For the complete look, follow our step-by-step picture guide to making an Angel Nativity costume here. 6 How to make a stable animal Nativity costume To neaten up the tabard, you can hem the edges. You can do this with a sewing machine if you have one, but for a no-sew option use something like Wonderweb hemming tape. Place the tape on the inside of the fabric, a couple of inches up from the edge. Then, fold the rough edge of the fabric so that it covers the hemming tape. You can then place a damp cloth on top and run a hot iron along the hem to bond the tape in place. Second idea was a tabard style tunic. I just needed a long piece of fabric (brown duly bought), fold it over, cut a head hole, pop it over the head and then tie round the waist with a piece of cord (we don’t do belts in our house). Once you've made the tunic (trust us: it's easy peasy) then you're pretty much halfway there to any Nativity costume. All you need to add are a few accessories depending on the character and you're sorted. Again, you can make a simple tunic for these costumes –just use a colourful or velvet fabric for a King or a Wise Man. For more regal accessories, add a statement piece of jewellery, such as a large pendant.

All you need is a long rectangle of fabric to fashion into a tunic, or you can even cheat and adapt an old pillowcase for little ones! For most Nativity costumes, you can get away with a tabard or a tunic to make up the base of the outfit. Right, first thing's first: equipment! Get yourself organised with everything you'll need for your Mary costume in our handy list below. That way, you won't be scrambling around the house halfway through making the costume or end up realising you need to go to the shop! You will need:The Nativity is a really exciting event for all the boys and girls involved, so get ready to watch them turn into stars on the stage! Obviously if you’re a whizz with a sewing machine, you could add on additional pieces, like a waist coat over for shepherds, or add an elasticated cinched in waist to make the t-shirt more fitted. But it goes to show that a DIY nativity costume doesn’t have to be a hassle. Villagers / inn keeper / shepherd – t-shirt in brown, beige, darker colours. Or if you can find one with vertical stripes, that would work for a shepherd. So many Nativity costumes can be started by making a simple tunic, otherwise known as a tabard, which is a long rectangle of fabric that can be adapted to be the basis of almost any costume. You can even cheat and adapt an old pillowcase (for tiny tots).

An angel Nativity costume is another easy one to rustle up. You may already have a fairy or angel costume at home, or at least a tutu, some fairy wings or a halo or tiara in your dressing-up box. One of the highlights of your year will probably be watching your kids star in their school Nativity play. Follow our steps for super easy-to-make DIY Nativity costumes. If you need to provide your own baby Jesus prop, you can use a child's doll, swaddled in a blanket or towel, for your little Mary to carry. If you don't want to buy a new piece of fabric, you could use a blue pillowcase, some fabric from old bed linen, old curtains or you could find some in a charity shop. To make your angel's halo, you can simply use a plain headband with some silver or gold pipe cleaners. Easy! Find more steps on how to make a halo here.

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Plus, if you don't have access to sewing equipment (or you just don't fancy getting out a needle and thread), this DIY Mary Nativity costume is totally no-sew! And it'll save you buying a brand new Mary outfit in the shop or online for a much higher price. And if your angel or fairy requires some wings, try our fab homemade wings made out of paper plates here. There are certainly many places you can buy animal outfits which can be used for Nativity plays, but another really simple, cheap way to get into the role is with a simple headband, tail and face paints. However, amongst all the excitement you've probably got the stress of making their Nativity play costume yourself.