How to make Bat Wraps – help needed for the Australian animals

A very happy New Year everyone and welcome back to this my first post of a new decade on my blog. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful period of rest and relaxation (if that were possible) and as many of you remained well during a time where the lurgies are often in abundance. The M’s had a wonderful time lucky enough to enjoy a happy family Christmas. Not so for everyone in our world and who could fail to notice the suffering of many a human and the animal kingdom in beautiful Australia. I am lucky enough to have readers and friends that far away and to you all I offer my love and thoughts. Yet quite frankly my platitudes aren’t nearly enough. Action and help are required and recently a dear and kind fellow Instagrammer, Sophie @asussexfarmhouse posted a plea for practical help for the suffering animals. And so, in a totally unscheduled post this week, do join me for an honest account of a how a novice seamstress got along following her first ever pattern. In this post I will show you how to make bat wraps…

And it is true; I have never followed a fabric pattern of any sort before. Frankly I was surprised and just a little flattered to see my name tagged on the Instagram post along with the great and good in my fabric bubble. Another dear Instagram friend Maria @sugarandspicefurnishings suggested I spread the word through this blog and to be honest, I had gone to bed that night thinking perhaps that would be more preferable than actually attempting any of the makes myself. Once I had seen the simple pattern for bat wraps however I hoped even I would be competent enough to follow it. And so, it was out with the machine and before I knew it, I was measuring and cutting fabric.

This official Animal Rescue Craft Guild facebook page has useful information about the appeal and patterns for all makes are located in the files section. The instructions for the bat wraps are so easy to follow, I shall not repeat them in detail for fear of over complicating. It was no more difficult than making a paper template, pinning to the fabric and cutting out. The correct fabrics to be used and all measurements are provided on the pattern. “Need any help?” asked Mr M. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth I replied “fancy cutting this pile of material for me? It’s only the cutting I need help with, I’ll do the sewing” I added cheekily.

You’ll be guided to fold the cut fabric and stitch three sides, leaving an opening for the pillow which you fill with toy stuffing and then stitch closed.

Once you have stuffed and stitched the pillow opening of your bat wrap closed, you’ll have the perfect ‘bed’ which requires one more row of stitching right the way around to strengthen. The instructions will show you how. Rolled up as shown in my second photo, you’ll have a warm and cosy wrap for the pup to snuggle into. You should be careful not to over fill the pillow since the baby’s arms need to wrap around it. Again, this information is in the simple instructions.

You are encouraged to reuse and recycle your old sheets however you should be careful to not use fabric which has pilling since the pup is likely to suck the fabric and can choke on rogue bits. I only had a pristine white sheet which is probably not at all practical although I am sure will be appreciated nonetheless. I wonder if Master M will notice any difference to his bedding when he next returns from uni. We shall see and yes, you are quite right of course, the ribbon is possibly a little over the top.

Next up for me are flat bed rolls also urgently needed and these look even easier to try. Bedding for crates and transportation is needed too and as best I can work out, these are simple squares and rectangles, double hemmed. Everything needed has a pattern or sizes to guide you.

Perhaps you or a friend have a sheet at the back of the linen cupboard which could create a few bat wraps? I promise you, if you can sew in a straight line there is no simpler pattern to follow. And of course, if your sewing skills are more advanced there are plenty of other animals needing pouches and slings to keep them safe and warm.

Knitters are needed to make mittens for Koala paws and those who can crochet will find patterns for ‘nests’ and much more. Details for posting your donations can be found on the facebook page too or you can send a direct message to Sophie who is organising a bulk delivery to Australia.

As always thank you for reading this week and please do spread the word. I understand these poor animals will need our help for a great many more months to come: I read recently this is a marathon not a sprint. I hope to see you back here next week, until then…x

Please note: since I made these wraps there are more urgent items needed. Please do your own research or check this page for up to date information.