Fashion

These 11 Ugly Sweater Tutorials Will Help You Slay All Your Holiday Parties

by Alexa Tucker

Every year, ugly Christmas sweaters seem to get better and better — or, rather, uglier and uglier. In the best way, of course. It's the ultimate style paradox: The more gloriously tacky, kitschy, and garish, the more impressive it is.

The best way to go the extra mile with your ugly sweater game is to DIY it. Sure, you could scrounge around thrift stores for an amazing '90s throwback, but making one yourself just has that je ne sais quoi. No matter where you're showing it off, it says that you take your festive knitwear seriously.

With a sweater as your canvas, a glue gun as your tool, and bells, tinsel, and lights galore as your art materials, your homemade creation can be a bona fide holiday masterpiece.

Once your handiwork is complete, you can dress it up with a leather skirt and over-the-knee boots, or keep is casual with distressed jeans and Chucks. Funny enough, ugly sweaters are weirdly versatile, whether you feel like going for a fancy-ugly contrast or fully leaning in to the vibe of the sweater.

If you need some inspiration or guidance, here are eight crafty video tutorials that'll show you how to make 11 show-stopping holiday sweaters. Whichever one you choose and however you style it, one thing's for sure: It'll be made with love and a whole lot of cheer.

Christmas Tree Sweater and Reindeer Head Sweater

The first ugly sweater tutorial here gives you a second chance at decorating your perfect tree — adorn it with whatever ornaments speak to your heart.

For the second tutorial, you'll need a stuffed reindeer head. Yes, there are some serious Godfather vibes happening while you're putting it together, but the end result is fabulous.

Abominable Snow Monster Sweater

If you love yourself a classic villain (even in cartoon form), this is the sweater for you — it features the Abominable Snow Monster from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. And he lights up, too.

The Grinch's I Heart Xmas Sweater

Here's another movie-inspired ugly sweater tutorial — it's just like the one Jim Carrey wears in the 2000 live-action remake of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (If you relate to the Grinch on a spiritual level, it's a great option.)

Pearl Christmas Tree Sweater

If you're going for something a little simpler, this minimalist sweater has a pearl-adorned neckline (so it's still, y'know, a little fancy). You can keep the look as streamlined as you want, or doll it up even more with glitzy accessories.

Light-Up Sweater, Present Sweater, and Stocking Sweater

This video has three equally incredible tutorials. The first is a tree that lights up, so no one will lose you in the dark.

The second is a present-themed sweater with an obnoxiously large bow (as it should be), because let's face it, you're a gift.

The third has a stocking on the front, which looks innocent enough — but if you're feeling it, it's also the perfect pocket for a bottle of wine.

Tinsel Tree Sweater

If you want to be one with a Christmas tree this year, this is the way to do it. Hold your hands together above your head for the full effect.

#Ugly #Christmas #Sweater

If you're feeling meta, go ahead and explain your sweater concept right on the front. Feel free to adorn with whatever extra materials you've got on hand, from pom poms to spare ornaments.

Penguin Family Sweater

You know the whole "so ugly it's cute" saying? Well, this adorable sweater might just be cute (with a touch of ugly thrown in for good measure).