So much of the holiday aesthetic is overly curated and totally unattainable. Anyone (A.K.A., me) who's attempted to recreate an intricately wrapped present situation they saw on Pinterest can tell you that chasing that level of perfection is a waste of time and paper. But you know what is well within your artistic grasp? Making your own ugly Christmas sweater.
These tinsel-covered garments have somehow solidified themselves to be as much of a holiday tradition as decorating your Christmas tree. While I love any excuse for a Goodwill hunt, relying on the thrift store Gods to gift you a semi-decent ugly sweater is a fool's errand. Last year, I did miraculously stumble upon a battery-operated reindeer monstrosity that was decked out in multiple fake bills. But I'm smart enough to know that kind of lightning doesn't strike twice.
Sure, you could grab one of the many mass-produced sweaters on the market with silly pop culture references and cozy fleece lining, but where's the fun in that? Taking the DIY route saves you some cash—and eliminates any risk of twinning with your co-workers at the holiday office party.
If you want a leg-up in the battle for the Ugliest Sweater Award, here are ten DIYs that will all but guarantee you first place.
The Tinsel Jacket
Credit: The Ravel Out
Honestly, this wearable project falls more into the cute category, but there are plenty of ways to up its ugly factor. Use a jacket, cardigan, or blazer, and hot glue single or multi-color tinsel for a simple yet festive piece of outerwear. Take it up a notch by adding ornaments, pom-poms, and lights. The more the merrier, right?
The Wine Stocking
Credit: Amazon
Did you know a stocking can hold a bottle of wine? Well, now you do. If you're a big fan of pinot-flavored holiday cheer, this DIY project is right up your alley. Take a regular-sized stocking and adhere it (via hot glue or sewing) to any 'ole Christmas sweater to create a wearable wine holder. Adorn it with whatever tinsel and ornaments you can find, and boom—you've got a festive drinking vessel.
Technically, you can buy the sweater above on Amazon, but blogger Maggie Jackson has a super easy tutorial on TikTok.
The Beer Pong Table
Credit: Amazon
My favorite kind of sweaters are the ones that are interactive—and this DIY fits the bill. All you need are some Red Solo cups, a few beer pong balls, and a bottle of fabric glue. Attach the cups to your sweater in the regulation beer pong formation and enjoy your newfound access to an unlimited supply of holiday fun.
Again, you can buy one already made, but it's SO cheap and SO easy to assemble a custom design that's all your own.
The Reindeer
Credit: The Country Chic Cottage
Nothing says Christmas like wearing a gigantic reindeer on your torso! This project will require you to get comfy with a pair of scissors (and oversized googly eyes), but the sheer amount of space this sweater takes up is absolutely worth the extra effort.
The Tree
Credit: Lashes & Leggings
If you want to be the star of your holiday shindig, you can't go wrong with turning yourself into a Christmas tree. Trust me, it's a lot easier than it sounds—though you will have to strike a pose to get the full effect.
The Snow Globe
Credit: Nelle Creations
This project is another great way to turn heads, and it's surprisingly easy to assemble. Plus, you get to fill it with whatever holiday items, people, and pets you want. Just make sure you've got some fake snow to really bring this winter wonderland to life.
The Christmas Cat
Credit: Living Locurto
Like the wine stocking sweater, simply attach a festive stocking to a plain Christmas sweater and stuff it with a stuffed cat. Decorate the stocking and its surroundings however you please—we love the "Merry Catmas" used above—and you've got yourself a purrfectly ugly Christmas sweater.
The Fireplace
Credit: Instructables
Cozying up to a warm fire on a cold winter night is one of life's little pleasures. But what if you could bring the hearth with you wherever you go? All it takes is some felt, fabric glue, and some small holiday trinkets to give your ugly Christmas sweater an added dose of warmth.
The Wreath
Credit: Julia Devon Art
A festive door hanging is a classic holiday decoration, so why not take it one step further and turn it into a festive sweater? All you need is some felt, fabric glue, and the ability to create a circle with your arms to bring this crafty idea to life.
The Trimmings
Credit: A Little Craft in Your Day
Tinsel, bows, and other shiny ornaments are great for adding a bit of glitz and glam to any ugly sweater. Whether you're piling on as much as you can to a plain red sweater or accenting your craftier designs with a few blingy items, the trimmings are what truly complete the look. Going overboard is encouraged.
Whether you're adding a few simple embellishments to a thrifted sweater or constructing a full-on fashion masterpiece, these DIY ugly Christmas sweaters are sure to make your holidays merry, bright, and unforgettably festive.
