Hello All!!
I am looking to make a daily use handbag and am considering using lambskin for the lining. This one in fact:
Given its softness and suppleness, I have a concern about a couple of things. 1) Long term durability and 2) Stretching with use.
Anyone have any general experience and input with regard to these two concerns with lambskin?
Thanks in advance for any feedback!
David
I've done it with sheepskin before, but never lambskin. It is more delicate, but more depends on your construction techniques.
For example, of you apply non-stretch tape horizontally from one side of the lining, across the zipper seam, then onto the other side, you can take the stress off the lambskin and place it onto the non-stretch tape. The tape will be stitched into the edge seams of the bag.
If you place any load bearing stress on the lambskin, then you may see durability issues over the years.
Personally, for small leather goods, I prefer lambskin over goat.
Now, for a handbag, these are my thoughts:
- I would not really worry about stretching as it will glued to something else (whether another piece of leather, or Salpa, or even a synthetic reinforcement) and you will need to think about the whole "assembly" as one material in terms of stretching. Basically, the other materials will work as a "stretch limiter". Also, as an inner lining, what forces could actually pull on it in order to stretch it?
- Durability is another issue. Quickly thinking about it, unless you are putting knives and pointy metal objects inside, you should be fine. Yes, Lambskin is less durable than goatskin, but it does not mean that it is utter garbage.