| Here we explain how to make a Nativity Book for a toddler with the
help of our Nativity
scene applique set and Nativity
freestanding lace ornaments.
You will need: water-soluble stabilizer for freestanding lace (read
about freestanding lace here),
1 yard of patterned fabric (choose a dark blue pattern with stars or snowflakes),
1 square of light one-color fabric (we used felt), scraps of differently
colored fabric for the applique (we used felt squares), Velcro tape and
fabric glue. |
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| Step One: Draw a rectangle measuring 17" x 12" on the felt.
Embroider the designs from the Nativity
Scene Applique Set inside the rectange. First embroider the barn, then
embroider the figures of the animals around it. |
| Step Two: Out of patterned fabric cut two rectangles measuring
8 1/2" x 36" and a rectangle measuring 17" x 24". Cut the felt square with
the applique to the size of 17" x 12". See the diagram. Our measurements
do not include seam allowance. |
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| Step Three: Stitch the patterned rectangle measuring 17" x 24"
to the embroidered felt piece. Fold the seam allowance to one side and
iron. Set this piece aside for now. |
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| Step Four: Stabilize and hoop one of the 8 1/2" x 36" strips
so that the hoop is centered around 9" from the bottom. Embroider the words
"Merry Christmas", "Joy",and "Love" on it. Repeat with the second strip;
embroidering "Peace", "Hope" and "Joy to the World". The writing should
go in the red area on the diagram. |
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You can download the above inscriptions here.
Click to download a zip file containing the corresponding format:
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| Step Five: Place the work-piece with the applique on an even
surface (table), face up, and cover its left part with the first strip,
face down. The lettering has to be upside-down in relation to the
applique. This is important. See the diagram for details.
Align the edges. Pin or baste the edges and machine-stitch. The seams
are marked on the diagram with a dotted line. Repeat with the second strip.
Press the seams towards the center. |
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| Step Six: Open the whole thing out and pin two 12" lengths of
cord or ribbon about 9" from the bottom of the working piece. Make sure
that they are at the same level! |
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| Step Seven: Fold in half breadthwise. |
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| Align the edges and machine-stitch along the sides, marked in red on
the diagram. |
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| Turn inside-out. Machine-stitch along the seams, as shown by the dotted
lines in the diagram below. |
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| Step Eight: Out of craft foam (we recommend Darice's Foamies,
extra firm super thick) or cardboard cut out 3 panels: 2 side panels measuring
18" x 8 1/2" and one center panel, measuring 18" x 17". Cardboad will make
the book heavier, while foam is very light and stable at the same time. |
| Step Nine: Insert the foam/cardboard panels into the working
piece. Fold the lower edges inside and slip-stitch them. |
| Step Ten: Embroider the free-standing lace designs. Choose the
designs from the Nativity
Ornament Set, Nativity
Ornament Set II and Childhood
of Jesus Ornament Set. You can read about how to make freestanding
lace ornaments in our guide.
The design of the Bethlehem Star can be downloaded here.
Click to download a zip file containing the corresponding format:
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| Step Eleven: Cut Velcro tape into small pieces and glue them
to your freestanding lace ornaments. Glue the other parts of the Velcro
tape pieces into the book. After the glue dries, attach the ornaments: |
| Place the figures of Mary with the Infant into the barn. |
| Place the figure of Joseph beside the barn. |
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| Place the other figures that you embroidered in the middle panel. |
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| Place the Star and Angels on the upper part of the middle panel. |
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| Place the Wise Men on the each side panel |
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We'd be glad if you sent us some photos of your own version of
this project!
You can use the following freestanding lace ornaments for this project:
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