25 DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas That Are Way Over the Top
You'll win any holiday party contest!
Charming Christmas outfits and pretty Christmas dresses are great and all, but there's nothing like some not-so-cute holiday attire to get the spirit going! If you haven't already guessed it, that means ugly Christmas sweaters; cozy knits embroidered with red-nosed reindeer, colorful Christmas lights, and silly sayings. Whether you’re heading to an ugly sweater party or just looking to add some festive flair to your holiday season, go big with your design! After all, for ugly Christmas sweaters, the more over-the-top, the better!
Of course, you can always buy one of the best ugly Christmas sweaters, but where's the fun in that? Here, you'll find some of the best DIY ugly Christmas sweater ideas out there so you can unleash your creativity and craft your own. Choose from tacky but cute designs featuring snowmen, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and more. These sweaters are easy to create following simple tutorials and using many items you probably already have in your craft supply or collection of Christmas decorations. There are even some no-sew options for those who aren't so handy with a needle and thread. No matter which sweater you choose, it's guaranteed to get some holiday giggles and make everyone you meet say, "Ho, ho, HA!"
For more ways to spruce things up during the holiday season:
- DIY Christmas Ornaments That Will Give Your Tree a Personal Touch
- These Christmas Card Ideas Are So Much Festive Fun
- These Nostalgic Vintage Christmas Decorations Are Making a Comeback
Yeti Ugly Christmas Sweater
There's only one question on everyone's minds: Is it Christmas yeti?! Either way, you’ll be set for the season in this over-the-top ugly sweater, featuring a goofy yeti face decked out in twinkling holiday lights.
Get the tutorial at Craft Box Girls.
Glitzy Reindeer Sweater
With ugly sweaters, more is always more. So, grab the puffy paint and go wild! Deck Rudolph's antlers (and just about everything else) with as many Christmas lights as you can fit. The fair isle sweater base makes this one even more fun.
Get the tutorial at One Krieger Chick.
Wreath Christmas Sweater
Take one of your favorite symbols of the season and put it on a sweater! Bonus: Once the party's over, just detach your wonderful wreath creation and hang it in your home for added Christmas décor.
Get the tutorial at Julia Devon Art.
Christmas Tree with the Elf on the Shelf Sweater
No one will have trouble spotting the Elf on the Shelf this year―he'll be front and center on your sweater, looking extra adorable nestled beneath a delightfully tacky tinsel tree.
Get the tutorial at Amy Latta Creations.
Tie Dye Christmas Tree Sweater
Go with a groovy twist and tie-dye your sweater to festive perfection! How cool is that tree design? You can also add hand-painted Christmas lights for an extra dash of whimsy.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
'Star Trek' Ugly Christmas Sweater
Attention, Trekkies! It’s time to "Trek the halls." This witty sweater stars Spock himself, looking extra jolly in a festive Santa hat. Spruce it up with shimmering paint, too.
Get the tutorial at Punk Projects.
Snowman Ugly Christmas Sweater for Kids
This one is snow much fun! A goofy snowman sweater is sure to get laughs from kids and grown-ups alike. With twinkling fairy lights for extra holiday cheer, it's the perfect piece to light up the party.
Get the tutorial at Craft Box Girls.
Christmas Tree and Gingerbread Man Ugly Sweaters
Get ready to have twice the holiday fun—in no time at all! You can whip up these last-minute ugly Christmas sweaters in under an hour using a hot glue gun and DIY felt cutouts of trees and gingerbread men.
Get the tutorial at Diana Rambles.
'A Christmas Story' Leg Lamp Sweater
It's a major award, indeed! This sweater pays homage to the iconic leg lamp from A Christmas Story and is guaranteed to delight every fan of the classic holiday movie. As if it couldn't get any better, it even lights up with the help of an LED necklace.
Get the tutorial at New Dress a Day.
Christmas Tree Sweater
Get full-on festive by transforming into a Christmas tree, complete with tulle, tinsel, and all. Add a strand of real lights to make your look shine bright, then crown it with a tinsel topper for the ultimate ugly sweater moment.
Get the tutorial at The Country Chic Cottage .
Christmas Lights Sweater
Why should Christmas trees have all the fun? Crochet yourself this cute sweater and you can wear colorful Christmas lights, too!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Snow Globe Sweater
This ugly sweater features a working snow globe so you can really shake things up at your holiday party. Decorate the rest of the sweater with white pom poms for a snowy effect.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Ornaments
Your tree needs an ugly Christmas sweater, too! These mini ornaments are too cute and can also serve as inspiration for your own ugly sweater.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Deer Ugly Christmas Sweater
You'll stand out from all the red and green sweaters with this black and white one featuring a glittery deer head. It might make holiday hugs a little tricky but it's worth it for the laughs!
Get the tutorial at The Country Chic Cottage.
Fa La La Llama Sweater
Fa la la la la la la la...llama! This cute sweater is sure to get some giggles. Just look at the llama's cold-weather attire!
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou .
Gingerbread Men Sweater
This sweater is brimming with Christmas cheer, from the adorable gingerbread boys and girls to the little jingle bells. There are even Christmas stockings on the sleeves!
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Couples Mr. and Mrs. Christmas Sweater
This idea is so cute for couples! Mr. and Mrs. Claus have got nothing on you when you dress up in these sparkly matching sweaters decked out in tinsel and sequins.
Get the tutorial at Creative Fashion Blog.
Christmas Stocking Sweater
Pretend to be a Christmas mantle with this clever design! A garland, stockings, and ornaments complete the look.
Get the tutorial at Amy Latta Creations.
Kids Reindeer Christmas Sweater
This idea is for the little ones. Imagine how cute they'll look dressed up in this sweater featuring their handprints as Rudolph's antlers!
Get the tutorial at Amy Latta Creations.
Button Christmas Tree Sweater
The most fun part about this project is decorating the Christmas tree with buttons, beads, and other craft supplies. You'll also use pom poms to create strings of Christmas lights on your sleeves.
Get the tutorial at Amy Latta Creations.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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