)

Rnd 11-15:

36 sc (5 rounds)

Rnd 16:

(4 sc, dec)*6 (30)

Rnd 17:

(3 sc, dec)*6 (24)

Info:

Insert the eyes between round 9 and 10 with 10 sts apart. Stuff the head with fiberfill.

Rnd 18:

(2 sc, dec)*6 (18)

Rnd 19:

(1 sc, dec)*6 (12)

Rnd 20:

6 dec (6)

Info:

Do not close the hole. Make the head sculpting. Insert a long threaded needle into the head opening (point 5) and pull it out from the point 1. Then insert the needle into the point 2 and and pull out from the point 3. Insert again the needle into the point 4 and pull out from the head opening (point 5). Pull the thread ends and tie a knot. Now weave in yarn end through the front loops of Rnd 20, pull the hole to close and weave in the yarn tail inside the piece. Embroider the nostrils, the mouth and eyebrows with black thread. Pull the ends of the threads and tie a knot. Weave in yarn ends.

β€” Donkey - Ears (make 2):

Info:

Use grey yarn, hook 2.00mm. Do not stuff.

Rnd 1:

6 sc in MR (6)

Rnd 2:

(1 sc, inc)*3 (9)

Rnd 3:

9 sc

Rnd 4:

(2 sc, inc)*3 (12)

Rnd 5:

12 sc

Rnd 6:

(3 sc, inc)*3 (15)

Rnd 7:

(4 sc, inc)*3 (18)

Rnd 8-11:

18 sc (4 rounds)

Rnd 12:

(4 sc, dec)*3 (15)

Rnd 13:

15 sc

Info:

Fasten off and cut the yarn, leave a long tail for sewing.

β€” Donkey - Assembly:

Infos:

Pin the ears symmetrical on the sides of head between 14th and 16th rounds, 6sts apart and sew them. Fix the head on the body with pins, sew around with a strong seam. When there is a small opening left, add some more fiberfill between the head and the neck, then sew closed.

β€” Donkey - Mane:

Infos:

Cut 40-50 pieces of black yarn about 10 cm long. Attach the mane from round 13 until round 20, 3 stitches wide. Fold a cut of yarn in half, forming a loop. Insert hook into the desired stitch and pull up that loop. Yarn over with both ends of the hair strand and pull all the way through. Attach all remained cuts of yarn the same way. Trim the mane to keep a neat shape.

β€” Donkey - Tail:

Info:

Attach the gray yarn in the center of the back. The tail are sewn 6 rounds above the leg. Make ch 11. Start in the second chain from the hook 10 slst. Fasten off and cut the yarn. Make a tassel at the end of the tail by attaching a few pieces of black yarn.

Assembly Instructions

  • Ensure the shepherd's body is firmly stuffed and the cardboard base is securely glued inside the bottom before beginning assembly to maintain stability.
  • Attach the shepherd's head to the body, ensuring the beige neck portion connects smoothly with minimal visible seam and the head faces forward correctly.
  • Sew the beard to the shepherd's face first, positioning it properly below the nose, then embroider the mustache details with three long stitches.
  • Position and secure the headscarf on the head with the back hair section placed slightly lower than the front for authentic appearance.
  • Wrap the twisted yarn around the roll headpiece and place it around the headscarf base, securing with glue or small stitches.
  • Drape the terracotta cloak over the shepherd's shoulders and connect the ends at the front with secure stitching for a natural draping effect.
  • Insert wire into the shepherd's stick for stability, wrap sharp ends with duct tape, close the opening, and sew the stick to the shepherd's hand securely.
  • For the bull, sew the body to the head between rounds 10-14, add extra stuffing in the neck area, then attach ears and horns symmetrically.
  • For the donkey, attach ears between rounds 14-16 with 6 stitches apart, sew head to body firmly, then add the black yarn mane and tail with tassels.

Important Notes

  • πŸ’‘Always use stitch markers to track your position, especially during complex sections like joining legs to body and color changes throughout the pattern
  • πŸ’‘Stuff pieces firmly but not too tightly to maintain proper shape and prevent distortion, particularly in the animals' bodies and the shepherd's head
  • πŸ’‘Change yarn colors at the last step of the previous color's last stitch to achieve clean, professional-looking color transitions without visible lines
  • πŸ’‘When attaching legs to the body, ensure pieces are face-to-face and aligned symmetrically before crocheting them together for balanced positioning
  • πŸ’‘The shepherd's cardboard base is essential for stability - trace it accurately, apply glue generously, and ensure it sits flush at the bottom
  • πŸ’‘Use long yarn tails when fastening off pieces that need assembly, as this makes sewing parts together much easier and more secure
  • πŸ’‘Pin all body parts in place before final sewing to check positioning and make adjustments, preventing mistakes that are difficult to undo later

This heartwarming Nativity Scene pattern brings the timeless Christmas story to life through the art of amigurumi, creating treasured figures that will become cherished family heirlooms. The shepherd stands with dignified grace in his flowing robes, while the gentle bull and donkey add authentic stable charm to your holiday display. Each figure is crafted with attention to traditional details and realistic proportions that honor the sacred narrative. Whether displayed on your mantle, under the tree, or as part of a larger nativity collection, these handmade figures radiate warmth and meaning. πŸŽ„βœ¨ Happy crocheting and blessed holidays! 🧢🌟

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FAQs

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but keep in mind this will change the final size of your figures. If you use thicker yarn with a larger hook, your shepherd and animals will be bigger, and if you use thinner yarn with a smaller hook, they'll be smaller. Just maintain consistent yarn weight across all three figures for a cohesive nativity scene, and adjust your stuffing amount accordingly.

Is the wire in the shepherd's stick necessary?

The wire reinforcement is highly recommended for the shepherd's stick as it provides stability and prevents the stick from bending or flopping over. However, if making this for young children, you can omit the wire for safety reasons. Without wire, stuff the stick firmly with fiberfill instead, though it may not stand as straight. Always wrap wire ends with duct tape if you choose to use it.

How do I keep track of rounds when working in continuous spirals?

Use a stitch marker or a small piece of contrasting yarn to mark the beginning or end of each round. Move the marker up as you complete each round. This is especially important during the body construction when joining legs and during color changes, as losing your place can affect the symmetry and structure of your figures.

What's the best way to attach the animals' legs to the body?

The pattern uses a unique technique where you crochet a flat tummy piece, then join it to all four legs simultaneously in round 3 by crocheting through both layers. Make sure to position the legs face-to-face with the tummy and align them symmetrically before crocheting them together. Round 4 then continues around the remaining stitches of each leg to create the full body.

Can I make this nativity scene in different colors?

Absolutely! While the pattern suggests traditional earthy tones like browns, beiges, and terracotta, you're free to choose any colors that appeal to you. Consider cultural variations in traditional dress, or create a more whimsical version with brighter colors. Just maintain good contrast between the shepherd's clothing layers and ensure the animals' muzzle markings are visible against their main body color.

How do I achieve the proper head sculpting for realistic facial features?

Head sculpting involves threading a needle through specific points inside the head to create dimensional features. For both animals, insert the needle at point 5 (the head opening), pull through point 1, reinsert at point 2, exit at point 3, then reinsert at point 4 and exit back at point 5. Pull the threads tight to create indentation and definition, then tie a secure knot. This creates the muzzle shape and eye sockets.