Nativity Knitalong: Mary
Sachiyo Ishii’s adorable Nativity set will definitely become the centrepiece of your seasonal display. Here, we have the pattern for Mary, and you can sign-up to receive patterns for the other characters at Let’s Knit Together
Measurements and sizes:
Mary: 14cm tall
You will need:
- Yarn: King Cole Pricewise DK, shades (A) 3024 Vintage Rose, (B) 201 Cloud, (C) 149 Blush, (D) 307 Crocus, (E) 037 Taupe, (F) 1740 Mustard, (G) 1741 Fudge, (H) 001 White, (I) 009 Red, (J) 080 Buttermilk, (K) 341 Topaz, (L) 022 Jade, one 100g ball of each; 4ply, Dark Brown, oddment. NOTE: yarn amounts given here are for full nativity set
- Needles: 3.5mm
- Beads: 4mm, 18
- Safety toy stuffing
- Sewing needle
- Sewing thread: black
- Blusher or pastel
- Twigs: two (optional)
- Card
- Tapestry needle
Tension square:
- 26 sts x 32 rows
- 10cm x 10cm
- Stocking Stitch
- 3.5mm needles
About the yarn:
King Cole Pricewise DK is a great value acrylic yarn. Although it can be machine washed, we’d suggest gently sponge cleaning these toys. It has an RRP of £2.28 per 100g (282m) ball. For stockists, visit kingcole.co.uk.
To make body and head:
Using 3.5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 10 sts
Row 1 and all WS rows: p to end
Row 2: (kfb) in each st to end. 20 sts
Row 4: (k1, kfb) to end. 30 sts
Row 6: (k2, kfb) to end. 40 sts
Row 8: (k3, kfb) to end. 50 sts
Row 10 (edge): p to end
Rows 11-19: beg with a p row, work in st st
Row 20: (k3, k2tog) to end. 40 sts
Rows 21-25: cont in st st
Row 26: (k2, k2tog) to end. 30 sts
Rows 27-35: cont in st st
Row 36: (k1, k2tog) to end. 20 sts
Row 37: p to end
Row 38 (shape neck): (k2, k2tog) to end. 15 sts
Change to yarn C for head
Row 39: p to end
Row 40: k2, (kfb) 11 times, k2. 26 sts
Rows 41-47: cont in st st
Row 48 (eyeline): k6, (k2tog, k1) four times, k2tog, k6. 21 sts
Rows 49-53: cont in st st
Row 54: k1, (k2tog, k2) to end. 16 sts
Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off.
Sleeves (make two):
Using 3.5mm needles and yarn A, cast on 18 sts
Rows 1-3: beg with a p (WS) row, work in st st
Row 4: k2, (k2tog, k2) to end. 14 sts
Rows 5-7: cont in st st
Row 8: k2tog, (k1, k2tog) to end. 9 sts
Rows 9-10: cont in st st
Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off.
Arms (make two):
Using 3.5mm needles and yarn C, cast on 8 sts
Beg with a p (WS) row, work 12 rows in st st
Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, pull tight and fasten off.
Cape:
Using 3.5mm needles and yarn B, cast on 70 sts
Rows 1-3: k to end
Row 4 (WS): k2, p to last two sts, k2
Row 5: k to end
Rows 6-15: rep Rows 4-5 five times more
Row 16 (shape hood): k2, p23, cast off 20 sts, p22, k2. 50 sts
Row 17: k23, (k2tog) twice, k23. 48 sts
Row 18 and every WS row: k2, p to last two sts, k2
Row 19: k22, (k2tog) twice, k22. 46 sts
Row 21: k21, (k2tog) twice, k21. 44 sts
Row 23: k20, (k2tog) twice, k20. 42 sts
Cont to dec on every RS row as set until 32 sts rem
K two rows
Cast off kwise on WS
To make up:
Using yarn tail, sew head seam to neck. Sew body from neck half way. Using yarn tail, gather thread along cast-on edge and draw tightly. Sew rest of base. Sew body a little further and stuff, avoiding neck area. Close body.
Using yarn C, work a gathering thread along neck and draw tightly. Using yarn C, embroider a French knot for nose. Using yarn E, embroider hair with straight stitches. Attach bead eyes.
Wrap each arm with sleeve and using yarn A secure arm at cuff. Seam sleeve and attach to body.
Fold cape in half vertically and sew back of hood. Dress body with cape and attach at neck. Stitch hands together. Colour cheeks with pink pastel or blusher.
