How to make a L4D First Aid Kit (Zombie Survival Prop)

Estimated Cost: ~$20-$25
Estimated completion time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Introduction
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I made this as part of my wife's Halloween costume. It is a health pack the survivors carry in
the zombie survival game Left 4 Dead. I tried to make it as dimensionally accurate as
possible by comparing about a dozen in game screen shots to game items with dimensions
I knew (i.e. 1911 pistol).

I did end up making a few changes that are not really that apparent. I used ripstop nylon
though the game one does not. Also, I scaled the size down by about 20%. A full size pack
seemed kind of awkward and unwieldy mounted on the back.

Click the little i in the top corner of an image to see its full size.

Materials - FIG 1-1
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With the exception of the printable fabric sheets, all the materials I used can be found at
www.rockwoods.com

1. 1 Yard x 420 Denier Coated Ripstop Packcloth Nylon Fabric - Chili Pepper Red
2. 4 Yard x 3/4" Polypropylene Webbing - Black
3. 2 x ¾" Ladderlock Buckles - Black
4. 4 x Metal Zipper - Black (two should be slightly smaller)
5. 1 x Red thread
6. 1 x Black thread
7. 1 x White thread
8. 1 x EQ Printables - Premium Cotton Satin Inkjet Printable Fabric Sheets
9. 1 x 1" D-ring
10. 1 x Large Bag of cotton stuffing or a few packs of tissue paper.
11. Some assorted fabric scraps.

Tools
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1. Straight-stitch sewing machine (with zipper foot)
2. Scissors
3. Lighter or heat gun
4. Ink Jet Printer
5. Razor Knife
6. Hand sewing materials

Step 1 Prepare Materials for Sewing

Part One: Get the Pattern
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Open and print a PDF version of the pattern here. Once you have it printed out 
go ahead and cut out all the pieces. I didn't label the pieces on the pattern so you will
need to refer to FIG 2-1 to see what each piece is.

Part Two: Cut your Fabric
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The appropriate number of each piece from your nylon fabric.You will need two
of each pattern piece FIG 2-2.

Part Three: Transfer Markings
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You will need to transfer all the lines and marking on each patten piece to its
corresponding fabric piece. With coated nylon this is easier said than done. A caulk
pen will work but it wont show up in photographs so I am going to use an ink pen; if all
goes well the marked area will be covered up anyway.

Leave one side piece and one back piece unmarked.

The easiest way to transfer the markings is to punch holes in the pattern at each
marked corner. Lay the patten over a its corresponding fabric piece then wiggle the tip
of your marking tool in the holes. Next, lift off the pattern and connect the dots with a
straight edge FIG 2-3.

Comments

[redsleighdown]

Great guide! I'm excited to make mine. So, when printing the first aid labels, did you use the printed side, or the "faded" side that was printed backward? Also, did you follow the fabric sheet instructions: Normal print, air dry, soak in water, hang to dry?

[lw119]

Thanks. I used the printed side and followed the instructions on the package to the letter.

[Caidus]

Does this instructional guide include the straps to wear it like a backpack?

[lw119]

Step 6

[Caidus]

ohhhh... Sorry... derp.

[Caidus]

Excellent. How can what size zips do I need?

And could I pay you to make me one? I need one for Cosplay :)

[lw119]

The think the big ones are #5 and the small ones #3.

[Caidus]

I've just bought 4 6" zippers. I'm going to try to cut them.. :S

[applesaucemodifier]

This is a really awesome instructable and I intend to make my own. I know this is a prop but could you use this to make an actual first aid kit? I think this would look awesome hanging on a wall and Love items that have just as much Function as Form.

[lw119]

Sure, you can. I do. It is really sturdy. The only drawback is that the interiors is not compartmentalized. Also, I think on the model they based the pack off of, the front open liked a flap when you opened the zippers but it the in-game model does not. So accessing the interior through the zipper holes is a bit cumbersome. Thanks.

[applesaucemodifier]

Okay, that does seem to be a design flaw. Great instructable and I can't wait to sew this. Do you think that Joanne's or other fabric store might carry this material?

[lw119]

JoAnn's should have comparable materials, but I find there nylon rather crummy. You can order everything from www.rockywoods.com as I did.

[endingsquirrel]

i just recieved all of the materials i ordered for this today and i'm starting work on it tomorrow! i love this and you're awesome for making such a great tutorial!!

[lw119]

Awesome! If you have any questions let me know.

[yvassel-bouazza]

Omg dude, that's very so f**** good. I mean i'm one of the best fan of the L4D saga and what u do it's just awesome, i gonna try to make the same but i think i can't do it. Derp

[Survivor#1234]

This is the most creative thing for video game lovers everywhere!

How much fabric would I need if I wanted to make this into a twelve inch backpack?

If the answer was in your instructable then excuse me for my arrogance.

[lw119]

I think a yard would still be plenty. I have a yard listed for the size in the instructable (even though it is much more the necessary) because most fabric is sold by the yard.

[TysonSaunders]

This is totally awesome, nice work.

[An Angel Called X]

This is amazingly cool. I shall most definitely make one of these one day, using this tutorial. It's very clear and nifty.

[JessickaRay]

Genius. Definitely gonna have to make one of these :)

[The Papier Boy]

Fantastic. I love left 4 dead. This is a really cool obscure prop.
Also, a beautifully written Instructable.