The Ugly Sweater seems to be the rage these days and Knit Picks was up for the challenge! Let me introduce you to The Best of the Worst Ugly Sweaters 2014, a free eBook pattern download, now available just in time to be the hit at your next holiday party!  All the sweater patterns use Wool of the Andes Worsted. (some of the optional items use Wool of the Andes Sport and Palette.)

As you can see we had a lot of fun with the photo shoot for this book!  On the cover, back row, we have from Knit Picks: Stacey, Hannah and Emily.  In the front row is Matt Petkun, President of Crafts Americana, Victor from IT and Jenny from Knit Picks.  We can’t forget Alison, Director of KP:

My obsession with the ugly sweaters started several years ago when Crafts Americana had a company ugly sweater contest. Since I’m a very good procrastinator, I waited till the last minute to create my ugly sweater. Also, since it was last minute, the glue gun was my friend, rather than using the sewing machine. I was shocked! I won the contest! After that, several friends wanted to borrow “the sweater” and they also won their contests. I figured I had something big here, so I looked online and found a national contest and submitted a photo of me wearing my ugly sweater. I won!!! A Mexican cruise and airfare for two. Well as you can see, the rest is history. By the way, the reindeer pattern was inspired by my original ugly sweater.

I hope you have fun with these patterns. Some are really ugly, some not so much. You can duplicate stitch (single or double strand) or use intarsia. Create some of the items separately for the 3D effect, like the stockings and ornaments. Use your imagination to make them uniquely yours and more even more ugly!!! Most of all, have fun!

Find the free download here:

The Best of the Worst Ugly Sweaters 2014

We would love to hear your ugly sweater ideas and stories. Contact us at uglysweaterstories@knitpicks.com.