10 Best DIY Ugly Holiday Sweater Ideas

How to make an ugly holiday sweater

Winter’s here, and you know what that means—it’s time to break out your ugly holiday sweater for all those holiday parties! Looking for some fun and easy inspiration? Here are ten DIY ugly sweaters that are so cute they’re almost not ugly.

1. Wine to-go

Looking for a sweater that holds your holiday spirit (and beverage)? Hot-glue a Christmas stocking onto a red or green sweater, and voilà—you’ve got a built-in pocket for your favorite wine, beer, or cocktail. Now that’s festive!

2. Christmas tree

In a rush? This quick and easy sweater design is for you. Grab a plain green sweater, some tinsel, and a handful of small sparkly ornaments. Hot glue the tinsel all over the sweater, then scatter the ornaments to create your very own holiday tree. Done in under ten minutes!

3. Silly reindeer

Channel your inner artist with this fun reindeer design. You’ll need iron-on transfer paper, fabric, paper, a pencil, a button, and a sweatshirt. First, choose a reindeer design you love, trace it onto the paper, and iron it onto the fabric (make sure it’s backward). After cutting out the design, peel off the transfer paper and iron it onto your sweatshirt. Add a button for the nose, and you’ve got a festive look in no time!

4. Ornaments

If you love glitter and shine, this one’s for you! To create this sweater, grab a pullover sweatshirt, fabric glue, sequin ornament patches, gold tinsel yarn, and scissors. Plan your design by laying out the yarn and ornament patches, then glue everything in place. Let it dry overnight, and you’ll be ready to light up the holiday season!

5. Holiday lights

This design is perfect for those who like a little sparkle. Grab a white sweater, a black permanent marker, and glitter iron-on transfer sheets. Draw the light cord with the marker, cut out a light bulb template, and trace it onto the glitter sheets. Iron the glitter bulbs onto the sweater and fill in the gaps with the marker. A glowing masterpiece!

6. Christmas tie

This is the ultimate ugly sweater that will make everyone laugh! You’ll need a plain red sweater, five holiday ties, colorful buttons, fabric adhesive, fabric tape, and scissors. Lay the ties vertically to form a Christmas tree shape, then use adhesive tape to attach them to the sweater. Add a bow at the top, and randomly glue buttons all over the tree for extra flair. Festive and funny!

7. Stocking

Short on time? This super simple sweater only needs a Christmas stocking, hot glue, and a plain sweater. Just glue the stocking to the front of the sweater, and you’re done! It’s a no-fuss way to make a festive statement.

8. Snowman face

Make your sweater as cute as a snowman with just a few materials. You’ll need black and orange felt, a plain white sweater, scissors, and fabric glue. Cut out circles for the snowman’s eyes and mouth, then cut a cone shape for the carrot nose. Arrange everything on your sweater and glue it down. You’ll be frosty and fabulous!

9. Gaudy bow

If you’re really crunched for time but still want to make a statement, this one’s for you. Grab a bright green sweater, a large sparkly red bow, and a needle and thread. Sew the bow onto the center of your sweater, and just like that, you’ve got a show-stopping holiday look. Simple but festive!

10. Christmas cat

Got a Cricut Maker? Then this adorable cat-themed sweater is a breeze. You’ll need a sweater or long-sleeved shirt, iron-on vinyl, and a mini Santa hat. Use your Cricut to cut out a “Meow-y Christmas” message and a cute cat face. Iron the vinyl onto your shirt, and for the hat, cut down the top pom-pom, reattach the white band, and safety pin it to the shirt. Now you’re ready to meow into the holiday season!

Be the life of the party

The holiday season is all about fun, festive sweaters, so why not be the star of every party? With these DIY ugly holiday sweater ideas, you’ll be sure to spread cheer and laughter wherever you go!

References

1. “31 Brilliantly Ugly Christmas Sweaters to Buy or DIY,” Good Housekeeping, November 22, 2019.
2. “22 Ugly Christmas Sweaters You Need to Buy ASAP,” Woman’s Day, October 17, 2018.