folkearth Report post Posted July 10, 2013 (edited) Hello leatherworkers, I try my hardest to read up on topics and even google search whatever I can before asking. Apologies if I missed a post that has covered this already. I just need a little more specific advice about lining leather. I have created a leather bodice and I have made it so that in the summer I do not have to wear a shirt underneath. What should I line it with? Touching my skin is not only irritating, it can't be good for the leather, either. I've purchased bracers and a circlet many years ago before trying the craft myself, and they were lined with a suede.Is that breathable enough for my entire torso? What should I use to line my bodice with? Thanks so very much! Edited July 10, 2013 by folkearth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EquusCustomLeathers Report post Posted July 11, 2013 I have made a couple of fairly heavy suede vests, and had the same dilemma. I used the mesh type fabric that they use for hockey jerseys. It's soft, and made to breathe. The only downside to it, is that it is really stretchy, so you have to be careful putting it in. I'm sure there are prettier solutions, but that worked for me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oltoot Report post Posted July 11, 2013 try smooth pigskin. before actually using it, try a piece next to your skin under something to see if you can tolerate that. or kidskin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted July 12, 2013 Careful with the pigskin. I make leather harmonica cases. I made a beautiful one out of bridle leather, all hand-stitched, for a "Chromatic" harmonica, the large ones with the button. Carefully lined it with some very nice and expensive smooth pigskin. After a few weeks my client complained about the pigskin imparting a taste and odor onto his instrument that irritated his lips. What a blow! Such a nice case. Anyway, obviously there was some kind of chemical left over from the tanning process that had somehow transferred from the leather lining onto the harmonica. If I were you, I'd be wary of direct skin contact with pigskin and look into some sort of heavy felt or similar absorbent, pliable material that could be cemented/stitched in as a liner. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
folkearth Report post Posted July 17, 2013 Thanks for the replies. I'll go to the nearest fabric store and do some experimenting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WScott Report post Posted July 17, 2013 (edited) Hmm I wear a leather wristband lined with pigskin and have no troubles on my skin..... Lips are a more sensitive mucosal area though. I wonder if the metal of the harmonica and chrome tanning of pigskin interacted?? I have heard lots use deer or elk skin as a super soft liner Edited July 17, 2013 by WScott Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted July 17, 2013 WScott, that is my thinking, but there is no discoloration on the metal or the pigskin where contact was made. Maybe it is just this type of pigskin? Springfield does say that it is commonly used to line shoes... http://springfieldleather.com/33214/Lining%2CSuperiorPig%2CBrn%2C2oz%2CSqF/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
