As the seasons change and the air gets cooler, there is nothing like cozying up in your favorite sweater or wrapping yourself in a toasty blanket. These cozy textures don’t have to be limited to wardrobe and linens. Sweater nails and textured nail art that mimic the look and feel of knitted patterns or heavy fabrics are the perfect way to bring warmth to your manicure for the cooler seasons. Whether you are a nail tech or a DIY enthusiast, sweater and textured nails are a cute and cozy addition to any look for fall and winter manicures.

We will be demonstrating how to use two different types of products to help you recreate tweed patterns, sweater nails, or wool-like texture. When it comes to recreating fabric-like effects on the nails, slightly raised designs with gritty texture and a matte finish are key features that will most closely resemble these fabric details. 

DIAMI Rough Gels are a great option for textured fabric nails. The gel comes already premixed in select colors and a gritty texture. You can mix a pigmented gel color of choice with the white Rough Gel for a customized color. DIAMI Ponygello colors are recommended for mixing with Rough Gel. However, other pigmented gel colors from Sweetie Nail Supply may work also. When mixing a custom color, mix 2 parts Rough Gel with 1 part gel color of choice to achieve a thick yet workable consistency. You should be able to pick up the product with a brush and paint details without the mixture being runny or too coarse. 

Embo powders such as Show Me’s Powdery Embo Powder or YOGO’s Embo Meal Powder can be mixed with your desired gel color to create raised details and textures such as sweater nails or tweed nails. When using embo powder, mix about 1.5 parts of embo powder with 1 part gel polish until the mixture thickens. Again, the mixture should be workable without being runny or too coarse. 

In comparison, DIAMI Rough Gels are premixed and have a grittier texture compared to using embo powders. If you are looking to achieve a more “fuzzy” texture, DIAMI Rough Gels yield such results, whereas embo powder mix will result in a cleaner and smoother raised texture. 

Sweater Nails 

Sweater designs are a great way to elevate a neutral manicure color with a touch of warmth and coziness.

Products Needed:
1 base gel color
DIAMI Rough Gel or Embo Powder
Liner brush 
Fine grit file
Matte top gel

Steps:
Prep the nails. Apply base coat.

Apply gel color of choice. Cure under UV/LED lamp according to gel polish instructions.

Decide on the pattern you want for your sweater nails. Common choices include cable knit, braided patterns, or simple lines and dots.

Mix DIAMI Rough Gel or Embo powder with the same gel color used for the base color to create a slightly thick consistency. If using DIAMI Rough Gel, apply one coat on the nail as a base. Cure.

Use a liner brush to paint desired designs onto the nails using the gel mixture. Flash cure between lines to prevent them from smudging. Once the design is complete, cure the nail in lamp.

Go over the lines once again for a more pronounced texture. Flash cure as needed. Cure after completed design. 

File the free edge of the nail to remove any rough edges.

Apply a matte top coat over design for a sweater-like finish. A matte top coat gives the nails a soft, fabric-like appearance. Cure. 

Wipe off any uncured residue with a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol. 

Tweed Nails 

Tweed patterns add a touch of sophistication and are suitable for fall or winter nail looks. 

Products Needed:
1 base gel color
DIAMI Rough Gel or Embo Powder
2 gel colors that go well with base gel color of choice
Liner brush
Fine grit file
Matte top gel
Sponge

Steps:
Prep the nails. Apply base coat.

Apply gel color of choice. Cure under UV/LED lamp according to product instructions.

Mix DIAMI Rough Gel or Embo powder with the same gel color used for the base. Apply one coat of mixture on the nail as a base. Cure.

Use a liner brush and the first of the two selected gel colors to paint vertical lines with gaps on the nail. Using the same color, paint horizontal lines with gaps across the nail. The intention is to paint the lines so they look like interwoven threads. Cure. 

Use a liner brush and the second of the two gel colors selected to paint vertical and horizontal lines in between the first color lines. Again, this should appear as if the lines are interwoven threads to resemble a tweed pattern. Cure.

File the free edge of the nail to remove any rough edges.

Apply a brushstroke of matte top gel on the sponge and dap the matte top gel on the nail. This helps to top coat the design without losing its texture. Cure.

Wipe off any uncured residue with a lint free wipe and isopropyl alcohol.

Textured Fabric Nails

This technique can be used to create wool or flannel like fabrics. Painting plaid or gingham designs over a textured base creates a fuzzy effect that resembles these seasonal linens. 

Products Needed:
1 base gel color
DIAMI Rough Gel or Embo Powder
Desired colors for painted pattern designs
Fine grit file
Matte top gel

Steps:
Prep the nails. Apply base coat.

Apply gel color of choice. Cure under UV/LED lamp according to gel polish instructions.

Mix DIAMI Rough Gel or Embo powder with the same gel color used for the base color to create a slightly thick consistency. If using DIAMI Rough Gel, apply one coat on the nail as a base. Cure.

Paint desired designs onto the nails using the gel colors of choice. Flash cure between steps to prevent smudging. Once the desired design is complete, cure the nail in the lamp.

File the free edge of the nail to remove any rough edges.

Apply a matte top coat over design for a soft fabric-like finish. Cure

Wipe off any uncured residue with a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol. 

Try one of these techniques or sweater nails, tweed pattern, and textured fabric on a full set or mix and match these techniques for nails that give a cozy vibe!