Primitive Nativity Family Card

Simple shapes present the Holy Family in

a nativity tableau, with guiding star above, available

in two versions: long stitched head gear shapes using

no. 5 or no. 8 perle cotton, (shown above)

or plain paper cut outs, (shown below).

Overlays and insets provide the details, with optional

"print & cut" phrase added: unto us a child is born.

Card measures approx. 6.5"x6.5" when completed

and folded at center. A companion Nativity Star envelope

is also available.

NOTE that stitched version instructions will be

presented first, with non-stitched version alternative

steps following, in Step 13.

ASSEMBLY: 

1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A front panel with cut outs for faces, star

prepare with "print & cut" methods to include

printed phrase

B contrast reinforcing under-panel

C insert for different contrast for star

D opt. buffer panel (provides depth for stitching)

E & F card base front and back panels

G Mary face insert and dress overlay

H Joseph face insert, robe overlay, crook

I Baby Jesus face insert, manger overlay

J perle cotton no. 5 for head dress stitching

(Non-stitched version substitutes head dress 

cut paper shapes for stitching)

Also obtain a blunt-tipped tapestry hand stitching

needle such as the style shown here, in a slightly

finer size such as 22 (smallest size that selected

cotton "yarn" can be threaded into so that

stitches will fit through cut holes without tearing).

2. Position reinforcing panel behind the front panel,

and glue together, taking care . . .

. . . that the stitching holes of each are precisely

lined up. This may be accomplished by using

the tapestry needle to push through strategic holes

at tops, bottoms and intermediate holes and

adjusting as needed, before attaching together.

3. On the panel assembly backside, position

the star contrast oval into the cutout shape

and glue in place around the star opening.

Also apply glue within the face cut out openings

then insert and attach the corresponding faces shapes

of the three figures. 

Immediately place the assembly under a flat

heavy object such as this thick book volume

to press the glue-up flat until completely dry,

to avoid warping and curling.

4. Prepare perle cotton (approx. 30-34" length will be

sufficient) and thread 2-3 inches onto needle.

 The sample begins with Mary's head dress stitching.

Near and below the top inner hole on panel backside,

use a small piece of cello tape to anchor the tail end.

5. Insert needle back-to-front through top front hole . . .

. . . turn the panel face side up, and draw the yarn

through fully.

6. Next, insert needle through inward-most bottom

hole, pull through fully on panel backside, creating

the first long stitch.

7. On panel backside (not seen in this image),

return to the next top hole and insert the needle

back-to-front again and repeat the process to

create the second long stitch.

NOTE: this describes Method A which creates

tension between tops and bottoms of long stitches

for even spacing, with long stitches on backside

that imitate face-side stitching. An alternative

Method B carries yarn between holes on backside

to create short stitches. (See backside in Step 9).

8. Continue to add the long stitches until all are

complete and needle with yarn tail are have exited

the final time to the backside.

Trim the tail to .5 - .75" and anchor with small piece

of cello tape.

9. Repeat the stitching process for Joseph's

head dress.

NOTE: here you can see the differences between

Method A long stitching and Method B short stitching

on backside.

10. Position the opt. buffer panel, backside-down,

over the back of the stitching panel, centered

in from all edges with slight offset so that

the stitching "bulk"  fits within window cut outs.

(This provides a minimum added depth for stitches.)

11. Position and attach front panel to card base front,

with even offset margins all around.

12. On front side of panel, position and attach dress

and robe shapes below head dress stitching so that

front edges align straight below "front" stitching holes,

curved upper edges follow stitching holes,

and bottom edges are parallel to bottom panel edge.

Also position the manger half-egg centered below

baby face with tiny margin between, and crook

in the approx. position shown.

13. Fold back the top flange tab of card base back,

then position and attach top edge of front panel

to tab, with edge aligned at fold/perforation line.

Press seam flat with weight until thoroughly dried.

Here is the completed stitched card version.

NON-STITCHED CARD VERSION

13. Follow portions of Steps 2-3 to attach contrast

reinforcement panel behind front panel, and

inserting star contrast oval behind and face shapes

into front openings.

14. Locate the guide marks near bottom sides

which show where dress and robe bottom corners

will be placed, then . . .

. . . position cut out shapes at the guide marks

and attach in place.

15. Next, position paper head dress shapes snugly

into the corresponding curves and attach.

16. Position and attach manger and crook.

Here is the completed non-stitched card front panel.