JOEY BAGS- Pattern for knitted bag for orphaned Australian wildlife

JOEY BAG for baby wildlife: KNITTING & SEWING PATTERNS

My CWA branch will be making these at our next meeting. They are a simple item to knit or sew and important contribution to the survival of our Australian orphaned wildlife.

Wildlife carers, such as the voluntary members of W.I.R.E.S, in Australia, use these bags as "pouches" for baby orphaned kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, bandicoots, gliders and possums.

The info below was taken from a W.I.R.E.S. fact sheet on their website.

info@wires.org.au

 www.wires.org.au

Rescue Service Ph: 1300 094 737

Making pouches

When young wombats, gliders, wallabies, bandicoots or possums come into care they need to be kept warm and quiet. WIRES carers are always in need of suitable pouches. The pouches are used for many different animals, some for two or three young ringtail possums at once, others for brushtail possum joeys which are larger and even for very young bandicoots. This means various size pouches are useful. Many people who would like to help our wildlife but are unable to commit to rescue or care volunteering can help by making pouches and linings.

Standard Pouches-2 sizes needed

Wool: 8 ply (U.S. = sportsweight, U.K. = DK), pure wool (unfortunately we are unable to use pouches made from synthetic materials as the joeys cannot breathe in closed synthetic pouches)

Knitting: Pouches should be knitted in plain stitch ( ie in garter stitch).

Needles: Size 4mm or the old Imperial 8 needles (U.S.=  size 6, U.K. = size 8 ) 

Finished Dimensions: For the smaller size: 18 cm wide by 20 cm long  ( ie 7 inches wide x 8 inches long)(after sewing together) ie cast on 42 stitches and knit in plain stitch until it reaches 40cm ( ie 16 inches) in length.

For the larger size: 24 cm wide by 30 cm long when finished ( ie 9 and a half inches wide x 12 inches long)(after sewing together) ie cast on 56 stitches and knit in plain stitch until it reaches 62cm ( ie 24 and a half inches) long.

**** Adjust needle size if required to achieve correct finished size.

Both sizes: Fold in half bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top edge and sew together down the sides leaving it open at the top. Stitch in ends. 

Lining (For those who sew)

Material: Pure cotton or flannelette, washable material only Dimensions: 18 cm wide by 20 cm long when finished (after sewing together) or for the larger size 24 cm wide by 30 cm long when finished (after sewing together). The lining should not be attached to the pouch as it will need to be changed regularly. We generally require more linings than pouches to allow washing and regular changes. The lining should be closed on the two longer sides and one end and open at the top.  

**** Completed pouches are always gratefully received at our Forestville office at PO BOX 260, Forestville, NSW, 2087, Australia. Alternatively you can call 02 8977 3333 to find your nearest branch. Further information is available on request from WIRES Administrative Office WIRES PO Box 260 Forestville NSW 2087 Tel: 02 8977 3333 Fax: 02 8977 3399