This tutorial and all its templates is now available as a FREE download in my Pattern Studio.
Click here to access the necessary files.

A huge thank you to Long Grass Nature Refuge for their tireless work and for creating the original bags this tutorial is based on.

If you have been watching the news you would know it hasn’t been the happiest start to the New Year here in Australia with fires ravaging the whole country. When I wrote my tutorial for Wildlife Pouches back in November I had no idea the scale and magnitude of the disaster and it has been heart breaking to watch. Through this unspeakable tragedy which has seen loss of human and animal life it has been so amazing watching the crafting community coming together to help in any way they can. It seems like nothing is too much trouble for this amazing worldwide community and it is such a pleasure to be part of it.

When Avalon, an admin of Facebook Group Animal Rescue Craft Guild approached me again to work on a new tutorial it was a no brainer to say yes. They are doing an amazing job coordinating between carers and crafters to make sure needs are met all over the continent. Avalon asked me to create a new tutorial for hanging joey pouches and, with the amazing help of Joni, we finally finished it today! I am so excited to share it with you and I genuinely hope it as successful as my last.

Photo courtesy of Long Grass Nature Refuge

A bit about the Pouches first:
They come in 2 sizes (for Wallaby and Kangaroo joeys) and 2 different styles (day and night). They are designed for younger joeys and mimic Mum’s pouch. The Day option features a cut down front to allow them the freedom to look around and the Night option keeps them lovely and snug.

This tutorial will teach you how to make all different styles of pouches and is straightforward to follow. It is beginner friendly but if you get stuck there is a fantastic video tutorial here https://www.facebook.com/jessica.rettig.79/videos/10157123113996656/ which will definitely help you on any difficult sections. Plus help is always available to those who need it so please join the Animal Rescue Craft Guild or my Pattern group for any questions you have.

Right lets dig in 🙂

Hanging Joey Pouch Tutorial

DOWNLOAD TUTORIAL AND TEMPLATES HERE

A huge thank you to Riley Blake Designs for providing me with the PERFECT fabric for this project. It could not have been made in anything other than Joey by Deena Rutter.

Fabric Requirements:

Fabric Notes:

Liners should be 100% natural fibres – no polyester, synthetics or fabrics that have plastic or glitter. Breathability and softness are the priority. Flannelette, light cotton or jersey is recommended. NO WOOL PLEASE. Flannel is recommended for young animals as they are cosier.

Outer pouches need to be made from fabric that is strong and durable to support the hanging joey. Heavy Cotton drill or similar is recommended.

Straps needs to be made with strong fabric that can support the weight of the joey.

Instructions:

Select and Print Templates

For ease of printing there are 2 separate PDFS attached to this pattern to account for different size pouches. Select your required size according to the template images below.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL MY TEMPLATES HAVE A SEAM ALLOWANCE INCLUDED. YOU DO NOT NEED TO ADD THIS!

Wallaby Pouch Template

Kangaroo pouch template

Open the selected PDF template and print, setting the print scale at 100% and making sure the box “Scale to Fit” isn’t checked. The 1” test square on Page 1 will help to ensure the printing has been done correctly.

Cutting the top and left side of each pattern page layout as per image above

Tape the pattern together lining up edges and the shape (don’t forget to put tape on the back too).

Cut out your shapes

Cutting the Pieces

Choose the style of pouch you will be making and pick the correct templates. (Day pouches need a front scooped section however the Night style only needs two back pieces)

Cut your straps from your chosen fabric

Wallaby – 7.5cm x 95cm (cut 2)
(3” x 37.5”)

Kangaroo – 10 X 95cm (cut 2)
(4” x 37.5”)

Note: You can cut one wider piece and fold in half lengthways if you have enough fabric. This saves you sewing an extra seam.

Cut your shapes out according to the selected style of pouch

DAY POUCHES

Sewing your Outer:

Place your outer pieces RST (right sides together) and pin. Using approximately a 1cm (1/2”) seam allowance, stitch around the outside of your shape. Use a shorter stitch length to ensure sturdiness of the seam and lock your stitches at the beginning and end of sewing. DO NOT STITCH ACROSS THE TOP OF YOUR POUCH.  Stitch again to reinforce the seams, locking your stitches at beginning and end. Turn the right way out.

Please note: When it comes to fabric for wildlife pouches your softest side is your right side. This may not be the printed side.

Sewing your liner:

Place your liner pieces RST (right sides together) and pin. Using approximately a 1cm (1/2”) seam allowance, stitch around the outside of your shape. Use a shorter stitch length to ensure sturdiness of the seam and lock your stitches at the beginning and end of sewing. DO NOT STITCH ACROSS THE TOP OF YOUR POUCH.  Stitch again to reinforce the seams, locking your stitches at beginning and end.

DO NOT TURN OUT

Sewing your strap:

Place your two strap pieces right sides together (or fold your wider strip in half lengthways). Stitch down long sides and one short end leaving the other open. Turn ride side out, using a pole if necessary, making sure you push out all corners. Press and topstitch.

Assembling the bag:

You should now have the following 3 pieces:
1 x outer bag – right side out
1 x liner bag – wrong side out
1 x strap

Take your outer bag and strap. Pin the strap to the outside of the bag FRONT being careful not to twist it. Stitch in place if you prefer.

Carefully place the outer bag and secured strap inside the liner bag right sides together. Line up all your edges and pin, making sure the strap sits BETWEEN the liner and outer bag

Starting at the back of the bag stitch around the top and front scoop using a 1.2” seam, leaving a gap in the back for turning. When you sew over the handles stitch back and forth a few times to fully secure.

Turn the bag out through the gap in the top and push the liner down into the outer bag making sure that every part of the bag is properly pushed out and lined up. Once happy topstitch around the top and scoop again, closing the gap in the lining as you go.

NIGHT POUCHES

The method to create night pouches is the same as it is for the Day option. The only difference to this pattern is no scooped front piece is used but instead the pouch is created with 2 matching back pieces. This means cheeky joeys can not be peeking out when they should be sleeping! Follow the method outlined above to complete your night pouch.

And you are done! What a wonderful feeling it is to spend a few hours helping in a really meaningful and productive way. I know it has done wonders for my mental health when the sheer scale of this catastrophe threatens to overwhelm me.

I am working with the admins and carers of the Guild to create a few more patterns that will make it easier for everyone to jump in and help so stay tuned as they will be here over the coming week. I have put my other business plans on hold until this is all done.

If you would like to download a PDF of this pattern for ease of use and for sharing within craft groups you can do so right here. Please share far and wide, I would be grateful to be credited where possible but it is my aim to get this pattern into the hands of as many people as possible. For information on where to post and/or deliver the pouches follow The Rescue Collective on Facebook or you are welcome to email me to post directly and I will make sure they go where needed.

Not just pouches are needed, so many items are in high demand. This is a current list as of today (5th January). Even if you only get time to sew one item it will be gratefully received I promise.

Happy Sewing!
Sarah xx

PS I should probably include the fine print.

This tutorial has been created by Sarah Scott of Piccolo Studio and is intended for personal use only.  The pattern must not be reproduced, distributed or sold in part or whole in any form. Please credit Piccolo Studio as the original creator of the tutorial at time of sale and in any online promotion.  Piccolo Studio reserves the right to change or end this policy at any time.