13 Ugly Christmas Sweater Crochet Patterns (Free and Fun)
Ugly Christmas sweater parties are more fun when your sweater is handmade. Whether you want a full wearable sweater, a goofy hat for the office party, or a tiny sweater ornament for the tree, there is a free crochet pattern here for you.
We opened and checked every pattern below to make sure it is real and free to use. You will find wearable sweaters for adults, quick hats, and plenty of mini sweaters that make great last-minute gifts, gift toppers and garlands.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Crochet Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight acrylic yarn in red, green and white
- Crochet hook set (2.5 mm to 8 mm)
- Yarn needle
- Locking stitch markers
- Jingle bells, pom-pom maker and tinsel for decorating
- Fabric glue for ornaments and appliques
- Scissors
1. Ugly Xmas Sweater by Mr. Cey
Photo: Mr. Cey (@mrceycrochet) / Katia
This is a proper party sweater, packed with reindeer, a gingerbread man, a Christmas tree, a star and gift boxes. It is worked top-down, so you can try it on as you go. The pattern comes in two sizes and has supporting video tutorials on the Katia blog. Make it if you want to win the ugly sweater contest outright.
- Designer: Mr. Cey (@mrceycrochet) / Katia
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Katia Basic Merino (see pattern for weight)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Ugly Christmas Crochet Sweater by Sew Nikki
The designer jokes that this one looks like an elf with candy cane sleeves, and that is exactly the point. It uses four colors, basic single and double crochet, and ribbing at the collar and cuffs. Sizing is custom: you measure your waist and work from there, so it is easy to make it as roomy as you like.
- Designer: Nikki / Sew Nikki
- Skill level: Easy (designer says confident beginner)
- Yarn: worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free with newsletter sign-up (paid version also sold)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Reindeer Christmas Sweater With Moving Eyes by Wilmade
Photo: Wilma Westenberg / Wilmade
This oversized sweater has a red-and-white reindeer on the front and a hidden phone pocket behind it. With a free app, the reindeer’s eyes can move, which is guaranteed to get a laugh. It is built from two squares, mostly in half double crochet. There is also a plain version if you skip the app.
- Designer: Wilma Westenberg / Wilmade
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: bulky (#5)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I) and 4.5 mm (7)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Alpaca My Holiday Sweater by Joy of Motion Crochet
Photo: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
Instead of Santa or snowmen, this sweater features a goofy alpaca in green, white and red. It is mostly single crochet with tapestry color changes, plus post-stitch ribbing. It is made in four pieces and comes in nine sizes. A great pick if you want something silly but still wearable after the party.
- Designer: Janne Kleivset / Joy of Motion Crochet
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: bulky (#5)
- Hook: 6.5 mm (K-10.5)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Crochet Christmas Ugly Sweater by Repeat Crafter Me
Photo: Sarah / Repeat Crafter Me
A green sweater with red and white candy cane stripes and a gingerbread man pocket sewn on the front. You can fill the pocket with candy canes to hand out at the party. This post shows how to turn the designer’s free Skinny Stripe Sweater pattern into an ugly sweater, so you follow both pages together.
- Designer: Sarah / Repeat Crafter Me
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bernat Super Value (see pattern)
- Hook: size H
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Ugly Christmas Beanie by Heart Hook Home
Not ready for a whole sweater? This adult beanie turns your head into a Christmas tree. It is green, topped with crocheted stars, and decorated with tinsel pom-pom “ornaments.” It only needs about 200 yards of green plus scraps of yellow, so it is a fast, cheap project for a last-minute party.
- Designer: Ashlea / Heart Hook Home
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: worsted (#4)
- Hook: 8 mm for the hat, 5 mm (H) for the stars
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Crochet Ugly Christmas Hat by Whistle & Ivy
Photo: Whistle & Ivy
This hat is worked in the round with a red-and-green tree design and a white ribbed band. Then the fun starts: bells, tinsel, pom-poms, ribbon and ric-rac. It is part crochet project, part craft night. The designer advises against making it for babies or toddlers because of the small decorations.
- Designer: Whistle & Ivy
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: medium (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm
- Price: Free (adult size) + paid PDF with child size
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Ugly Christmas Sweater Crochet Ornament by RaffamusaDesigns
A tiny sweater, about 2.25 by 4 inches, that uses only 18 to 20 yards of yarn. It is a perfect scrap buster. Make a whole set for your tree, string them into a garland, or turn them into fridge magnets. The designer also explains how the size changes if you use DK yarn instead.
- Designer: RaffamusaDesigns
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: sport / fine (#2)
- Hook: 2.5 mm (C/2) and 3.5 mm (E/4)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Ugly Sweater Ornament by Stitch by Fay
This mini yellow-and-green sweater has a tiny wreath on the front. It is worked top-down in half double and single crochet, and the yarn tails at the neck become the hanging loop. It finishes around 2 by 3.5 inches. The designer suggests using it as a gift topper or garland piece too.
- Designer: Fay / Stitch by Fay
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 2.5 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Mini Christmas Granny Sweater Ornament by Yarnspirations
Photo: Yarnspirations Design Team (tutorial by The Crochet Crowd)
A palm-sized sweater made with granny stitches, about 4 by 4 inches. The Crochet Crowd tutorial shows how to make it from leftover Caron Cake yarn, so every ornament comes out in different colors. Make one for each person in your family as a fun name-tag ornament.
- Designer: Yarnspirations Design Team (tutorial by The Crochet Crowd)
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (see pattern)
- Hook: 4.5 mm (7)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Ugly Christmas Sweater Applique by Start Crochet
This flat little sweater, about 4.3 by 3.2 inches, is made to sew or glue onto other things. Put it on Christmas cards, gift tags or a plain tote bag. It uses about 12 yards of yarn and can be decorated with buttons or French knots.
- Designer: May / Start Crochet
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: DK (#3), cotton or acrylic
- Hook: 3 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Ugly Christmas Sweater for Your Squirrel Friend or Your Tree by Squirrel Picnic
Photo: Squirrel Picnic
Yes, this tiny sweater was designed for a squirrel friend, and it is as funny as it sounds. It is a small, flat single crochet sweater with a split neck and sleeves. Decorate it with sequins or beads, then hang it on the tree with a paperclip hook, or dress up a stuffed animal.
- Designer: Squirrel Picnic
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: worsted (#4)
- Hook: 2.75 mm (C-2)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. Mini Fair Isle Sweater Ornament by Sweet Softies
Photo: Jade / Sweet Softies
A 2.5-inch sweater worked in one piece with no sewing. It uses V-stitches and color changes for a little Fair Isle look. Make a bunch in loud colors for an ugly sweater garland, or add one to a gift as a keychain charm. There is a video tutorial for the small size.
- Designer: Jade / Sweet Softies
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: medium (#4)
- Hook: 2.75 mm and 3.75 mm
- Price: Free (small size) + paid PDF with large size
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Want to win the party contest? Go big with #1 (the motif-packed Ugly Xmas Sweater) or #3 (the reindeer with moving eyes).
- First sweater ever? Try #2. It uses basic stitches and custom sizing, so the fit is up to you.
- Party is this weekend? Make the beanie in #6 or the hat in #7 in an evening or two.
- Need gifts for coworkers? Mini sweaters like #8, #10 and #13 use scraps and work up fast.
- Making cards or gift tags? The applique in #11 is made to be sewn or glued on.
FAQ
How long does it take to crochet an ugly Christmas sweater?
A full adult sweater can take a few weeks, depending on your speed, the yarn weight and how much colorwork it has. Bulky yarn patterns like #3 and #4 are faster. If you are short on time, a hat, beanie or mini ornament can be done in an evening.
What yarn is best for an ugly Christmas sweater?
Acrylic in worsted or bulky weight is the most popular choice. It is cheap, washable and comes in bright reds and greens. Since an ugly sweater is usually worn once or twice a year, there is no need for expensive wool. Add tinsel, bells and pom-poms for extra sparkle.
Can I add lights or bells to a crochet sweater?
Yes. Sew on jingle bells, buttons or pom-poms after the sweater is finished. For lights, use small battery-powered fairy lights, weave them through the stitches, and keep the battery pack in a pocket. Remove all decorations before washing.
Pick your pattern, grab some red and green yarn, and get ready to be the proudest ugly sweater at the party.
