40+ DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater ideas that will be the hit of your Christmas party! From cute “ugly” to the truly hideous, there’s an ugly sweater on this list for every taste and style!
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Ugly sweater parties are all the rage at Christmastime, and these DIY ugly Christmas sweater ideas are sure to be a huge hit at your party! If you’re looking for a prize-winning tacky sweater, you’ve come to the right place!
Some of these ugly Christmas sweaters are definitely more “cute” than ugly, and some of them are truly the most hideous of the ugly, so no matter what your aesthetic is, you’re sure to find something on this list!
Check Out These Other Christmas Party Ideas:
DIY Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Note: most of these sweater ideas are linked to a web page where you can find all of the DIY instructions; however, for a few of these, we were unable to track down the original source. If you know the sources, please let me know so that I can give proper credit to the creators!
Snow Globe Ugly Christmas Sweater
This DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater features a working snow globe! If you’re headed to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party this holiday season, this ugly-but-cute sweater is a great idea!
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Gingerbread House Ugly Christmas Sweater
This DIY gingerbread house ugly Christmas sweater is amazing! Just look at all those incredible details! Click below to see more photos:
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DIY Ugly Christmas Tree Sweater
Use a green garland and a battery-operated light strand to make this ugly light-up Christmas sweater!
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DIY Ugly Christmas Tree Sweater
Here's another Christmas tree sweater that makes great use of inexpensive tinsel garland for a big statement! Such a fun design!
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Meowy Christmas Sweater
Are you a "crazy cat lady?" This DIY kitten and mittens ugly Christmas sweater project is totally perfect for you!
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DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater
Want to know how to win your next ugly Christmas sweater contest? DIY your sweater PLUS a matching one for a bottle of wine! Because two ugly sweaters are definitely better than one!
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Snowflake Ugly Christmas Sweater
Grab an old sweater, your hot glue gun, garland, cotton balls and swabs to make this super fun "snowy" winter sweater!
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DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Dress
This ugly Christmas sweater dress is made with inexpensive items from Target, the dollar store, and thrift stores!
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Starbucks Red Cup Christmas Sweater
Starbucks fans will LOVE this cute Christmas sweater that pays homage to the brand's annual holiday red cups!
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Barfing Reindeer Ugly Christmas Sweater
This is what happens when you let an 11-year-old turn his own sweater into an ugly holiday sweater. I think he nailed the assignment! 😂😂😂
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Bottle Top Christmas Tree Sweater
This might be one of the best DIY ugly Christmas sweater ideas that I have ever seen! Start saving those bottle tops, and grab the jingle bells!
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DIY Rudolph Christmas Sweater
The way that this Rudolph sweater utilizes the shirt sleeves as antlers is really clever, and that red nose is great!
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Christmas Tree Tacky Christmas Sweater
This kid took the garland idea to the next level for his DIY sweater!
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DIY Reindeer Wreath Ugly Christmas Sweater
Make this DIY ugly Christmas sweater quickly and easily. It'll be the hit of the Christmas party!
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“Chemist Tree” Ugly Christmas Sweater
We love a good pun, so this "Chemist Tree" tacky Christmas sweater vest is a huge hit with us!
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DIY Ugly Sweater Wreath
It’s time to mix up the usual and expected ugly sweater! Make your sweater into an interactive wreath for a whole new twist!
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Fa La Llama: DIY Llama Christmas Sweater with Free Cut File
Make your own DIY Llama Christmas sweater using this free SVG cut file and your Cricut or Silhouette machine. It’s fun to make and even more fun to wear this holiday season!
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DIY Tacky Sweater
Make this simple DIY ugly sweater using basic craft supplies from your stash! Kids and adults alike will love decorating their own sweater Christmas tree!
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Fireplace Christmas Sweater
This fireplace sweater is the best ugly Christmas sweater! It definitely falls into the category of totally tacky and cute at the same time! A great way to get into the Christmas spirit!
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DIY Christmas Lights Sweater
Make a crochet Christmas light sweater and you’ll be the talk of the town! The perfect ugly sweater for crafters!
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DIY Yeti Ugly Sweater
Are you "yeti" to party with this fun abominable snowman sweater? It's too cute and perfect for this Christmas season!
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Little Elf Ugly Holiday Sweater
This elf sweater is hilarious! It incorporates a mirror for the elf's face, so when you look at it, you'll see your own ugly mug staring back!
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Hairy Christmas Tacky Sweater
This "Hairy Christmas" ugly sweater idea is quick and easy to make, but it will certainly be eye-catching at your next holiday party! You're sure to win first place with this one!
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Flamingo Ugly Sweater
Nothing says "Christmas fun in the sun" like this hilariously tacky holiday sweater! Just add a flamingo stuffed animal to your shoulder (topped with a Santa hat, of course!), and add a palm tree to make your own ugly sweater!
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DIY “Ugly” Tropical Christmas Sweater
Here's another fun DIY sweater with a tropical theme! If you know how to crochet, you can make this one in under an hour!
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Tacky Christmas Sweater
If crochet is REALLY your jam, you might want to consider making this extra tacky gingerbread man sweater! This one is definitely next level!
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A Christmas Story Inspired Ugly Sweatshirt
This DIY sweater inspired by A Christmas Story is SO much fun! The iconic leg lamp is sure to win a prize in your ugly sweater contest!
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Quick $1 DIY Ugly Christmas Sweaters
These easy DIY ugly Christmas sweaters were created quickly and easily using a $1 craft kit from the dollar store! Just use hot glue to attach everything to an old sweater (or you could even use safety pins if you wanted to make it temporary!).
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DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas For Couples
These tacky sweaters are a great idea for couples, or you could also make them with "BFF" to twin with your best friend!
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DIY Candy Christmas Sweater
This candy ugly sweater is extra sweet! Cover the front of the sweater with all kinds of faux candy and candy canes for an easy look that's lots of fun!
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DIY Cat Ugly Christmas Sweater
Have a Cricut machine? Use it to make this cat sweater and then accessorize it with a Santa hat to add some dimension!
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DIY Holiday Tree T-Shirt
Okay, so this one is technically not a sweater, but it's SUCH a cool idea, and you could certainly translate this to a long sleeved shirt as well!
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The Cat Lady Ugly Christmas Sweater
If you have cats, your Christmas tree may actually have looked a lot like the one on this DIY ugly Christmas sweater! The lights are an extra fun touch!
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Christmas Tree and Ladder DIY Sweater
Now this is the most creative and perfect ugly Christmas sweater ever! There's no doubt that this original Christmas sweater will be a prize-winner! Get the details and complete instructions below.
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Felt Candy Cane Sweater
Now, THIS "ugly" Christmas sweater is one that I can get behind! Pink and fuzzy? Sign me up!
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Snow Globw Ugly Christmas Sweater
Don't want to ruin a perfectly good sweater? The decorations in this awesome snow globe DIY sweater idea are ALL contained within the plastic – just slip it over your favorite sweater, and then remove it later!
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Santa & Reindeer Ugly Christmas Sweaters
This would be a fantastic idea for a group! Such a simple idea, but it makes a big impact when everyone is all together like this!
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Pregnant Snowman Shirt
What better way to show off your pregnant belly than by incorporating it into your winter snowman sweater? Such a cute idea!
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Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer Sweater
This hilarious DIY ugly Christmas sweater is the perfect representation of the classic Christmas song Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer! Kids will get a kick out of seeing this one!
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Check Out These Other Christmas Ideas!
70+ Fun Stocking Stuffers for Teens and Tweens
70+ The Best Gift Ideas for Boys Ages 8-11
Printable Christmas Bingo Game Cards- How to Make Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses
50+ Popsicle Stick Christmas Crafts
Wine Cork Candy Cane Ornaments- Cardboard Gingerbread Houses + SVG Files
- Glitter Ornaments: Easy Christmas Craft
Heidi Kundin has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With over 15 years of experience, Happiness is Homemade has become a must-visit destination for those seeking quick and easy creative ideas and last-minute solutions. Heidi’s warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s fun, rewarding, and achievable. Heidi is also the author of Homemade Bath Bombs & More and DIY Tie-Dye.