Get ready for your holiday gathering by preparing your own DIY ugly Christmas sweater. Use this tutorial to learn how to make a DIY deer ugly Christmas sweater that will win the annual contest, hands down!
The ugly sweater tradition at the holidays is one of my favorites. It’s so much fun to let loose and not worry about looking fashionable; plus, you get to be silly!
An ugly sweater party is one of the best new trends of the holiday season, in my opinion. People everywhere throw parties, the main focus of which is to wear the ugliest holiday sweater you can find (and there’s usually a contest!). The loudest, gaudiest, most outrageous sweater wins!
If you are invited to an ugly sweater Christmas party, you will want to make this ugly Christmas sweater or another equally outrageous one!
How To Make DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater
One year I made a Rudolph ugly Christmas sweater. This year, I’m going for something a little different. It’s still deer-themed, but this design takes that theme in a different direction. It’s a classic black-and-white color scheme. You can’t go wrong when wearing this DIY ugly Christmas sweater because you’ll definitely stand out among all the other red and green sweaters.
I’m so excited to share this tutorial with you! It’s easy enough for anyone to make so that everyone can have a great ugly holiday sweater.
Supplies Needed To Make DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Sweater (any old sweater you have will work)
- Glitter Deer Head
- Embroidery Hoop
- Chunky White Chenille Stem
- Hot Glue and Glue Gun
Step 1: Wrap Embroidery Hoop
Separate the embroidery hoop and only use the inside portion. Wrap with the chenille stem until it is nice and full. This makes a great mini wreath for your deer head.
NOTE: The chenille stems have wire inside of them, so you don’t need to glue them in place.
Step 2: Place Cardboard Inside The Sweater
Add a piece of cardboard inside your sweater so you will be sure not to glue the front of the sweater to the back of it.
Step 3: Hot Glue Deer & Embroidery Hoop To Sweater
Then, use hot glue to add your deer head with the “wreath” in place, as shown. I glued the neck to the sweater first.
Step 4: Hot Glue Antlers To Sweater
You will also have to glue the antlers to the sweater to prevent the deer head from sagging when you wear this eye-catching sweater.
That is it! Your ugly Christmas sweater is complete! You, too, can make this ugly Christmas sweater in minutes and be the hit of the party.
If you are invited to an ugly sweater party, be sure to try making your own sweater. You will love the results (and possibly even win the contest!).
FAQs About DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater
Here are some questions readers ask about making their own DIY ugly Christmas sweater. If you have a question, please check if I’ve answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!
How Can I Change The Color Scheme?
I went black and white because I had a black sweater for this project. If you plan to use a different-colored sweater, feel free to stick with white for the hoop and deer, or you can play around with different colors.
When changing the color scheme, use different-colored chenille stems. You could also spray paint the deer head the color of your choice.
Where Did You Get The Glitter Deer Head?
I bought this glitter deer head years ago at a big box store. However, you may be able to find something similar on Amazon or even your local Dollar Tree.
Can I Make My Own Glitter Deer Head?
Yes, you can! If you find a small paper mache deer head, you can easily paint it and add glitter to make your version.
NOTE: The only thing to keep in mind is that this will add more steps to the project and take more time to complete.
Do The Deer And Antler Stick Out From This Ugly Christmas Sweater?
Yes, it’s a 3D sweater, which makes this design so special and eye-catching! The antlers don’t stick out far at all, and since they’re glued to the sweater, they won’t fall forward when you move.
If you prefer to avoid having a design that sticks out, you can find deer head images that are 2d (or flat).
NOTE: Using something like a 2d deer image instead of what I used will create a sweater with a completely different look.
Do You Have Other Crafts Or Printables For Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties?
Absolutely! If you are hosting an ugly Christmas sweater party, check out the projects and printables below!
- Ugly Sweater Party Dessert
- Free Ugly Sweater Printables for Your Party
- How to Make a DIY Ugly Sweater with Rudolph
- Christmas Sweater With Lights: Make It For Your Party!
5 Holiday Crafts
Did you love this DIY ugly Christmas sweater and want more holiday crafts? Then check out the projects below!
Cute idea! I’m going to an ugly sweater party next weekend and haven’t gotten to scour the thrift stores yet. Making my own is a very good option! Visiting from Made By You Mondays.
that’s funny!
b
Ha ha ha! That’s one ugly sweater. I love this occasion to wear anything ugly. You don’t have to worry about fashion. Still, your sweater is fashionable!
oh my gosh, that is great!
HAHA…I love this!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Angie, this post inspired me to make my own ugly Christmas sweater. The student council in the school where I teach decided that the faculty should come to school next Tuesday wearing ugly sweaters and the kids will judge which is the ugliest. I gave away my crazy holiday sweaters years ago and refuse to pay $20 in the store. So I went to Dollar Tree, bought two Christmas stockings that I will dissect and make into appliques for an old red sweater I own. Thanks! If I hadn’t seen the post, I don’t think this inspiration would have come!
BTW… I am hosting a one-time-only party Sun Dec 18 for crafts and holiday decor…please stop by!
Sinea♥
Yay! So glad you were inspired!
How could anybody not be inspired Angie with these too funny, too ugly version of Christmas sweaters? I was cracking up and Mr.Furry also when I showed him what you’d made. Your green sweater is really nice tho, can still see sweater behind decorations. Looks warm and cozy and pretty, good color on you.
Will ask daughter if they get invited to ugly sweater party if she’d like me to make them couple of these. These are hilarious, good job.
Happy daze
Hi! Love this ugly sweater but where do I find that deer?
This has been several years ago and I am not sure if they make them any more. Maybe try searching around Amazon for something similar?