The nativity play letter has come home in the book bag, and suddenly you need an angel, a king or a sheep by the end of term. Don't panic. Most nativity costumes are simple shapes, a tunic, a cape, a headdress, and with the right fabric they come together in an evening or two. Here are our favourite budget-friendly fabrics for each role, plus a few easy ideas to get you started.
Start with a Simple Tunic
Almost every nativity costume begins with the same base: a loose, knee-length or ankle-length tunic. Fold a length of fabric in half, cut a hole for the head at the fold, and sew up the sides, leaving gaps for the arms. Tie it at the waist with a belt, cord or strip of fabric and you've got the starting point for an angel, a shepherd, a king or Mary and Joseph.
A handy rule of thumb is to measure from your child's shoulder to where you want the hem, double it, and add a little extra for hems and growing room. For smaller children, one metre of wider fabric often goes a long way.
Angels: Gold Organza and a Touch of Sparkle
Angels are the most popular role in many nativities, and the secret to a lovely angel costume is layers. Start with a white or cream tunic, then add a floaty overlay or sash in sheer fabric for that heavenly glow.
Our Plain Organza Fabric in Gold is ideal here. At 150cm wide and £2.99 a metre (was £6.99), it's an easy way to add shimmer without spending much. Use it for:
- A loose overlay or tabard worn over a white tunic
- Gathered sleeves or a floaty cape
- Simple wings, stitched or glued over a card or wire frame
- A sash tied at the waist with a big bow at the back
Tip: organza can fray, so finish edges with a narrow rolled hem, a zigzag stitch or a light line of fabric glue if you're short on time.
Kings: Rich Golds for Royal Robes
The three kings are where you can really go to town. A long tunic in a rich, shiny fabric instantly looks regal, and a cape over the top finishes the look.
For the robe itself, our Gold Faux Silk Slub Taffeta is £4.99 a metre (was £14.99). It has a crisp body that holds its shape well, which makes it great for a structured tunic or a waistcoat-style overlay.
For a flowing cape, try the Shimmer Foil Satin in Champagne Gold, now £2.99 a metre (was £6.99). It's 60" wide and drapes beautifully, so you can simply hem the edges, gather the top and attach a ribbon or cord tie at the neck. It's also handy for lining a crown or wrapping gift boxes for gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Sheep, Stars and Headdresses: Craft Felt
Felt is a nativity hero. It doesn't fray, so you can cut shapes and use them straight away, with no hemming needed. Our Craft Felt in White is 150cm wide and £8.99 a metre (was £11.99), so a single metre can make several small pieces.
Use white felt for:
- Sheep: cut ear shapes and stitch them to a white hat or headband, then add felt circles or cotton wool to a white top for a woolly look
- The star: cut two large star shapes, stitch around the edges, and stuff lightly or attach to a headband
- Angel halos: a felt ring wrapped in gold organza or satin looks lovely and is soft to wear
- Crowns: cut a crown band, then decorate it with offcuts of the gold satin or taffeta
Shepherds, Mary and Joseph
Shepherds are the easiest of all: a plain tunic in a muted colour, a rope or cord belt, and the classic headdress held on with a band. Mary traditionally wears blue with a white or cream head covering, while Joseph suits browns and creams. If you have fabric left over from the angels or kings, a gold-edged sash or trim can add a nice finishing touch.
Quick Tips for Stress-Free Costumes
- Keep it comfortable: children may be wearing their costume for a while, so avoid anything too tight or scratchy against the skin.
- Use ties, not zips: ribbon, cord or elastic makes costumes easier to get on and off quickly backstage.
- Think about length: keep hems above the ankle so little ones don't trip on stage.
- Save your scraps: offcuts make great Christmas decorations, gift tags or bunting once the play is over.
Get Your Nativity Fabrics Sorted
With a few metres of organza, satin, taffeta and felt, you can create a whole cast of angels, kings and sheep for much less than a shop-bought costume. Stock on these reduced lines is limited, so pick up what you need early and enjoy a calm, creative run-up to the big performance. Browse the fabrics above, and happy sewing from all of us at Bull Ring Fabrics!
