How would you like to make a no sew, maternity ugly Christmas sweater? I couldn’t find any in local thrift stores that I loved, so I made this easy DIY maternity ugly Christmas sweater instead!
As you can probably tell, I’m 5 months pregnant, which led to the inspiration for my giant ornament decal. The iron-on glitter, stencils, and glitter glue were all easy to use and I love how it turned out. The process was easy, but I have a step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own (maternity humor optional).
I wrote this post as part of a paid campaign with I Love to Create and Blueprint Social; they sent me the products for free and I was paid for writing this post. The opinions in this post are my own; read my disclosure page for more if you’d like!
It’s too bad I was only in my second trimester; you can see how far out that ornament would have been sticking in my third trimester, looking back at past maternity sewing pictures!
How to make a maternity ugly christmas sweater
Supplies-
- iron-on glitter transfer sheets* made up the ornament body,
- the stencils & fashion glitter* were used for the text
- the glitter fabric paint* made the ornament topper
- Plain sweatshirt
- Iron
- Freezer Paper
- Craft knife
1. Trace a big circle! I used an embroidery hoop, but check your household goods. Glass storage container lids work really well too!
2. Use a ruler and divide the circle into three parts.
3. Cut apart!
4. Trace or cut around each piece on the transfer sheets. I tried 2 different methods (paper rotary cutter and tracing/regular scissors) and found that tracing and using regular scissors was easiest.
5. Double check that everything lines up!
6. Iron on high with a white or beige cotton piece in between, to protect your iron and diffuse the heat. Ornament base done!
7. I wanted to check my word placement so I used the stencils on freezer paper – found in your grocery store, you can draw on the matte side and then iron it shiny-side down without damage to the fabric. My first attempt was too spread out – “Anta Bab” is not a very cute message.
8. I placed my letters closer together and used a craft knife to carve out the final version. The glitter glue recommends a sponge, but I had a paint brush handy so I used that!
9. Liberally pour the glitter over the glue.
10. I peeled off the paper immediately, for fear that the glue would dry and attach the paper to the fabric.
11. I used the 3-D glitter paint to create the ornament topper. I was a little nervous about how this looked wet! But it turned out great.
You’re done! Enjoy!
A close-up view of the finished product. This was after taking the shirt off & on a few times and you can see that some of the text’s glitter flaked off. I think for a second version, I would use a thicker layer of glue. The thickest layer was on the B, which then looked the crispest. The iron-on glitter doesn’t shed at all and looks so clean and pretty!
Pin this maternity ugly christmas sweater for later, here:
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I feel like I’m my own cheesy Christmas card! Ho ho ho! Check out more DIY ugly Christmas sweater tutorials on my Pinterest board, below.
Chelsea
Wednesday 20th of March 2019
I have always been a sceptic of such clothing hacks, but your approach and process really changed my mind. The glitter along with the colours really give a bit of colourful touch to the overall structure of the plain sweatshirt. The best part is that you don't have to work hard for this at all! Thank you.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Wednesday 27th of March 2019
thanks for reading!
Alexa
Monday 10th of November 2014
This is everything. Great job!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 10th of November 2014
Thanks Alexa, I had a lot of fun with it!
Jeanette Nyberg
Monday 10th of November 2014
I love it! What a great sweatshirt you came up with, and the little Santa hat makes the whole thing. Wasn't the iron on glitter stuff fun to use?!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 10th of November 2014
Thanks for visiting Jeanette! I should edit it and add... that's my dog's Santa hat that I bobby pinned on, haha!! The iron-on sheet ARE fun to use, I love glitter without glitter everywhere.
Amy
Monday 10th of November 2014
As always, your face cracks me up :) I think the boys may need some ugly sweaters this Christmas!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 10th of November 2014
Yesssss I hadn't even thought about a kid version!! You first, so I can copy ;)
JaimeSews
Monday 10th of November 2014
So fun - that iron on looks great! I'll have to check it out!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 10th of November 2014
It is amazing, I am going to use the scraps leftover for some gift bags!