Pooch Pouch

This pooch pouch is a version of a cozy dog bag. Made especially for clingy small dogs and cats, it allows you keep your pet close to your body without the need to carry him/her with you.

For this project, the following are the materials that you will be needing:

1. Used or new fluffy blanket

2. Measuring tape

3. Scissors

4. Dressmaking pins

5. Sewing machine (optional)

Measure the length, width and height of your pet. This will serve as the estimate for how big your pooch pouch will be.

Next, measure around your torso as shown in the photo. This measurement will determine the length of your pouch or how low the base will be.

Cut three rectangular pieces as shown in the photo. The size of these pieces will depend on the measurements you have previously made.

- The length of the longest piece should be your desired length for your pouch and its width should approximately* be the measured width of your pet.

- The two smaller pieces should be of the same size. Its length and height should approximately* be according to the length and height of your pet.

*You can opt to adjust the measurements depending on how snug you want your pouch to be.

The first two photos illustrate the pattern that this project follows.

To start this, first connect your pieces with dressmaking pins as shown in the third photo. Make sure that the middle portions of your pieces are held together (see last photo).

Make slits at the edge of your two smaller pieces as shown in the photo. These slits will make sewing the sides of the pouch easier. Sew from the edge of the slit as shown until you reach the other slit edge on the other side.

Do this for both of the pieces pinned to the base.

As you did for the base, pin the pieces together then sew the sides of the pouch from slit to slit. Make sure that you are sewing along the same side as you were sewing the base.

Sew the ends of the base together depending on how long you want your pouch to be. Try carrying your pet with this so you will know how much the cloth will stretch with the weight of your pet and make necessary adjustments.

Sew together plastic and extra fabric to serve as a lining for your base in cases of (bathroom) emergencies. The plastic portion will ensure that any form of excretion will not seep through the bottom of the pouch.