Sustainable Christmas Sweaters
When I was living in Ireland a few years ago, I learned about the custom of (ugly) Christmas jumpers. Something you would wear to the office Christmas party, for example, or going out on Christmas Eve. However, the over-consumption part of it bothered me. Why spend a fiver or 10 Euro on a polyester sweater from Penneys or any other fast-fashion shop on something you’d wear only once and feel crap wearing it - (pla)sticky and ugly on top of it?
Making your own Christmas jumper is much more sustainable and luckily there are many, many festive sweater patterns out there. So, here’s my Christmas sweater round-up for 2024! (Check out the last option if you’re short on time!)
Copyright: Filcolana
Santa Baby by Filcolana
Hanne Rimmen designed a traditional very elegant version for Filcolana. One of their most popular patterns, it comes in five languages and includes five sizes. The DK weight sweater is available for free on Filcolana’s website.
Snow Sweater by Knitting for Olive
Knitting for Olive’s Snow Sweater is a lovely design but the cute sleeve design is where it’s happening. The size range includes 9 different sizes and the pattern is available in a whooping eight different languages. If you love this design, also check out their kids range, including a dress and vest.
Copyright: Knitting for Olive
Copyright: Fabel Knitwear
Garland Jumper by Fabel Knitwear
This worsted weight and short jumper might be the quickest knit in this round-up. The minimal design is timeless as the colour options are limitless. With seven sizes available, the instructions can be purchased in English and Norwegian.
Festive Yoke Cardigan by Skeindeer Knits
For a cardigan option, I love the Festive Yoke pattern by Skeindeer Knits. It includes 20 charts (snowmen, trees, presents…!) to choose from - making your version as festive and fun (or as kitsch or elegant) as you want! The pattern also offers yoke-only or all-over colourwork and is drafted for sport weight yarns.
Copyright: Heidi Kirrmaier
Snow Wonder by Heidi Kirrmaier
Are you already thinking ahead for the festive period? Then, may I suggest the Snow Wonder pattern? The innovative use of the bobbles quite literally make this design stand out.
This size-inclusive pattern comes in 13 sizes (84 cm/33¼” to 180 cm/72” finished body circumference) and is knit with worsted weight yarn. Heidi also has a children’s version of this jumper on her Ravelry.
Embroider your own sweater
For those short on time (and granted - we are already into December right now!), see if you have a plain sweater in your wardrobe or consider getting a higher quality, sustainably produced one and embroider Christmas motifs on it. Sarah Lloyd, aka threadunraveled, has a number of great patterns and ideas on their Instagram page!