Things You'll Need:
- Sheets or fabric Tape measure Rope belts Scarves Accessories (such as shepherd's crook, head scarf, lanterns)
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Step 1
Identify which costumes need to be made. Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus are absolute fixtures in any Nativity scene. Mary's costume is typically blue and white while Joseph wears earth tones. The baby Jesus can be a swaddled baby doll. Other characters are angels, shepherds and wise men.
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Step 2
Take measurements. Measurements can help you fit old costumes and to make new costumes for a Nativity scene. The primary measurements you'll need are height (shoulder to toe), width of shoulders (from tip of left shoulder to tip of right shoulder) and length of torso (measure from underarm to hip bone). You should plan for at least one formal fitting if hemming is required.
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Step 3
Be creative in your fabric choices. Dress materials can be expensive, but you can get a lot of mileage out of standard cotton sheets. Watch for sales to get a good price on standard cotton sheets.
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Step 4
Create a simple pattern for Nativity scene costumes by placing the sheet over a child's head and cutting a hole for his head to fit through. Measure the circumference of the child's head at the brow line. Take a second measurement of their neck. The hole you cut in the sheet needs to be wide enough to go over the crown of the head. Use belts or rope belts to tie it firmly around the child's waist. Yarn or rope can be used to secure the sleeves. Use a fabric punch or scissors to punch a hole through the sleeves and thread the yarn or rope through the holes. Wrap the ties once over the wrist and tie loosely.
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Step 5
Accessorize as needed. Not every Nativity will have wise men or shepherds, but if yours does, pick up accessories to add to the standard robes and plain desert-style clothing. Use a white or blue head scarf for Mary. Joseph's head should be bare, but you may use a false beard to give the young man the illusion of age.
