Zuca bag
Have you seen these Zuca bags? They’re so cool! Next time I need luggage, I know what I’m getting. This week I’m making a bag for a client’s Zuca out of red sparkly Naugahyde. (Hi Kate!) She sent the frame to me for measurements, and I drafted a pattern.
I do all of my drafting and pattern alterations on Swedish Tracing Paper (STP), an interfacing-like paper which is translucent for tracing, sewn, pressed, and marked on u
ntil your pattern is perfect. I get mine through a co-op run by Debbie for about $5.50/roll, plus shipping. I now use STP for nearly every project. Instead of cutting into my
commercial patterns, I just trace off the size I need and keep the
originals intact.
Above you can see my Naugahyde pieces. I use painter’s masking tape to mark which is which. Regular masking tape works, too, but I think this stuff is a little less sticky. I find that the desert heat sometimes makes the gummy stuff transfer to the fabric, but it hasn’t been a problem so far with the painter’s tape. This pattern consists of quite a few pieces: center front, side fronts (2), top, bottom, back, flap, center front facing, and (not pictured) tie downs. The tie downs are velcro straps that will secure the bag to the frame.
Here’s the beginning of the zipper application. Both sides of the center front will have lapped zippers, so when open, the center will flap open. Below, the zippers are finished and top-stitched.
**Since these photos were taken, I haven’t had a chance to work on the bag much. When I unpack in North Carolina I’ll take more pictures and finish it up.
July 9th, 2007 at 12:01 am
You amaze me with all you do. I’d be afraid to tackle something like that! Can’t wait to see pics of the finished product.
Ruth
July 10th, 2007 at 7:27 am
Very cool! I’d never seen those bags before - I’d love to take a look at them in person. And have you read their FAQs page? Parts of it are hilarious!
July 23rd, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Im sooo drooling over them now. I want the sports pro… Its perfect with the seat because (dont laugh.. okay laugh) But I have a 2 wheeled duffel style carry on and shy sits on it while I roll. Hey it works and I dont need a stroller.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Did you ever finish this? I just ordered one for my son. He needs something nearly indestructable…lets hope this will tide him over.
July 13th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I would love to know if you finished this. My daughters liner is just about shot on hers, and I would love to make a new one. Of course, she wants all the pockets and zippers that come with it. I counted 8 zippers, but it would be a fun project, and do a coordinating tote and garment bag for competitions.
I was searching for zuca pattern when I found your blog.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I did finish this bag. You can see my post about it here: http://www.backwoodshome.com/blogs/Bramblestitches/2008/03/23/finished-zuca-long-ago/