These DIY Ugly Christmas Sweaters Are Sure to Win Any Contest
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In every Christmas episode of your favorite television series, you can count on at least one character to don an ugly Christmas sweater. It’s simply just part of tradition. You can depend on images of oversized bows, extravagant holiday lighting and boat loads of tinsel to grace your tv screen, window displays at your local mall and even family Christmas cards in the form of one of these silly pullovers at any given time between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
If you’re hoping to join in on the fun this year, you may already be wondering about where to buy the best ugly Christmas sweaters. Luckily, we’ve rounded up a list of items that’ll stand out from the typical festive cardigans and jumpers that you can purchase on Amazon or at Walmart because you can DIY them yourself. You can utilize unique ornaments, stencils and whatever else you deem to be jolly and cheerful. Plus, designing the ultimate Christmas sweater can become a fun activity you’ll want to treat the family to each year. Some of these looks will even work for the family dog, so they’ll never be left out.
Whether you’re hoping to pull together a classy women’s look, are looking to coordinate funny sweatshirts for your work holiday party or need innovative ideas for the kids, you’re sure to find inspiration below.
Christmas Candy Sweater
For Christmas lovers with a sweet tooth, you can arrange mini candy canes, hard candies and peppermints in the design of a twisting garland for a festive look.
Garland and Bulbs Sweater
Turn yourself into a Christmas tree by recreating this look. All you need is a green pullover, and you can easily glue on your own draped garland and ornaments.
"I'm Dreaming of a Farmhouse Christmas" Print
Here's one of the cuter ideas! And though this design may work better on a thinner sweater than a chunky knit, we still think it'll turn heads at any Christmas party.
Get the tutorial at The Scrap Shoppe »
Reindeer Apron
Okay, so this isn't quite a sweater, but if you throw it over one of your already festive turtle-necks, it'll definitely add some pizzazz. All you need is a canvas colored apron, fabric paint and reindeer antler headbands!
Get the tutorial at Tonya Staab »
Elf Christmas Sweater
We don't think anyone else will be walking around with elf legs on their sweater, so opt for this design for a truly unique look.
Get the tutorial at Good Life Detroit »
Matching Pink Evergreen Holiday Sweaters
This may look hard to recreate, but all you need is fabric paint and stencils. Try out the design on a red or green sweater with glitter paint for an even more festive look!
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts »
Fa La Llama Sweatshirt
There's something about llamas that people just love, which means once you recreate this sweater, you'll be a shoo-in for any contest.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou »
DIY Crochet Christmas Lights Sweater
Here's a fun DIY Christmas sweater idea: Instead of using real Christmas lights, why not crochet them onto your sweater yourself?
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Stranger Things Christmas Sweater
Happy holidays from the Upside Down! Lucky for you, Stranger Things fans, assembling this DIY sweater is as easy as binge-watching your favorite Netflix show: all you need are mini multicolored lights and iron-on letters.
Total Christmas Tree Christmas Sweater
Upon first glance, this sweater appears to be a simple green-and-tinsel deal, but then you put your arms up and bam: It's a genius full-body Christmas tree look.
Wine To-Go Christmas Sweater
DIYing doesn't get much easier than this: Hot-glue a sturdy stocking onto an old sweater, and you've got a built-in pocket for your favorite beverage.
Leg Lamp Christmas Sweater
Fashion your own prized leg lamp out of felt and feathers, and you'll have fans of the holiday classic A Christmas Story giggling all night long.
Holiday Tree-Shirt
This cool design can be created with just a few cuts in a tee or long sleeve. Make sure to choose a material that has some stretch, as you'll need to loop the slashes in the shirt to create the Christmas tree effect.
Get the tutorial at Generation T »
DIY "Ugly" Tropical Christmas Sweater
Wishing you were celebrating Christmas on a tropical island? Make this DIY tropical-inspired sweater your go-to.
Garland Christmas Sweater
You'll be the brightest at the party in this sweater. And because it's a cardigan, you can wear it over any outfit you want, and easily take if off when you're over it.
Get the tutorial on Morning Chores »
Children's DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater
Kids can get in on the weird sweater game, too, with this easy-to-follow (and very inexpensive) craft project.
Get the tutorial at One Artsy Mama »
Couples' Christmas Sweaters
Bored of going to the movies for date night? Spend your evening of crafting instead. The best part is these tutorials show you how to turn sweaters you already have into festive looks.
Get the tutorial at Mr. Kate »
Reindeer Christmas Sweater
Use felt and fabric marker to DIY your own holiday reindeer — then use white pom-poms to create a falling snow effect.
Get the tutorial at I Love To Create »
Tacky Gingerbread Man Christmas Sweater
Gingerbread cookies are delicious, but gingerbread men on colorfully crocheted sweaters are just silly. On the bright side, it will remind you to eat gingerbread cookies while wearing it.
Get the tutorial at Inner Child Crochet »
Crazy Cat Tree Christmas Sweater
When you have a cat, you know that having a Christmas tree is a recipe for disaster. Get everyone LOLing with this hilarious idea.
Get the tutorial on Instructables »
Christmas Lights and Tinsel Sweater
If you want a wild Christmas sweater that's sure to make everyone ask where you bought it, follow this simple tutorial. Bonus: It costs less than $15 to make.
Get the tutorial at The Cards We Drew »
DIY Advent Calendar Christmas Sweater
Old: Counting down with a calendar.
New: Counting down with a calendar made of wool that you can actually wear (hopefully not for 25 days straight, though).
Get the tutorial at Shrimp Salad Circus »
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