DIY Ugly Sweater Guide - Make Your Own Ugly Sweater for the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl!
How to Make Your Own Ugly Sweater for the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl!
Ugly sweater season is upon us, which means it’s time to raid your closet—or maybe the craft store—and get creative with your very own homemade ugly sweater! A DIY ugly sweater is not only a fun and festive project, but it’s also a great way to stand out at the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and add your own personal flair. Whether you’re into over-the-top holiday cheer or something a little quirkier, we’ve got the tips and ideas to help you create a custom ugly sweater that’s sure to turn heads.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
First, find a basic sweater. This can be any color, though holiday colors like red, green, or white work best. Check your closet for an old sweater, hit up a thrift shop, or grab something affordable at a big box store—you’ll be decorating it anyway, so it doesn’t need to be perfect!
Here’s what you’ll need to get started
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Felt (for shapes, letters, or holiday icons)
- Holiday decorations like tinsel, ornaments, mini stockings, and ribbons
- Fabric paint or markers for customizable messages
- Googly eyes, bells, and pom-poms for added fun
- LED lights if you want to make it really eye-catching
Step 2: Pick a Theme
An ugly sweater is just more fun with a theme! Here are some popular ideas:
Classic Christmas: Think Santa, reindeer, snowflakes, and Christmas trees. Winter Wonderland: Blues, whites, and sparkles for a frosty, winter-inspired vibe. Pop Culture Twist: Give a holiday spin to something you love, like adding a Christmas hat to a famous movie character.
Funny Sayings: Go punny with phrases like “Sleigh My Name” or “Yule Be Sorry.” Fabric markers work great for these!
Step 3: Start Crafting
Lay your sweater on a flat surface, and plan your design before committing with glue. It’s helpful to pin or tape items down so you can see how it all looks. Start with larger decorations first, like tinsel and big felt shapes, then work your way to the smaller accents, like pom-poms and bells.
Pro Tips for Maximum Festive Fun:
Use a hot glue gun for anything non-fabric. It’s quick, dries clear, and holds well. Layer your decorations for a fuller look. Add a garland around the neckline, sprinkle some pompoms on the sleeves, and make sure every part of the sweater has something eye-catching.
Add lights: If you’re going all out, consider adding battery-operated LED lights. Secure the battery pack inside the sweater and let the lights shine through your design.
Step 4: Try It On
Once everything is glued down and dried, try it on! Make sure decorations are secure and don’t scratch or poke. If something feels off, add a bit more glue or adjust your design as needed.
About the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Now that you’ve crafted the perfect ugly sweater, it’s time to show it off! The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is the ultimate festive event, where you can hop from bar to bar with other holiday enthusiasts, all while flaunting your creative masterpiece. With exclusive drink specials, festive music, and contests for the best (or worst!) ugly sweater, this is one event you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking to have a good time, the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is a great way to celebrate the season and enjoy a night out with friends.
Get Tickets to the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Ready to join the fun? Tickets are available now on the Bar Crawl LIVE! website. Grab yours early to secure your spot at the most festive event of the year! When you purchase a ticket, you’ll get access to all participating bars, exclusive drink specials, and a chance to win prizes in the Ugly Sweater contest. Don’t miss out—tickets are selling fast, so book yours today!