That Turkey in a Sweater Though – The Adorable Trend Explained

Okay, raise your hand if you’ve seen the photos going around of turkeys wearing little knitted sweaters Come on now, don’t be shy! I know you’ve come across one of these sweater-wearing turkeys before, probably on social media somewhere. And I bet your first reaction was something like “Aww! That’s so cute!” Because, let’s be real, a turkey dressed in a tiny sweater IS adorable

But where did this trend come from? And why do people put sweaters on turkeys anyway? As a knitter myself, I was curious to know the story behind these fashionable foul. So I did some digging and discovered the history of the turkey sweater phenomenon.

A Practical Beginning

It turns out people have been making garments for turkeys since the 1800s! But back then, it wasn’t about being cute – it was about function On farms, they would outfit poultry in little jackets to prevent feathers being damaged or disease spreading Basically an early version of PPE (personal protective equipment).

These practical turkey sweaters were usually made from scrap fabric, folder and stitched like a crude coat. Not quite as cozy as the knitted versions we see today.

Resurgence in the 1970s

Jumping ahead a century turkey sweaters made a comeback in the 1970s. Knitters and crocheters were producing whimsical designs again but not necessarily for use on real live turkeys. The novelty turkey sweater became popular attire for collectible knick-knacks.

You could dress up framed photos, vases, ceramic figurines and more in these mini sweaters. They were a playful decoration that embodied the kitschy craft culture of the decade.

Social Media Made Them Viral

Of course, once social media entered the picture, we all know things go next level. Animal accounts on Instagram really kicked the turkey sweater trend into high gear over the past decade.

Cute snaps of real turkeys modeling handmade sweaters started going viral around Thanksgiving. Farms and animal sanctuaries would share images of ‘their’ turkeys rocking the seasonal knits. And the internet ate it up!

Seeing that these posts performed well and spread holiday cheer, more accounts joined in year after year. Soon enough the phenomenon took off. So many people wanted that feel-good moment of delight when a turkey sweater graced their feed!

Why Put a Sweater on a Turkey?

At this point, you may still be wondering…why a turkey of all animals? And why a sweater specifically?

Well first off, there’s the Thanksgiving association. Since turkeys are the quintessential centerpiece of the holiday feast, they naturally come to mind as a symbol for the season.

Secondly, their plump cylindrical bodies actually lend themselves quite well to wearing sweaters! Those rotund turkey torsos fill out the sweaters nicely.

And finally, seeing a turkey dressed in clothes triggers our instinct to anthropomorphize animals. We project human traits and behaviors onto them. A turkey in a sweater seems amusingly out of place – but in an adorable way that makes us smile!

So clearly, humans have a soft spot for dressing up turkeys like they’re ready for a winter stroll through the woods. And now social platforms have provided the perfect place to share these whimsical creations far and wide.

Making Your Own Turkey Sweaters

After researching the story behind these photogenic fowl, I felt inspired to start crafting turkey sweaters of my own! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I wanted to dive into this playful DIY project.

If you’re interested in creating turkey sweaters too, here are some tips:

• Use super bulky or roving yarn for quick and cozy results

• Work in the round with circular needles for seamless construction

• Add bobble stitch textures to mimic the nubbly wattle of a turkey

• Consider cabling patterns to imitate the layered feathers

• Use fall colors like orange, brown, gold or maroon

• Don’t forget some pom poms along the neckline for flair!

The great thing about knitting turkey sweaters is you’re free to get creative with colors, textures and embellishments. It’s the perfect way to use up fun novelty yarns you might have in your stash too.

Once you have your turkey sweaters ready, get some help trying them on stuffed animals or plastic figurines. Grab your camera and have a DIY photo shoot to show off your creations on social media or to send as Thanksgiving cards.

However you choose to share and enjoy your turkey sweaters, just remember – stay playful, keep it lighthearted, and spread some smiles! The world could always use more whimsy.

Gobbling Up More Turkey Fun

Well there you have it, the lowdown on the turkey sweater trend that brings so much seasonal joy. Hopefully learning the history makes this quirky phenomenon feel even more delightful!

We just can’t resist that innocence of dressing up animals in human clothes. And turkeys seem to have become the prime target for our amusement. But hey, if it spreads holiday cheer, I don’t see a problem with it!

If you ask me, the turkey sweater trend is here to stay. So get out your knitting needles, embrace the silly spirit, and join in on the fun! Just looking at one of those sweater-clad turkeys is sure to give you a much needed chuckle. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!