9 Christmas Sweatshirt Ideas to Make and Wear

Christmas sweatshirt ideas turn a plain jumper into festive wear you can keep. Each design below uses embroidery, applique or a few trims. You will find subtle and bold looks, so there is something for every taste.

In this post: 9 ideas

Embroidered mini pine trees
Patchwork christmas tree
Chenille snowflake
Applique gingerbread house
Embroidered holly collar
Velvet bow sleeves
Minimal gold star
Fair isle reindeer
Felt christmas lights

1. Embroidered mini pine trees

Embroidered mini pine trees keep a sweatshirt subtle and smart. A small row suits an adult look.

Stitch a line of tiny trees across the chest in green thread, using a tight hoop. Keep the design small and even.

2. Patchwork christmas tree

Patchwork christmas tree sweatshirt, one of these christmas sweatshirt ideas

A patchwork tree applique is bold and crafty. Pieced fabric forms the tree.

Sew fabric triangles into a tree, applique it on and add a button star. Wash inside out, so it lasts.

3. Chenille snowflake

A chenille snowflake adds soft, fuzzy texture. The raised stitch stands off the fabric.

Work a snowflake in chenille or chain stitch with even lines, placed off-center for a modern look.

4. Applique gingerbread house

A gingerbread house applique is sweet and playful. Felt pieces build the little house.

Cut felt house parts, fix them on and add white icing lines. These christmas sweatshirt ideas suit a family photo.

5. Embroidered holly collar

An embroidered holly collar frames the neckline. Green leaves and red berries ring the top.

Stitch holly around the collar edge with small, even berries. It adds a festive touch without a big motif.

6. Velvet bow sleeves

Velvet bow sleeves add a soft, pretty detail. Small bows sit on each cuff or shoulder.

Stitch velvet bows to the sleeves, secure and even, in a color that suits the jumper.

7. Minimal gold star

A minimal gold star keeps a sweatshirt elegant. One small motif does the work.

Stitch or iron a single gold star on the chest, kept small and central. It suits a grown-up, quiet look.

8. Fair isle reindeer

A fair isle reindeer band is warm and classic. A patterned strip crosses the chest.

Add a knitted or printed fair isle band in traditional colors. Pair it with these Christmas shirt ideas.

9. Felt christmas lights

Felt Christmas lights string across the front in color. The bulbs sit like a garland.

Stitch a cord line and add felt bulb shapes in varied colors. Kids can help using these Christmas crafts for kids.

Fabric and care tips for christmas sweatshirt ideas

Prewash the sweatshirt, so designs do not shift after. Secure appliques and heat-set any iron-on parts. Wash it inside out, so your christmas sweatshirt ideas stay bright for years.