There is one thing better than receiving a handmade gift for Christmas—and that’s receiving a handmade gift created by a special child in your life. This DIY Reindeer Handprint Sweater is a heartwarming holiday craft that creates lasting memories for both the child making it and the loved one receiving it.
Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, or caregivers, this project turns tiny handprints into a festive keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
What You’ll Need
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Light-colored sweatshirt
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1 piece lightweight cardboard (18″ x 24″)
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Masking tape
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Contact paper stencil (8″ x 11″ or larger, depending on shirt size)
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Fabric paint: light brown, dark brown, red, white, black, and green
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Paintbrushes
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5 sponges (for face, ears, nose, cheeks, and eyes)
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Permanent black marker (mouth and eyebrows)
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White distilled vinegar (in a spray bottle)
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½ yard plaid ribbon (2″ wide)
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Small bell
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Small safety pin
This is a hands-on project—be sure to wear paint-friendly clothes!
Getting Started
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Prepare the Sweatshirt
Place the cardboard inside the sweatshirt to prevent paint from bleeding through.
Tape the sleeves to the back, gently pulling the front of the shirt smooth. -
Create the Reindeer Face Stencil
Cut an oval from the center of the contact paper to form the reindeer’s face.
Remove the backing and position it on the front of the sweatshirt, leaving space above the oval for handprint antlers.
Smooth the contact paper firmly onto the fabric. -
Paint the Face
Using a sponge, fill the oval completely with light brown fabric paint, brushing inward from the stencil edges.
Carefully remove the stencil and allow the paint to dry completely before adding details.
Why This Craft Is So Special
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Personal & Meaningful: Every sweater captures a child’s unique handprint.
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Perfect Holiday Keepsake: A wearable memory that can be brought out every Christmas.
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Kid-Friendly & Creative: Encourages hands-on fun and artistic expression.
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Gift-Ready: Ideal for gifting to parents, grandparents, or loved ones.
Helpful Tips
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Let each layer of paint dry fully before adding the next.
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Lightly mist with diluted vinegar once finished to help set fabric paint.
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Add the ribbon and bell after all paint has dried for a polished, festive touch.
A Christmas Gift to Treasure
This DIY Reindeer Handprint Sweater is more than just a holiday craft—it’s a memory captured in fabric. Whether it’s made at home, in a classroom, or at a holiday party, this project brings joy, creativity, and heartfelt meaning to the Christmas season.
