Nativity Crochet (Crochet Kits)

The first thing you should know about this crochet “kit” is that is primarily a small book with patterns for 12 small projects. The materials included are for only two of these projects – Mary and Baby Jesus in a small manger (cradle). For the rest of the projects, you will need to purchase additional materials. Because of this, I will substitute my own yarn and other materials so that I can keep my stitches and the final amigurumi figures consistent in size. So for me, I bought this for the book of patterns. I will not be using the materials in this kit for these projects but I will use them for other projects I am working on. I own a few of the Thunder Bay crochet character kits. This kit is similar in quality to those I have purchased in the past. There are decent instructions and really nice photographs in the book. The book is rather small at 7 x 5 inches and doesn't stay open too easily. I can get it to stay fairly flat by breaking (creasing) the spine. The book includes instructions for the following 12 projects: Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Shepherd, First Wise Man, Second Wise Man, Third Wise Man, Angels, Sheep, Donkey, Camel, and Star. With the Sheep and the Angels, the same pattern can be used with different color yarn to create more figures. At the back of the book, there is a picture with a large number of angels (a heavenly host) looking down at Baby Jesus. The “kit” includes materials needed (except glue) to finish Mary and Baby Jesus with manger: yarns in tan, white, blue, light brown, dark brown, yellow and pink; embroidery floss in dark pink and black; a D/3 metal crochet hook (3.25mm); a metal tapestry needle; one pair of plastic safety eyes (for Mary as Baby Jesus' eyes are embroidered) and stuffing. While the author doesn't state which yarns she used, the patterns were designs for DK weight (size 3 light worsted). She does state that other sizes of yarn work as well but will effect the finished size of the figures. As I prefer to use a worsted weight in 4 for my projects, my characters come out larger than the ones shown and generally take more yarn to finish. I like Vanna's Choice or Red Heart yarn for many of my characters as they have such a wide range of colors available. I pick a brand and stick with it for all of the projects to be sure my character sizes and colors stay consistent throughout. I am also planning on doing a second set with thinner yarn to use as ornaments on my tree. The included hook is okay but I prefer to use my own for ergonomic reasons. Depending on which size yarn you use, you may need to go up or down on your hook size. Gauge isn't important with these projects but consistency in yarn size is. The instructions should work well no matter the size. The tapestry needle is decent and works well for its purpose. On the whole, I like kit and recommend it to an intermediate or above crocheter. A beginner may have some issues as there are a number of crochet stitches and embroidery stitches that require some practice. I suggest practicing on spare yarn until you feel comfortable with the various stitches.

The instructions are clear and there is enough material to create the manger, maria, and jesus baby. You only need scissors. The result was very nice and did look like the figures in the booklet. I am an advanced beginner but have not crochet anything for the past 20 years. I did have to look up online how to create a magic ring and had some difficulties with the rectangle shape of the manger, but otherwise was able to finish with the instructions of the book. The only thing I did not like were the plastic eyes; too round in my opinion.

This is the second set I buy like this and I love it!!! Easy to follow instruction and examples of all the stitches they use and lots of useful pictures. I’m an advanced beginner and might be a little overwelming if you are just staring out witch crochet but if you’re motivated and not afraid to start over this set is great, it has everything you need to make Mary and baby Jesus, crochet needle and lots of stuffing!!! Everything you need to get started

Nice complete kit.

I really hated crocheting amigurumi until this kit! The details about how to switch colors, sew in ends, and embroider are more helpful than in other kits and patterns I've found. The only downfall is that it only gives you the materials for Mary and Jesus, which is clearly stated, but that makes it hard to match materials. It tells you what type of yarn to use, but not what brand is used in the kit, so the skin colors won't match if you use the materials they give you for Mary and Jesus and other materials for the other characters. It's also difficult to match the safety eyes, and I quickly found out that you have to buy them in large quantities, when all I need are the ones for the 10 other characters.

I bought this kit almost two years ago and am just now remembering to review it. These patterns are very high quality and with the price you pay, it is almost unbelievable the patterns you get: Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, manger, Shepherd, sheep, 3 different wise men with gifts, Donkey, camel, Angel, and star. Worth the price for the patterns alone. And it’s a good thing, because the yarn is crap. I expected it be crap, though, because yarn in these kits always are, so I wasn’t disappointed or anything. I love how the design allows for easy standing of the small characters. I have made all the patterns here several times over and given them away as 12 Days of Christmas nativity neighbor gifts. They are perfect for families with young kids. I can’t speak highly enough of this!

So far I've made this Nativity set three time. Directions are clear enough for anyone comfortable with crochet. Yarn and other materials are provided to make Mary and Baby Jesus. The rest is up to you. It is a challenge to find DK weight yarn in the variety of colors needed. (Covid-19 has made craft supply shopping difficult.) Be sure to use the same weight yarn so that the pieces will be proportionate to each other. Some light/3/sport weight yarns will work. I couldn't find 4.5 mm safety eyes, so I used 5 mm and 6 mm eyes instead. I was able to use safety eyes for the animals, even though the directions suggest sewing or gluing on eyes. I think I'm addicted to crochet.....

I bought many crochet kits before and the only thing I care about is the book. I never use yarn provided in a kit. The patterns are very well written and are easy to follow. The figures came out great!