What? An ugly sweater ornament? Of course! For the past decade or so, ugly sweater parties have become all the rage. In the 70s and 80s it was actually quite the fashion statement to wear gawdy sweaters covered with Christmas garb.
The trend died down in the early 90’s, but at the beginning of the new century a fun trend began where people try to out-do each other and be the party guest wearing the ugliest sweater.
TIP: If you would like to buy some ugly sweater ornaments instead of making them, be sure to check out this collection on Etsy.
It’s funny how trends start isn’t it? The ugly sweater is no longer just life-sized. Now there are ornaments! I thought I had imagined up something novel when I decided to make these, but apparently ugly sweater ornaments have been around for a couple of years already. I saw some at Michaels, plus online I saw them at Hallmark and even in some big department stores.
Ugly Sweater Ornaments
I’m really happy with how mine turned out. They aren’t perfect, which adds to the “ugly”, and for once that’s alright! I think the next ornament I tackle might be this adorable shadowbox ornament!
I found my embellishments at the craft store. Check the scrapbooking department by the stickers. Often times they have miniature Christmas lights and even little tiny Christmas presents. If you need a Christmas gift idea for an adult friend, I think these sweater ornaments are perfect!
As always, a full printable supply list and instructions are at the end of this post.
For this project you will need the following supplies:
- Felt
- Craft wire
- Embroidery floss
- Embellishments: ** mini jingle bells, mini wreaths, mini faux Christmas lights
- Tools: Sewing needle, scissors, instant grab glue*, wire snips, round nose pliers
- Shirt patterns
, mini wreaths, mini faux Christmas lights
- Print the patterns and cut them out.
- Stack two pieces of same color felt and use the pattern to cut out two shirts.
- To make the coat hanger, cut a 12-inch piece of wire.
- Place your shirt pattern on the work surface and bend the wire to create the first corner of the hanger.
- Lay it onto the pattern to help you gauge the size. Leave enough space around the collar for stitching at the end.
- Bend the other side, the wires should intersect, creating a triangle.
- Twist the wire two or three times at the intersection.
- Snip off one end of the wire.
- Bend the other end of the wire into the hanger top.
- Snip off the excess wire.
- Use glue to attach the hanger to one of the felt shirts. Add more glue over the top of the hanger and press the second shirt on top, lining up all the edges.
- Use glue and embellishments to decorate your sweater.
- Stitch around the entire sweater to finish it off. You can use a blanket stitch or a hemming stitch, whichever you prefer. When finished, add a little glue to the end stitch(es) to secure them.
* I use Beacon 3 in 1 Advanced Craft Glue. Hot glue does not work well on felt, it peels off.
** You can make mini wreaths yourself by gluing pom poms together in a circle and attaching a ribbon bow. Use beads as the ornaments. Or you can buy them in the holiday section of your local craft store. The mini lights that I used I found in the scrapbook embellishments.
Hope you enjoyed this project, have fun!
More ornament ideas
- Let it Snow – Scrabble Tile Ornament
- Christmas Tree Light Bulb Ornament
- Recycled Canning Lid Angel Ornament
- See all my ornament ideas
Ugly Sweater Ornaments
Supplies
- Felt
- Craft wire
- Embroidery floss
- Embellishments: ** mini jingle bells mini wreaths, mini faux Christmas lights
- Tools: Sewing needle scissors, instant grab glue*, wire snips, round nose pliers
- Ugly sweater shirt patterns
Instructions
- Print the pattern and cut it out. Stack two pieces of same color felt and use the pattern to cut out two shirts.
- To make the coat hanger, cut a 12-inch piece of wire. Place your shirt pattern on the work surface and bend the wire to create the first corner of the hanger. Lay it onto the pattern to help you gauge the size. Leave enough space around the collar for stitching at the end.
- Bend the other side, the wires should intersect, creating a triangle.
- Twist the wire tow or three times at the intersection.
- Snip off one end of the wire.
- Bend the other end of the wire into the hanger top.
- Snip off the excess wire.
- Use glue to attach the hanger to one of the felt shirts. Add more glue over the top of the hanger and press the second shirt on top, lining up all the edges.
- Use glue and embellishments to decorate your sweater.
- Stitch around the entire sweater to finish it off. You can use a blanket stitch or a hemming stitch, whichever you prefer. When finished, add a little glue to the end stitch(es) to secure them.
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Joan Miller says
What size pom-poms and bells did you use for these? (Like in millimetres or inches) thanks!
Karen says
Love the Ugly Sweater Ornament, I’m making them to attach to plate of Christmas cookies and holiday breads for all my neighbors this year. . For friends miles away, they’ll go with my hand painted Christmas cards. Only problem, I haven’t been able to get my printer to work since COVID shut down & I couldn’t figure out how to download your project. So I forwarded your email to a friend half way across country. She printed & mailed it to me. The gals in her retirement community are also making them. I had same problem with the Fairy Night Light for granddaughter’s bedrooms. So I just sketched it & went from there. Sure wish there was a way to download. Should go on Amazon & get a new printer! Thanks. karen
Late To Become A Grandma says
That Ugly Sweater ornament is the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time and my granddaughters are gonna’ love them. Thanks for sharing your talent. I see lots of things that young hands can master. Consider yourself a COVID savior.
Amanda Formaro says
Aww thank you so much!
Karen says
Me again. Amanda, after creating about 50 Ugly Sweater Ornaments for family & neighbors, I took you project to the next step and created a hemp/twine clothes line. Then adorned it with a young, fashionable witches black felt dress, black booties with silver glitter buckles, pointy hat and orange with black polka dot bloomers. Added a cheese cloth ghost for good measure. Remembering how much I loved paper dolls. Who says you shouldn’t be a late in life grandma!
Lauralee Nash says
Your Sweaters are WAY TOO CUTE! In fact, ALL of your Christmas Ornaments are. What is the approximate size of these Sweaters?
Amanda Formaro says
Doing this from memory, but I would say around 4-5 inches tall :) And thank you!
Linda says
Tried to print out the diagram of the ugly sweater project but couldn’t.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Linda. The pattern is in PDF format, were you unable to open it? It worked when I tried it just now.
Marie says
Your ugly Christmas sweater ornaments are ADORABLE! pinned
Bab says
These are so cute. Thanks for sharing your talent and imagination.
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you so much!
JaneEllen says
Thanks so much for your generous sharing of your talents. These are so cute will be starting on them as soon as can get all needed to make. Will be checking my holiday felt colors supply. This will be so fun to decorate, so many ways possible. Was thinking would decorate a small tree with just these sweaters.
Have great week
Chris says
We are making these tomorrow morning with our homeschool group. My friend and I had so much fun making the samples tonight. Is there any way I can share the photos with you so you can see what you inspired?
The Beacon 3-in-1 glue is definitely a step up from tacky glue. I also purchased a “button shank remover” tool and bought some really cute novelty buttons to use as embellishments.
Amanda Formaro says
I would love to see them! The bet way is to post a photo on my Crafts by Amanda Facebook wall, go here to do that – https://www.facebook.com/CraftsbyAmanda Can’t wait to see them!
Christy Grant says
These are so much fun! Thank you for freely sharing your talent!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Christy!
The Little Tourist says
So cute and funny! Great ornament :)
Miss. Micheal A. Hodge says
Almost too cute to be ugly!!!
Michelle Mongeau says
How do I find the pattern to print out? These are adorable!!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Michelle! If you look up in the post for the list of supplies (not in the printable version, above that) there’s a link to the pattern :)
Marti @ SewliciousHomeDecor says
So cute!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Marti!
Sarah says
I love these, and really appreciate your posting this! Could you share where you found the tiny moose, bears, and trees? Thanks very much!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Sarah! I can’t remember what store, but I’m willing to bet it was Walmart, only it was a few years ago. I’ve had them in my stash for quite a while. They were buttons that came in a pack. Hanging on one of those turning racks. I’m sure you can find something similar if not those!
DixieHellcat says
too cute! I knitted some, but these would be quicker. :)
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you! I bet yours were adorable!
Paula@SweetPea says
I love this idea! Your ornaments are adorably cute and now I want to have a girls’ night out to make these while enjoying holiday spirits.
Amanda Formaro says
Love the idea of a craft night!
Judi Johnson says
I have been a subscriber to your sight for quite awhile now. While some of your ideas make me mad when I can’t find the item you based your project on. I have to say this is the cutest thing I have seen in a long time. I love that they are items easily available, no hunting for the items. They can be personalized so many ways. Thank you for sharing I definitely will be making these. Please keep giving us ideas we can get easily.
Beth @ Hungry Happenings says
These ornaments are great. I spent many a Christmas in rooms filled with people wearing these sweaters. I was one of them!
lisa@hooplapalooza says
oh how i LOVE these! :)
Carrie says
I love this project. I occasionally will sell crafts on FB. Is it okay to do that with your patterns? Love your projects and recipes!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Carrie. As long as you aren’t selling my actual pattern AND you are not manufacturing items in bulk. If you are an individual crafter that makes things and sells them at craft fairs, etc, then as long as you are making the project and taking photographs of what YOU make (not using my photos and selling your wares using false representation) then it’s fine.
Carrie says
Amanda, thank you for your prompt response. I would never sell your patterns and I don’t do a lot of sales, just a little now and then when I get the free time. Thanks again.
Sigita says
Amanda, your crafts are unique! Thank you!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Sigita!
[email protected] says
Love these Christmas ornaments!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Amy!
Sue McEndree says
These are simply adorable!!! Thanks for posting them.
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Sue!