Who doesn’t love a good “ugly sweater”? You see them in every store around the holidays. But why buy one when you can create your very own “Ugly Sweater” for any occasion. With just a few sewing tips and a little creativity, you can create a custom “ugly sweater’ look tailored to your specific interests. This challenge is a great way to use your creativity and expand your sewing skills.
This challenge will run from December 10, 2021 – January 10, 2022 giving you almost a full month to create and take photos. Your work will be voted on so picture quality and creativity is something to keep in mind. If you need help or are looking for some fun new photography tips check out my Picture Perfect blog post.
A few things to note before you get started
You MUST use a Ragamuffin Pattern for your ugly sweater base, but it doesn’t have to be a “sweater”. You can doll up the skirt on a dress, embellish the back of the blazer, or heck simply make a fun “ugly sweater” themed pair of Chillaxin’ Leggings. Don’t have any Ragamuffin Patterns? No problem. You can still enter by using one of our FREE patterns. The kids raglan and Trailblazer tie patterns are absolutely free with coupon code found in our Facebook group .
There is no limit to your creativity. You can make this challenge as intricate or basic as you wish. You may choose any theme, holiday or not, and any fabric you’d like. My shop is full of great options but there is no requirement to use Ragamuffin Fabrics for this challenge, but I will love you more if you do.
This dress sewn by the wonderfully talented Lindsay Fry during on of our previous ugly sweater challenges. It is a great example of a not so ugly non-sweater “ugly sweater” challenge submission.
She used the Bonnie pattern and a variety of holiday fabrics to create her gorgeous holiday dress.
Looking for some fun Christmas fabric to get your ugly sweater sewing project started check out these fun prints from my fabric shop.
Cowboy Santa cotton lycra
Christmas Fun cotton lyca
Flamingo Ornaments double brushed poly
Christmas mix 3 yard pack
Christmas mix 6 yard box
Thinking of going with a more traditional sweater look I’ve got a great selections to choose form.
Mystery sweater knit boxes are also available.
I made this one for our very first ugly sweater challenge back in 2019. It is still my go-to Christmas attire for all the seasonal parties and get togethers. I used the Dynamite Dolman mega wing style with asymmetrical off-the-shoulder neckline as the base, then added the western gingerbread applique & embellished it with fun extras I found at my local Hobby Lobby.
The appliques I used here were designed and digitized by me and are FREE to download. You’ll find the files below and details on how-to use them on my YouTube channel. This year I’d like to offer another FREE applique design and I want to here your ideas and suggestions. If I choose to use YOUR suggestion for our next FREEBIE design, YOU will WIN a $20 shop credit!
Thank you Crista for your amazing suggestion. You don’t have to worry about drawing out the appliqués for yourself… unless you really really want too.
Download the FREE appliqué files below to get you started on your ugly sweater project, and feel free to add your own special twist. Creativity and uniqueness is the key to showcasing your individuality.
How to submit your “Ugly Sweater” entry
- Upload to the album in my Facebook group
- Upload to the album in my MeWe group
- Tag me on Instagram
- Tag me on Twitter
- Email me, Jenn@LittleRagamuffin.com your photo entry. Use the subject “Ugly Sweater.”
*The Facebook and MeWe albums will be available December 10, 202*1
Two winners will be selected from all the entries. One will be picked at random using the wheel of names a random name picker, and the other winner will be voted on by our Ragamuffin community. I will upload all the photo entries into a google form where it will be shared on social media, as well as sent out in our newsletter for voting.
What could you win?
Both winners will receive:
- A super awesome prize pack from my Edna prize box (I have a ton of hard to find Edna Mode collectables ready to find a new home)
- 3 yard mystery fabric pack
- $50 shop credit to use as they wish on anything they wish (not valid for shipping expense)
Voting rules & guidelines
- One vote per person
- Please refrain from voter fraud (keep all voting to our online sewing community only)
illegitimate/ fake votes may result in disqualification - You may share your work anywhere it’s allowed in order to gain more votes, but please
keep all sharing to the online sewing community only– example: sharing in a yard sale group to ask for votes is no bueno - You may NOT vote for yourself
All entries must be submitted before 11:59pm PST January 5, 2022. Voting will begin January 6. The winners will be announced January 10, 2022.
Now, who’s ready to sew some super awesome ugly sweaters this holiday season?
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