Adult Themed Sweaters made by you Just in time for the Holidays

DIY Christmas Sweater (Adult Edition)

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Here’s the truth:
Ugly Christmas sweaters online have become a barren wasteland. I get it, they had their moment, but should we really just let them die? Well, whatever your stance may be, I have an ugly Christmas sweater party a coworker invited me to, so I have to have one. And if ugly sweaters aren't your thing, leave it plain, and don't add all the bells and whistles. Literally.

Let’s get into it.

What You Need

This is the beauty of Cricut sweaters, you don’t need much.

Tools

Materials

A plain sweatshirt (cotton or fleece works best)
Iron-On Vinyl (HTV):
- Glitter
- Puff
- Metallic
- Holographic
- Flocked (fuzzy)
Optional adult-level embellishments:
- Jingle bells
- Mini shot bottles (yes, really — sew them on like charms)
- Felt shapes
- Tinsel
- Light-up LEDs

Step 1: Create a Design

This is where Cricut shines.
The internet gives you… mediocre choices.
Cricut gives you total freedom.

Here are some adult-themed ideas that actually hit:

The Reindeer List…but Make It Boozy

Replace their names with drinks:

“Dasher, Dancer, Tequila, Whiskey, Vodka, Bourbon, Rum, Blitzen”

Or:

“On Vodka, On Whiskey, On Tequila, On Rum…”
(With Blitzen holding a martini.)

A GingerBread Man... but Make It Toasted

Make an image of a Gingerbread man and underneath put a saying like:

Lets Get Baked
Toasted
That's How the Cookie Crumbles

Cheezy Quotes

“Dear Santa, I Can Explain… ”
“Resting Grinch Face”
“Jingle All the Way… No Half Jingles.”
“Sleigh My Name, Sleigh My Name.”

Taste level is adjustable depending on audience.

Cheeky Designs People Secretly Want but Brands Won’t Sell

Gingerbread men doing questionable yoga poses
A elf silhouette holding a wine bottle
A Christmas tree made of champagne glasses

Cricut Features You Can Use to Take These to the Next Level

This is where you highlight Cricut’s strengths in your blog post.

1. Layering Textures

Mix glitter + metallic + flocked vinyl for that “tacky but on purpose” vibe.

2. Puff HTV for 3D Elements

Puff vinyl turns words like “WHISKEY” into raised, cartoonish lettering.
Very loud. Very ugly. Perfect.

3. Offset Shadows

Use Cricut Design Space’s Offset tool for chunky outlines that make your design look custom — because it is.

4. Pattern Fill Prints

Use Print Then Cut to add:

Christmas cocktails
Candy canes shaped like hearts
Naughty elf clipart you definitely can’t buy at Walmart

5. Adding Real Embellishments

Cricut cuts felt, so you can add:

Little felt shot glasses
Mini Santa hats
Reindeer antlers
Holly leaves

Glue or sew them right on.

Step 2: Cut Your Vinyl

Place vinyl shiny-side down
Mirror the design
Cut using the correct HTV setting
Weed everything but the part you want to press

If your design includes cursive or tiny drinks bottles, weed slowly so you don’t lose your mind.

Step 3: Press With the EasyPress

Heat settings depend on your vinyl type:

Everyday HTV → 315°F
Glitter HTV → 330°F
Puff HTV → 300°F (only 10 seconds before it expands!)

Press firmly and evenly.

If you're doing multiple layers, always press each layer for shorter increments to avoid scorching.

Step 4: Add Extra

This is the part no store-bought sweater can compete with.

Ideas for physical add-ons:

Tiny jingle bells around the collar
Tinsel sleeves
A pocket that holds a candy cane flask
Faux fur trim Cricut cuts into shapes
Sew-in mini LED lights
Felt mistletoe with iron-on letters: “Meet Me Under This”

If your sweater rustles when you walk, you’re doing it right.

Step 5: Show It Off

Wear it to work.
Wear it to Walmart.
Wear it to your in-laws’ house and pretend like nothing is weird.

People will ask where you got it.
You get to say:
“Oh, nowhere sells good ones anymore, so I made this with my Cricut.”

If you liked this, check out our Frosted Ornaments for more festive spirit!

The Incandescent Eye

Search This Blog