The Virginia opossum is North America’s only marsupial. One unique feature of marsupials is an external pouch where infants, called joeys, do most of their early development. The pouch acts as a warm, safe place where the joeys grow. WildCare Inc. often receives infants that have lost their mothers and need a new pouch. One additional way you can help us give these animals comfort is to sew pouches.
Below we have one set of instructions* although you might find many in your own research. Overall, it is most important that these pouches be:
- Sewn (knitted or crocheted pouches have loose fiber which the animals might entangle in)
- Have no raw edges (raw edges have loose thread)
- Consist of an outer pouch and an inner liner (a double pouch)
*Instructions adapted from Sarah Scott’s of Piccolo Studio
Any exposed seams contribute to wear and tear, and can also pose a danger to certain animals. Having it double-layered (with the seams then sewn in) helps to keep the animals safe!
Here are some video links that might be helpful for you:
“Possum or joey pouches. How to sew joey pouch liners”
“Easy Joey wildlife Pouch Sewing Tutorial for beginners how to”
| Materials (in order of preference)
Fleece *NEEDS TO BE SOFT, BREATHABLE, MACHINE WASHABLE |
Sizes (W x H) 4″x 4″ 6″x 6″ 8″x 8″ 8″ x 6″ 8″ x 12″ *These sizes are finished product. |
OUTER POUCH
- Place outer pieces right sides together. Using approximately a 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. Trim your seams down. NOTE: When it comes to fabric for wildlife pouches your softest side is your right side.
- Fold the top of your pouch down approximately 1”. Press. Stitch 2-3 lines across the top to secure and provide some sturdiness. NOTE: You don’t need to stitch the extra lines at this step if you don’t want to but can instead fold over and then head to next step.
- Fold over again. Press and stitch a line to secure.
- Turn pouch right side out and iron so all seams are flat. Sew around the outside of your pouch again with enough of a seam allowance to completely enclose the raw edge on the inside (French seam).
INNER LINER
- Inner liner should be about 2″ more in length. Place outer pieces wrong sides together. Using approximately a 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. Trim your seams down. NOTE: When it comes to fabric for wildlife pouches your softest side is your right side.
- Fold the top of your pouch down approximately 1”. Press. Stitch 2-3 lines across the top to secure and provide some sturdiness. NOTE: You don’t need to stitch the extra lines at this step if you don’t want to but can instead fold over and then head to next step.
- Fold over again. Press and stitch a line to secure
- Turn pouch WRONG side out and iron so all seams are flat. Sew around the outside of your pouch again with enough of a seam allowance to completely enclose the raw edge on the inside (French seam).
- Place liner inside pouch and fold top of liner over top of outer pouch. Sew the fold to top of pouch.
 Outer pouch |
 Double pouch with enclosed/French seams |
 Inner liner |
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PLEASE MAIL OR DELIVER TO: WildCare Inc., 198 Hartstrait Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401 Thank you for giving our patients comfort! |