Sweater Christmas Ornaments – A Handmade Christmas

| |

This week’s A Handmade Christmas project, Sweater Christmas Ornaments, is absolutely adorable and very easy to make.

These little clay sweaters combine everything I love about holiday crafting: simple materials, cozy textures, creativity without stress, and that special handmade touch that instantly makes any Christmas tree feel more personal.

A green and white ceramic sweater ornament hangs on a Christmas tree decorated with lights, ribbon, and a round white ornament in the background.
Four images show holiday-themed items: decorated cookies, vintage glass ornaments in a bowl, frosted cookies with tree designs, and a festive dining table setting with holiday decor.
Text logo reads: "MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME | A HANDMADE CHRISTMAS" in capitalized, gray letters on a white background.

Sweater Christmas Ornaments

Seven pink and green sweater-shaped ornaments with textured patterns displayed on a white plate, surrounded by holiday greenery and berries.

There’s just something magical about tiny sweaters at Christmastime. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, maybe it’s the charm… or maybe it’s simply because anything mini is automatically adorable.

As many of you know, this year’s Handmade Christmas series has been all about approachable projects that look high-end but are easy enough for anyone to create. These clay sweater ornaments check every box. They’re whimsical, cozy, customizable, inexpensive, and incredibly fun to make.

Four green ceramic ornaments shaped like sweaters with different textured patterns lie on a wooden surface; greenery decor is partially visible at the top.

Plus, if you enjoyed the DIY process behind my Christmas Tree Plates, you’ll feel right at home with this one, as the steps are very similar, just smaller and even more charming.

Today, I’m walking you through everything you need to create your own sweater ornaments, from materials to technique to creative variations. So grab your rolling pin, your favorite textured rollers, and a cute sweater-shaped cookie cutter because we’re diving in!

Why Sweater Ornaments?

Four pink, sweater-shaped ornaments with textured patterns lie on a wooden surface, each hanging by a red-and-white string. Some greenery and berries are partially visible at the top.

Every year I look for a few handmade ornaments to add to my tree. Not only does it keep my holiday décor feeling fresh, but it also turns decorating into a walk down memory lane:
• “Oh, remember when I painted these?”
• “These clay stars were from the year I hosted craft night.”
• “Those paper ornaments were the year I ran out of time and needed something fast!”

This year, I wanted something soft, cozy, and winter-themed to complement my Cozy Christmas palette of sage green and warm whites. Sweaters instantly came to mind. I already owned the sweater-shaped cookie cutter ( from my ugly Christmas sweater cookies) and inspiration struck.And I realized these would make adorable keepsakes, gift toppers, teacher gifts, and even party favors.

They’re also easy to personalize, which makes them even more special.

Materials You’ll Need

A box of air dry clay with bottles of paint, Mod Podge, clay glaze, patterned rolling pins, cutters, a clay tool, and stamps arranged on a white surface.

Here’s everything you’ll want to gather:

Materials

I may occasionally use affiliate links on this blog, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A package of DAS modeling clay, red and white with a photo of clay being rolled and shaped into a flower.

DAS Air-Hardening Modeling Clay

Stainless steel cookie cutter shaped like an animal with a trunk.

4 inch Ugly Sweater Cookie Cutter

A set of 10 wooden texture rollers with different patterns is shown, along with a close-up of hands using one roller on a sheet of clay.
Byllstore Clay Texture Rollers
A small, white bottle labeled "Clay Glaze" with a blue label indicating it's a gloss varnish. The label shows art-related icons and states the volume as 100ml/3.4oz.

Air Dry Clay Varnish

A set of decorative rolling pins and a cutter used to emboss patterns onto a sheet of dough and along the edge of a circular pastry.
6pcs Clay Texture Rollers

Mod Podge
Waterbase Sealer

A plain wooden dowel rod with thicker ends and a smooth, light-colored surface, shown on a white background.

J.K. Adams Lovely Maple Wood Rolling Pin

18 Assorted Acrylic Paint Colors, 2oz each

Four large wooden spools are wrapped with velvet ribbon in varying shades of red and gold, each secured with a pearl-headed pin.

Creative Co-Op 10 Yard Velvet Ribbon 

A spool of white and green twine, reminiscent of the delicate hues of an oyster shell, is shown against a pristine white background.

Wrapables Cotton Baker’s Twine

A set of twelve wooden texture rollers in a box labeled "Potterhyme Texture Rollers," each with a different pattern for decorating clay, shown with example textures.
Potterhyme 10pcs Wooden Clay Texture Rollers
Two rectangular silicone baking mats with black borders, branded "AmazonBasics," are stacked slightly offset against a white background.

Amazon Basics Silicone Rectangular Baking Mat, Non-Stick

Optional but fun

  • Metallic accents
  • Baking soda mixed with paint for a textured “knit” look
  • Fine-tip paint pens
Box of 36 Arteza premium metallic acrylic paint tubes arranged in three trays, perfect for adding vibrant color to Air Dry Clay projects. The lively packaging is beautifully displayed on the box lid.

ARTEZA Metallic Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors

Paint Brushes

A set of dual-tip acrylic paint markers in various colors, displayed in a black zippered case with color chart—perfect for window art—shown next to two decorated objects and a close-up marker.

Acrylic Paint Pens Markers, 72 Pc Dual Tips

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweater Christmas Ornaments

These ornaments follow a simple, relaxing rhythm: roll, cut, texture, dry, paint, seal.

1. Prepare Your Clay

A wooden rolling pin flattening a piece of beige clay on a gridded and circular measurement mat.

Start by kneading your air-dry clay for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps soften it and prevents cracks later.

Roll it out on a cutting mat using a rolling pin. You’ll want a thickness of about 3/8 inch. Any thinner than that and the sweaters can warp while drying; thicker makes them sturdier and more substantial.

2. Cut Out the Sweater Shapes

A metal cookie cutter in the shape of a jacket is placed on a sheet of clear plastic wrap.
A metal bat-shaped cookie cutter rests on a sheet of crinkled clear plastic.
A hand lifts plastic wrap from a slab of clay on a wooden surface, revealing an outlined shape cut into the clay.

I recently discovered a great way to cut clay with a cookie cutter. First, cover the clay with plastic wrap. Then, using your sweater-shaped cookie cutter, firmly press into the clay and lift straight up. The crisp outline sets the stage for all the charming details you’ll add next.

If you use plastic wrap, the clay won’t stick to the cutter and will lift out easily. If you don’t use plastic, and the clay sticks to the cutter, lightly dust the edges with cornstarch or dip the cutter in water.

Eight clay pieces shaped like sweaters are arranged in two columns on a gridded cutting mat with measurement markings.

3. Add the Sweater Texture

This is the fun part!

Using your textured rollers, stampers, and small tools, begin adding patterns:

  • Cable-knit rollers create that perfect cozy-sweater feel.
  • Dot rollers make adorable polka dots or faux stitching.
  • Mini carving tools or toothpicks can create decorative stripes on cuffs and collars.
  • A sewing wheel glides along the clay, making perfect, tiny dotted lines.

I absolutely love making these, and it was pretty easy. Add the collar and cuff design first, then add in the other details.

A flat piece of light gray clay shaped like a sweater is pressed by a wooden tool on a gridded fabric surface.
A hand uses a wooden tool to add textured lines to a clay cutout shaped like a sweater, placed on a gridded surface.
A hand presses a textured tool onto a clay cutout shaped like a sweater, which rests on a gridded surface.
A hand uses a wooden tool to emboss a sweater-shaped clay ornament with a pattern on a gridded work surface.
A hand holds a clay ornament shaped like a sweater with embossed patterns of trees, dots, and scallops against a gridded background.

Here are two more sweaters I made, along with the rollers I used to add the design.

A clay cutout in the shape of a sweater with a textured pattern and two patterned wooden rollers on a grid-lined surface.
A clay sweater cutout with a leaf pattern sits beside a carved rolling pin on a gridded surface.
A set of clay sculpting tools including wooden and metal shaping tools, a round yellow sponge, and a wire clay cutter arranged on a white background.

8 Pieces Wooden Pottery Sculpting Clay

A box labeled "Potterhyme Texture Rollers" contains twelve patterned wooden rollers, each creating different textures such as waves, stars, and flowers for clay work.
Potterhyme 10pcs Wooden Clay Texture Rollers
A box labeled "Texture Roller" containing ten wooden rollers, each engraved with a different unique pattern.
Hokkieam Clay Texture Rollers | 10-Pack Polymer Clay

There’s no wrong way to do this. Some of my sweaters have mixed patterns—ribbed cuffs, cable knit sleeves, and a delicate Nordic band across the chest. Others are uniform and simple.

You can get as detailed or as minimal as you want.

4. Make a Hole for Hanging

Two textured clay sweater ornaments on a grid surface; a hand uses a tool to punch a hole in the collar of the lower ornament.

Before the clay dries, create a hole for hanging the ornament. A straw works perfectly for creating a clean, rounded hole, but a skewer works just as well.

Place the hole at the top of the neckline or wherever you want the ornament to hang.

5. Let Them Dry Completely

Eight clay sweater figurines with various textured patterns arranged on a grid-lined surface.

Air-dry clay typically takes 24–48 hours to dry fully, depending on thickness and humidity. Lay sweaters flat on parchment paper and flip occasionally to prevent curling.

Let them dry naturally, or if you are impatient like me, put them on a baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees until dry. Usually, that is about 20 minutes on each side.

6. Seal, Paint, and Glaze

I use a three-step finishing process:

#1. First Coat: Mod Podge

Six ceramic ornaments shaped like sweaters, each with a different textured pattern, are displayed in two rows on a wooden background.

This seals the clay and creates the perfect base for paint.

#2. Paint

Three pink, ceramic sweater-shaped ornaments with textured patterns are displayed on a wooden rack.
Eight decorated sweater-shaped cookies, four pink and four green, each with distinct knitted patterns, are arranged in two rows on parchment paper.

You can paint your sweaters:

  • Keep them monochromatic for a Scandinavian vibe
  • Paint details only (cuffs, collars, stitches)
  • Use soft winter pastels
  • Add a pop of Christmas red or green
  • Try paint + baking soda for a textured knit look

Or keep them completely white for the clean, frosted pottery feel they have in the inspiration photos.

#3. Final Coat: Clay Glaze

Three pink ceramic sweater ornaments with textured patterns hang on a rack, drying on a beige surface.

This adds a subtle sheen and protects your ornaments for years to come.

8. Add Ribbon, Twine, or Yarn

Two sweater-shaped ornaments, one red and one green, lie on a table next to spools of red-white and green-white twine. The ornaments have holes for hanging.

Thread yarn, ribbon, velvet, or twine through the hole you made earlier. Red yarn gives them a nostalgic vintage feel, but any color works depending on your tree décor.

A skein of red Sensy Catlinia yarn with a cream label wrapped around it, displaying the brand name and product details.
Sensy Calinia Yarn,%100 Mercerized Giza Cotton Yarn
Four rolls of satin ribbon in brown, gold, red, and green colors are stacked side by side, partially unspooled.
4 Rolls 120 Yards Christmas Ribbon
A spool of red and white twisted string or twine, wound tightly around a cylindrical core.
Red and White Twine, 2MM Cotton Bakers String

Creative Variation

A white plate displays seven sweater-shaped ornaments in green and pink, each with a unique knit pattern and attached string, surrounded by festive greenery and berries.

Once you make one sweater ornament, you’ll immediately have ideas for dozens more. Here are some variations to try:

  • Monogram Sweaters – Add initials with a stamping tool or paint pen.
  • Snowflake Sweaters – Use fine-tip tools to create intricate Nordic snowflakes.
  • Color-Block Sweaters – Paint just the sleeves a different color for a retro style.
  • Kids’ Names or Handprints – Make one each year as a keepsake.
  • Gift Tag Sweaters – Write the recipient’s name right onto the sweater before gifting.

Tips & Lessons Learned

Four sweater-shaped ornaments with textured patterns and pastel colors are displayed on a white plate, each with a string for hanging.

After making multiple batches, here are a few things I learned:

  • Thicker clay + slow drying = no warping
  • Smaller textures work better on small sweaters
  • Paint pens are your best friend for tiny details
  • Sand before painting, not after
  • Make extra—people always want one!

How to Display Your Sweater Ornaments

Two sweater-shaped ornaments, one green and one red, hang on a Christmas tree branch decorated with gold ribbon and lights, with a living room in the background.

These ornaments look adorable on:

  • A full Christmas tree
  • A mini tree dedicated to handmade ornaments
  • A garland
  • A gift as a tie-on
  • A holiday place setting
  • A wreath
  • Peg hooks in an entryway
  • A bakery stand or tiered tray
Artificial pine tree with snow-frosted branches, wrapped at the base in burlap fabric.

3FT Flocked Christmas Tree

White plate with ornate gold patterns, featuring a central design of a decorated Christmas tree wrapped in a festive Christmas ribbon.

Spode Christmas Tree Gold Dinner Plate

A table with stacked dish towels, a bowl of fabric pumpkins, and two decorative cloths draped over the edge, one red and one with a "Merry Christmas Happy New Year" unicorn design.
Creative Co-Op Cotton Chambray Printed Table Runner
A Christmas wreath featuring frosted branches and white berry clusters, intricately arranged in a circular shape.

Blue and White Winter Wreath

This artificial Christmas tree, with green branches adorned in small white lights and set on a metal stand, becomes a centerpiece for cherished family traditions.

Puleo 6.5 Foot Pre-Lit Aspen Fir Artificial Christmas Tree

A slim, artificial, pre-lit Christmas tree stands in a bright room with white walls and a large window.

Best Choice Products Pre-Lit Sparse Christmas Tree

They also make great friend gifts, teacher gifts, coworker surprises, hostess gifts, or thoughtful little keepsakes for your holiday guests.

Why I Love This Project

Assorted pink and green ceramic ornaments shaped like sweaters with textured patterns, arranged on a light wooden surface with twine loops attached.

There’s something incredibly relaxing about rolling clay and adding tiny sweater textures. These ornaments are one of those projects that feels nostalgic and comforting, like sipping hot cocoa by the tree. They’re easy, kid-friendly, beautiful, and meaningful—the perfect combination for handmade holiday décor.

And truly, each one turns out differently. Some are charmingly imperfect; some look like real tiny knit sweaters. All of them bring a smile.

Final Thoughts – A Handmade Christmas Keepsake

Decorative sweater-shaped ornaments in green and pink with textured patterns are arranged on a white plate, each with a string for hanging.

Week 14 of A Handmade Christmas has felt especially joyful. These Sweater Christmas Ornaments capture that magical combination of whimsy and craft that I love so much during the holidays.

Handmade ornaments have a way of carrying memories year after year, and I hope these sweet little sweaters become part of your holiday traditions, too.

If you make them, please share! I love seeing your creations and how you customize each project to fit your home and your holiday style.

Order my book, A HOME to SHARE, here!

If you enjoy my blog, you can sign up to receive my updates here.

.

Sixteen Weeks of A Handmade Christmas

Here are the first fourteen weeks of A Homemade Christmas. Can you believe I have only two more still to share?

A green and white ceramic sweater ornament hangs on a Christmas tree decorated with lights, ribbon, and a round white ornament in the background.
Week fourteen
A tray containing twelve Christmas ornaments in pastel shades of pink, green, and white, arranged in a grid pattern.
Week thirteen
Three ceramic trays shaped like Christmas trees, two green and one beige, with textured patterns, are arranged on a light wooden surface surrounded by greenery and red berries.
Week twelve
A white holiday wreath with a bow and hanging ornaments is drawn on a glass window, with green trees and a white fence visible outside.
Week eleven
Two white, spiral-textured Christmas tree ornaments stand on a light wood surface, one topped with a small gold star. Greenery is visible in the background.
Week ten
Three small tabletop Christmas trees made of colored tinsel and mini lights sit on a wooden table in a brightly lit living room.
Week nine
Four ceramic house-shaped ornaments labeled with family names are arranged on a white surface among gold and green Christmas baubles.
Week eight
A clear round ornament filled with dried white and yellow flowers hangs from a white ribbon, with green pine needles above.
Week seven
A white bowl holds green, red, and silver ornaments. Beside it are two gingerbread house-shaped ceramic dishes, one with patterns and one decorated as a house, on a red cloth.
Week six
Two decorative fabric Christmas trees on white stands sit on a table beside green garland and three ornaments on a green tray in a cozy, well-lit room.
Week five
A gift wrapped in red floral paper with a large red ribbon and bow, decorated with a round ornament featuring pink flowers; similar ornaments surround the gift.
Week four
Three handmade napkin rings—one green with a floral pattern, one white with "LESLIE" embossed, and one pink with a dragonfly—rest on folded patterned napkins.
Week three
Four hand-painted Christmas ornaments with red, green, and yellow floral designs are arranged in a row on a light wooden surface.
Week two
Twelve hand-embroidered fabric ornaments, each depicting a different scene from "The Twelve Days of Christmas," are arranged on a light surface surrounded by greenery.
Week one
Shop My Home
Favorite Finds This Month on Amazon

Latest Posts

My Recent Instagram Posts

You can pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (click the Pin button in the top left corner) or follow me on Pinterest!

A handmade, green sweater-shaped ornament hangs on a Christmas tree next to a round white ornament and ribbon.

For more real-time updates, follow me on Instagram @My100YearOldHome

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *