Ugly Xmas Sweater
Kit Instructions
Table of contents
Intro
This is a 'choose your own adventure' style kit. The pre-cut laser cut pieces can be mixed and matched to create any design you like! Add a bit of bling with the beads, and enjoy a handmade holiday!
Get inspired by pieces in the online gallery (don't forget to email me photos of your finished sweaters), check out these videos with ideas for how to decorate your sweaters, and then finish your ornaments with a easy-peel sticky backing!
My kits are designed to replicate the experience of an in-person workshop, where everyone makes their own unique artworks. I include extra materials so you can practice and experiment. I also include multiple templates and design ideas, so you can decide what you'd like to make. If you run into any trouble, please shoot me an email or DM me on instagram and I'd love to help.
Happy stitching!
- Shannon Quigley
Online Gallery
This gallery showcases everyone's creativity. Get inspired by what people have made - and email me a photo of your work to inspire others. Let your creativity run wild!
Your artwork here.
Send in a photo!
Embroidery Basics
Do you have a question about embroidery? Is there a video you'd like to see here that doesn't exist yet? Please email me at shannon@creativeconfidence.ca - I would love to hear from you!
You can also sign up for newsletters (scroll to the bottom of this page) to find out about free 'stitching hour' virtual workshops and ask questions live!
Instructions
You can decorate these sweaters any way you like! Feel free to dip into your own stash to add extra beads and thread colours. You can add initials or funny messages to make personalized gifts and holiday decor.
1. Test out stitches
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Each kit comes with a spare piece of rectangular felt. Use this spare piece of felt to test of stitches and stitch combination. This is a great opportunity to figure out which stitches you enjoy doing.
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For detailed instructions on how to do embroidery stitches, please check out my embroider basics and stitch tutorials (work in progress) or visit the Royal School of Needlework RSN stitchbank.
2. Decorate your sweaters
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You can decorate your sweaters any way you like! Check out the videos below for ideas on how to decorate your sweaters.
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Tips:
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Feel free to dip into your own craft stash to add extra colours and beads.
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Use the sweaters as a reason to try out interesting stitches - check out the online gallery for ideas.
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Add text, or an initial to make a custom gift for someone!
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Use the small glass beads and orange bugle beads to decorate the felt snowman with coal and a carrot nose.
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Turn it into a hockey jersey for your favourite team
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Some sweaters come with some subtle laser etched patterns on one side. You can use these patterns if you like - or flip them over for a blank slate. The etched patterns are a bit subtle on darker shades of felt. You can touch them up with a pencil if needed.
Attach a tree with beads
Add Holly
Add a simple running stitch border
Add fancy and combined borders
How to stitch Candy Cane Letters
Add text - using the same techniques as the Spring Ornament Kit
3. How to finish your sweaters with a ribbon and sticker backing
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Your kit has about 30 inches of ribbon. Divide this up into 4 equal pieces of ribbon.
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Tie the ends of each ribbon together to create 4 separate loops.
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Peel back the paper from the velvet sticker backing and stick the ribbon in between the backing and the felt. Trim around the sticker if needed.
Assembly instructions - finishing your ornaments:
Take a picture and add it to the online gallery!
I would absolutely love to see what you create!
Send in a photo to share your work and inspire fellow stitchers.
How?
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Email a photo to shannon@creativeconfidence.ca
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Or DM me on instagram @creativeconfidence.ca (If you have a public profile you can tag me, but if your profile is private I can't see your photos even if I'm tagged).
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If you like, include a few words along with your photo to go in the gallery. It's great to hear a bit about how you made your piece - what stitches you used, or what inspired your design.
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Let me know if you'd like your name to appear in the gallery or your instagram handle. The default option is to have no name written. I won't post any names or instagram info without permission. Thank you!
