Love or hate them Christmas Jumpers are promoted at this time of year. Fundraisers, Christmas work parties and with a limited time to wear them it’s always good to repurpose or buy second hand. However, with two out of five Christmas jumpers only being worn once over the festive period says Hubbub, it’s a prime example of fast fashion, as it takes a lot of resources to create these clothes but then aren’t worn. Here’s a few ideas for inspiration:
Make your own Sustainable Jumper
For school Christmas jumper day for the last few years, I have been sewing bits to my daughter’s jumpers rather than buying one. It can be simple addition of Christmas tree decorations or a santa hat rather than buying a new jumper.
This year, Lone took this second hand jumper from Traid charity shop, took a piece of green ribbons and pom poms and decorated the jumper to make a lovely Christmas tree.

One year, I added a Santa hat to my daughters jumper, shown above. It’s a great option for something you already have in your wardrobe.

The next year I made a mini planet Earth that had last year’s Santas hat sewn on and added it to one of her favorite jumpers with stars on.


Other ideas could be adding a Felt Christmas pudding, Christmas tree, snowman, Christmas decorations or another character with a Santa hat. Or add pom poms, bows ribbons or Christmas coasters, some obviously will work better than others. There’s lots of lovely makers in Etsy which do felt shapes easily sewn on to a current sweater or jumper.
No sew jumpers
If you don’t feel confident sewing, some no sew ideas another follower suggested to use tape like gaffa tape and insulating tape with coloured sharpies. Through using tape creations of santa hats, snowmen & antlers, ladybirds, burgler bill stripes, coloured pudsy spots (white gaffa & coloured sharpies!) & possibilities are endless!
Secondhand jumpers
Not feeling particularly creative, swap with family and friends their jumpers. Or there are lots of options of picking up a second hand Christmas jumper:
- Check out our great local charity shops usually sell a selection of second hand Christmas themed jumpers and tops.
- Oxfam online shop https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/
- Ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/
- Depop https://www.depop.com/
Further Christmas Jumper ideas
For more Christmas Jumper ideas from Hubbub