Suggestions on making an alligator purse

[xshydro]

So I'm not too experienced with sewing, but want to make a purse out of alligator skin for my girlfriend. I have the skin from alligators I've harvested here in florida and tanned myself. I have an old commercial sewing machine my father gave me. Can anybody point me to a good book or a tutorial, or some patterns on what I want to accomplish? Or even make any suggestions on a pattern?

I may have some extra hide to trade for advice, as I have 2 hides tanned thus far, but have 3 more permits for gators this season. We're allowed 2 per person, and most of the gators are between 7 and 12 feet.

Thanks in advance,

Justin

[TwinOaks]

Hi Justin, and to Leatherworker.net.

Offering tanned 'gator hides in trade for patterns is gonna make you VERY POPULAR, VERY QUICKLY!!!!!!!

I'm pretty sure that the sewing machine experts will chime in too, but I doubt that anything short of a LEATHER stitcher will punch through the hide. There's lots of machines that are built to run all day, every day, but can't handle the extra stress of leather. Post the brand and model and that will help in the determination. You might also check out our forum on sewing leather. From the main forum page, just scroll down a bit and you should see it.

As far as a pattern, what kind of purse did you have in mind? Simple one compartment, zippered up, buttoned, clutch? I don't have any patterns per se , but I might be able to point you in the right direction.

Mike

Incidentally, what part of Florida are you in?

Edited August 20, 2008 by TwinOaks

[Drac]

check out wildginger.com and download the free "wild things!" software for some purse patterns that you can customize a bit. it's got a few other patterns along with it. I've played around with it and it's pretty snazzy.

[xshydro]

I want to make one that is about 12" wide, 8" tall, and 4" thick. I checked out the wild things and there were some nice patterns. I think I'll base my design on their "evening bag" and elave out the ruffles or whatnot. I'm thinking of using some kind of fur on the inside, but worried it would collect debris. Her uncle is a trapper in Canada so going to give him a call - evidently beaver pelts have been hard to get rid of since the Dali Lama said something was special about beavers... Their fur is short and thick, shouldn't trap stuff...

As far as a strap, would I just cut a strip, fold it over and sew it? Or should I sew the gator skin to another type of leather that may be stronger? Same goes for the rest of the purse, should the gator skin with a liner suffice?

I will probably use back skin on the bottom since it is so tough, and side skin for the sides since it is the softest/ nicest pattern.

Do I need something more than a sharp skinning knife, some shears and a sewing machine (probably more powerful than mine)? Would I glue seams then sew them, or just stitch them up? Would hand stitching be stronger than what a machine could provide? I've seen wooden leather awls, are these a good idea to get?

Thanks for all the help, this is a GREAT site!

[TwinOaks]

Sharp skinning knife....umm, yes, you need something that can cut straight lines. For 'gator skin, a skill saw or chain saw might be a good idea!

I don't know how thick the skin is, so the answer is really subjective. Several members use a rotary blade (think pizza cutter, but razor sharp) and a steel yardstick for making long straight cuts. For sewing, hand stitching it will take a LOT of time, but will be as strong (maybe stronger depending on the stitch and the thread), and if done well, more artistically pleasing. I'll drop a PM to another member and ask him to comment here, since he has more experience with 'exotics'.

If you decide to hand stitch, consider using the 'saddle stitch', as it's probably the strongest stitch you could use. And, if the thread breaks or gets cut, it has less propensity to unravel. Glueing the edges before stitching is recommended. It helps when you're making the stitching holes too (keeps them lined up). As far as making the holes, if an awl won't get it (if that's even possible) you could always drill the holes. Drilling penetrates wonderfully, but the downside is that the holes won't close up around the stitch like it does with a punched hole.

Mike

Edited August 21, 2008 by TwinOaks

[BradB]

If you wanted to send me one of the skins I would be willing to go ahead and make a purse and tell you how I did it nd what I would do differently....

Just joking, wish I had more experience so I could lend a helping hand.... Wait I can, measure twice and cut once!!

[DCKNIVES]

Justin,lots of questions but I'll see if I can help you some.I do sheaths and holsters but work almost exclusively with exotics.Having not done a purse my advice may not follow the traditional method but I would do the purse panels as inlays.Doing this you would cut a "window" in the main panel and glue your gator to the liner and then sew all three together. If your sewing machine is up to the task it can be used.I hand stitch mine because I am still rebuilding my 90 year old Singer.No problem with handstitching just slower.you can also use an awl or drill both work well. I also use shears and a razor knife to cut my hides.For the strap I would use gator sewn to a piece of leather probably no less than 3-4 oz.

Now for the gator, that size of gator will be tough to use the back for a purse.The back spikes are probably to big for it. You might be able to use some of the back near the head where they are a little smaller.I also wouldn't do a panel on the bottom, just a heavier piece of leather. The sides and belly work very well are nice and soft.Save the knobby back for a gun case or something.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions and I will try to walk you thru it.

here's a couple of my inlay's to give you a better idea.this one is some gator belly skin

this one is a small croc back

Hope this helps bud

[Denise]

No expert on beavers but my mother had a beaver fur coat when I was a kid. The heavy guard hairs had been removed so it was just the soft undercoat left but it was shaved or trimmed and was still at least 1/2" to 3/4" deep. It would definitely collect stuff. The guard hairs are a lot longer. The uncle could tell you more for certain.

[xshydro]

Thank everybody for the advice. I actually still need to finish tanning the hide, but feel much more enlightened to the task.

I love the idea of a gun case out of back skin. Those sheaths look fabulous as well. The inlay technique seems like the way to go, frames out the reptile skin really well and probably helps a lot in terms of strenght and longevity, as well as getting more mileage out of the skin.

I'll be asking more questions I'm sure!

Thank you!