How to Make a Backpack for a Goat
If you have a well-trained goat that you'd like to use as a pack animal, it will need a backpack. With basic sewing skills, you can make the backpack. Make sure the goat will tolerate wearing it. You will get a feel for that while you are taking measurements for the pack.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Durable fabric such as canvas or denim
- Scissors
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Heavy-duty Velcro strips
- Boot-length shoelaces
Instructions
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1
With the tape measure held horizontally, measure the distance across the top of the flat part of the goat's back. With the tape measure held vertically, measure the distance over the goat's back from one side of the goat's barrel to the other side. Cut a piece of fabric to the size of this rectangle. This will be the main section of the backpack.
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2
Lay the rectangle of fabric over the goat's spine and allow it to hang down on each side, similar to a saddle blanket for a horse. Measure the distance under the goat's belly between the bottom edges of the rectangle. Cut a strip of fabric 1 1/2 times this length and 6 inches wide. Cut this strip in half to create two 6-inch wide strips. These strips will overlap with Velcro and serve as the belly straps.
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3
With the rectangle of fabric still on the goat, measure the distance around the goat's chest from one front edge of the rectangle to the other. Cut a piece of fabric this long and 6 inches wide. This will be the chest strap. Make two marks on the main rectangle at the points where you held the tape measure. Remove the fabric from the goat.
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4
Cut two rectangles of fabric 24 inches long and as wide as the main section of the backpack, the distance across the flat part of the goat's back. These will be the pouches.
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5
On the main piece, fold over all raw edges 1/2 inch and sew. On each belly strap, fold over 1/2 inch on one short edge and both long edges. Sew. On the chest strap, fold over both long edges 1/2 inch and sew.
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6
Sew the unfinished edges of the chest strap to the front of the main section at the point where you made the marks.
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Sew the unfinished edges of the belly straps to the bottom edges of the main rectangle, centering the straps on the rectangle. Sew a 12-inch strip of Velcro to each belly strap. (Using a long piece of Velcro makes the belly strap adjustable so it can be positioned securely on the goat.)
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Fold each pouch piece in half horizontally with right sides together. Sew long edges. Turn over top edge 1/2 inch and sew. Turn right side out. Place one pouch on each side of the rectangle, lining up bottom edges. Sew the sides and bottom edges. At the top edge, sew one shoelace to the outer side of the pouch and a second shoelace to the main backpack piece. Tie to close.
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9
To put the backpack on the goat, slip the goat's head through the hole between the chest strap and the main section. Overlap the belly straps and press Velcro to secure.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to sew all seams securely. After you make the backpack, it's important to let the goat adjust to wearing it. Put it on for only short periods at first. Also make sure your goat is not wearing it unsupervised in the presence of other goats, because they might decide to chew it off.
