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64 In Blog post/ Tutorial

Making a Hanging Joey pouch – Free Tutorial

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 πŸ™‚

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 β€œScale 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.Β  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.Β  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.Β  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.Β  Piccolo Studio reserves the right to change or end this policy at any time.

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64 Comments

  • Reply
    HELEN PERRY
    06/01/2020 at 2:47 am

    Hi Sarah thanks so much for all yoru work,. I am a bit puzzled by a couple of the pics re the strap. in some pics it looks like there are two separate straps and on the tutorial it shows a strap attached at each side but not how the top is working,. What is confusing me is the full image in the tutorial where the strap is shown with right angles and a cap. is this just a glitchin the the screen . I would understand its one piece curving across from one side to the other. Sorry to be confused but want to make sure I am doing it to make it easy for the carers. Or is it another way to cur two short straps and double over so that each side has a loop on each side that a pole can go through> it looks liek that in a couple of those pics at the bottom

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      06/01/2020 at 8:09 am

      Hi Helen. It is a confusing pic – sorry! I’m planning to get in and update it when I can. It is one strap looped around to pin at each side. My drawing skills were less than ideal for this step!

      • Reply
        Helen
        06/01/2020 at 4:40 pm

        No thank you for all you are doing. All ready to go . Thanks for getting back to me so quickly

        • Reply
          sarah scott
          06/01/2020 at 9:40 pm

          You are so welcome ?

      • Reply
        Michelle
        15/01/2020 at 2:49 am

        I’m having difficulty printing the kangaroo and wallaby hanging pouch patterns with an iPad. It prints on one page instead of multiple pages to make it true to size. I didn’t have the same problem when I printed the pouch patterns. What am I doing wrong?

        • Reply
          sarah scott
          17/01/2020 at 11:26 am

          The patterns are in my shop. On the tutorial you can see a note that says to click here to download. The link takes you to my pattern shop where you can “purchase” the pattern for free. From there an email will be sent to you (it could go to spam) with links on it you can download and use. ?

    • Reply
      Stephanie
      13/01/2020 at 4:14 am

      This is so helpful! Do seams need to be French seams? I was reading that joeys will chew on exposed seams?
      Thank you!

      • Reply
        sarah scott
        13/01/2020 at 10:10 am

        They are recommended for many reasons including stray threads or them getting claws stuck ?

  • Reply
    Audrey Ross
    07/01/2020 at 4:47 am

    I have just been made aware of your website and the needed items for your poor animals. I like many are devastated by what your country is suffering. Would you like me to contact as many newspapers , charity shops and TV so we can get sewing and knitting to support your plight.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      07/01/2020 at 8:44 am

      It is a very stressful time but I know I speak for all Aussies when I say how proud we are that the world is behind us. The need for pouches will continue for months and months. All help is gratefully accepted ?

  • Reply
    Teri Olsen
    08/01/2020 at 4:05 am

    Just saw this today on Facebook. I live in the US, and would love to help. I can’t find an address to mail them to.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      08/01/2020 at 5:10 pm

      Hi Teri
      You can post here when you are finished sewing:
      Nicole Blums
      C/- The Rescue Collective
      4/55 Tenby St
      Mount Gravatt QLD 4122

      • Reply
        Katie Boitnott
        10/01/2020 at 11:39 am

        There are lots of hubs in the US as well if you can’t afford postage to Australia. You can find the info on the ARC Crafters Guild page on facebook. I tried to post the picture but it won’t let me.

    • Reply
      Lucille Costantino
      15/01/2020 at 2:48 pm

      Using new fabrics ,I will wash with white vinegar before sending.is that acceptable??

      • Reply
        sarah scott
        17/01/2020 at 11:26 am

        That is great thank you πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Cyndi
    08/01/2020 at 6:38 am

    I am in the U.S. and would love to make the pouches and send them some where over there but I can’t figure out the address for mailing them. Please let me know. I know I could get a bunch of people together to make them. Thank you!

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      08/01/2020 at 5:11 pm

      Hi Cyndi

      You can post here:

      Nicole Blums
      C/- The Rescue Collective
      4/55 Tenby St
      Mount Gravatt QLD 4122

      Thank you ?

  • Reply
    Lyn
    08/01/2020 at 7:44 am

    Hi Sarah
    thank you so much for these tutorials. I have been getting pretty confused with all the others that are out there. Now I get the differences between day and night pouches and even the layout of the pattern pieces lol. Just so keen to get cracking I think I was overthinking it all. Great tutorials, thank you, so good we can all do something to help.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      08/01/2020 at 5:07 pm

      You are so welcome Lyn – I have another coming tomorrow too ?

  • Reply
    Jenn
    08/01/2020 at 10:38 am

    Should the fabrics be washed first?

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      08/01/2020 at 5:06 pm

      I think it would be nice if they were but it isn’t vital ?

  • Reply
    Tatjana
    08/01/2020 at 6:10 pm

    Hi Sarah ,
    I’m not perfect in sewing and all those patterns but try to help where I can. So far I’m going good but now there is a missing piece, the strap. ? I can’t find anything with some information for it like how long or wide it should be ?‍♀️ Can you help me out here and let me know what are the best measurements, please. Thanks in advance

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 2:59 am

      You definitely dont need to be a perfect sewer Tatjana – the best thing about sewing for animals is they dont care! Have a look in the fabric requirements chart on the tutorial – your strap information is there πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Margarett McPherson
    08/01/2020 at 7:08 pm

    Thank you so much for your work in setting up this website. Although I am experienced in home sewing there’s no way I think I could have come up with good patterns. I intend to make some wallaby and kangaroo pouches but I’m a little confused about the fabric requirements; I assume WOF means the width of fabric but as fabric comes in different widths does it matter how wide the material is? Thanks again for your wonderful effort.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 2:53 am

      You are very welcome – it has been wonderful to really offer practical help. WOF does mean width of fabric but really for these it is not a huge issue especially if you already have fabric at home. I just stuck my templates on fabric and cut anything they fit lol.

      • Reply
        Lisa
        11/01/2020 at 2:01 pm

        Hi Sarah, on the topic of WOF, it would be helpful to me if you could give a guide, as I can’t print out the templates and will be measuring the fabric direct. Is it roughly square, so 40cm wide, by 40cm high? Thx Lisa

        • Reply
          sarah scott
          11/01/2020 at 6:06 pm

          I use a standard WOF of 110 cm or 42″ which is quilting cotton. To be honest though it doesnt really matter for these. I printed the templates, assembled them and then stuck them on whatever fabric fit. If you are using scraps or sheets then that is the best way. I just gave those measurements so people who were purchasing had an idea of quantity

        • Reply
          sarah scott
          11/01/2020 at 6:10 pm

          Sorry I just realised you aren t printing the templates. From memory the Kangaroo pouches are 50″ x 50″ and the wallaby 46″ x 38″

  • Reply
    Annika
    09/01/2020 at 6:17 am

    Good Evening from Germany!

    I have a lot of bedsheets out of 100% cotton. Can i use it for the outer pouch and the straps too?
    Just want to be sure πŸ™‚

    Thanks!

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 2:51 am

      Yes you can if you double stitch seams to keep everything nice and strong πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Mary
    10/01/2020 at 2:10 am

    My opinion would be that it is better if the fabric is washed and dried. Some new fabrics contain chemicals to keep them stiff and new looking. It might not be safe for baby / sensitive animals.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 2:47 am

      I definitely agree it should be done if people are able to πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Jenn
      10/01/2020 at 3:51 am

      Yes, that was my initial thought as well but then sometimes detergents can be just as bad. I was just curious if there was a known preference. I use a pretty mild (mostly natural) detergent, so I think it will be ok. I hope anyway!

  • Reply
    Barb
    10/01/2020 at 4:36 am

    Hi, I’m in the U.S. and going to start sewing as soon as I finish this post. May I suggest that people go to thrift shops to get fabric, they always have tons of sheets for liners too πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 6:52 am

      Yes it is a great way to source fabric especially if it isn’t pilled or ripped. Many op shops are donating if you tell them what you are using it for too πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Evie
    10/01/2020 at 9:27 am

    Can you use a woolen blanket for the outside of the pouch? Thanks

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 9:43 am

      Yes πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Mel
    10/01/2020 at 11:29 am

    Thank you for all the wonderful patterns. Just curious though, why such a large seam allowance on all your french seams? 1/2″ on the inner seam makes for a large outer seam sticking out when finished. To encase the 1/2″ inner seam you would need at least a 5/8″ outer seam to insure you get all of the inner seam enclosed.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 2:34 pm

      Hi Mel
      We did large seams on the pouches for a couple of reasons – flannel can shred if you get too close to the edge so this totally avoids that plus we were working on the patterns being really beginner friendly and easily achievable for all skill levels. This was the dimensions the Guild has always used so I honoured them however I expect seasoned sewers will use the tutorial as a guide and make their own way πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Jon
    10/01/2020 at 1:18 pm

    Thanks Sarah, As printers vary a bit, if you placed a little scale of 5 or 10cm (another for inches) on one of the pages we could double check we printed them to the correct size before cutting out. Keep up the good work

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      10/01/2020 at 2:31 pm

      Hi Jon
      Each of my patterns has a 1″ box on it for scale when printing πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Darlene
    11/01/2020 at 3:50 am

    Hi Sarah, I’m in Colorado, US and really anxious to help. I had wanted to help in 2015, but all they needed were koala mittens and had had an overwhelming response. I appreciate your graphs showing what is need and the sides. My question is I have scraps of my husbands old wool shirts. Is wool appropriate for these items, or rather what types of fabrics are the best and what you prefer. I’m probably mail directly to the Australia addresses in order to get the items there faster. At least I’m able to do that. I wish I could be there in person. I hope all the firefighters, caretakers, and everyone stays safe rescuing these sweet babies. Oh, my state has sent some of our firefighters. I’m so proud of all the firefighters there.

    • Reply
      Darlene
      11/01/2020 at 4:13 am

      Sarah, I just found the answer to my question. No wool. Thanks for all you do.

      • Reply
        sarah scott
        11/01/2020 at 9:58 am

        Wonderful Darlene ?
        It is amazing what the world is doing to help. We are grateful. I’m taking supplies to ladies on Monday that have up to 28 kangaroo joeys in care needing pouches and love. Helping has helped us all through it a bit.

  • Reply
    Susan
    11/01/2020 at 5:29 am

    Hi Sarah!
    Your wallaby and Joey pouches are awesome and perfect!
    I’m heading to make as many as I can!
    Many Blessings and Kind Regards from Texas.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      11/01/2020 at 9:55 am

      How lovely are you Susan – thank you! Have an amazing day ?

  • Reply
    Lynn B
    11/01/2020 at 11:35 am

    Hi Sarah.
    Thank you so much for the patterns and the tutorials.
    I have a question about the straps. I am interpreting the image as the straps being attached to the front of the bag rather than being centered across the side seams: is this correct?
    What is unfolding in Australia is tremendously heartbreaking.
    Aroha from a Kiwi in the US.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      11/01/2020 at 11:55 am

      That is correct yes. You attach them to the flat parts of the front at the top there. I may have just confused you more hahaha

      • Reply
        Lynn B
        12/01/2020 at 6:19 am

        Thanks for the reply. Your instructions are very clear so no confusion at all. I asked because of the way the finished bag hangs. What you are saying is the strap being sewn to the front of the pouch best mimics a kangaroos pouch. Thanks again.

  • Reply
    Gina Favano
    12/01/2020 at 6:20 am

    Hi, thank you for all your work! We’re sewing today in the US and had questions about this particular design – if we’re reading it correctly, it looks like the liner gets sewed directly to the outer bag .. but I’ve read a lot of comments on the Guild facebook page about the need for multiple liners per bag, so they can be changed out as they get soiled, but the outer pouch remains familiar – is this the case with these bags, or is that a different design altogether? Thanks again, I’m glad there’s another place to direct questions to as I know other groups are quite overwhelmed and everyone is doing their best! πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      12/01/2020 at 8:31 am

      That is for the wildlife pouches. You are good to continue πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Karen S
    12/01/2020 at 8:14 am

    Thank you for the wonderful pattern. I made 12 assorted pouches and just sent them off to the address you posted a few days ago. I hope they arrive safely and can be a help to the Collective.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      12/01/2020 at 8:31 am

      You are wonderful – thank you πŸ™‚

      • Reply
        Karen S
        12/01/2020 at 12:12 pm

        You’re welcome! And now that I am aware of your site I look forward to browsing through it all!

  • Reply
    Alejandra
    14/01/2020 at 5:43 am

    Hi!
    Thank you for the tutorials. We are sewing in Colombia, but we have doubts about the belt, is it a single belt for both sides of the bag, or should two pieces of the belt be sewn?
    We greatly appreciate the important action you take and the fact that you have shared the patterns to help.
    Best wishes.

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      17/01/2020 at 11:27 am

      It is one belt – two strips sewn together – that attaches to the front of the bag πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Stacey
    15/01/2020 at 1:38 am

    For the lining, is the same fleece used for hats, mittens and scarves ok?

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      17/01/2020 at 11:30 am

      It needs to be 100% cotton and lovely and soft so if the fabric you have there suits go for it πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Jackie Chrystal
    16/01/2020 at 4:47 am

    Hi Sarah. I am from Christchurch, New Zealand. I have made a bunch of bat wraps and wildlife pouches of various sizes. I am about to tackle some joey bags today. Can i send them all to the same address you supplied or do the batwraps etc go somewhere else. I am hoping to post them off tomorrow as I want the carers to have them as soon as possible. It seems they have a big job on their hands.
    Jackie Chrystal

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      17/01/2020 at 11:25 am

      Everything will be accepted at the hub. It is worth checking if any local carers near you can use them too πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Constance Jones
    17/01/2020 at 10:26 am

    Hi Sarah,
    I would love to help. I am a sewer, quilter, crafter, so please tell me what you still need.
    Conni

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      17/01/2020 at 11:24 am

      There is a current pause in requests as the guild stocktakes what has already been made and sent however I know the need for all sorts of pouches will continue for many months, forever really. Joeys have very strong back legs so kick and rip through things fast πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Barbara Barton
    28/10/2020 at 5:35 am

    Hi Sarah, I have been trying to download the pattern for the Hanging Joey Pouch-2 sizes, Day/Night styles but it doesn’t seem to work. There is a place to click on it but it doesn’t work for me. I might be a little tech challenged and I am sure it is something I’m not doing correctly. I would appreciate your help. Thanks you!!!!

    • Reply
      sarah scott
      28/12/2020 at 1:09 pm

      Hi Barbara
      You can check the pattern out for free via my actual shop – click piccolo pattern studio on the top bar. Unfortunately I had to remove the links in this post as I was too susceptible to hackers. Once you check it out from my store a link will be emailed to you – it may go to your spam folder if you have never purchased from me before πŸ™‚

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