Application of experimental patternmaking to increase utilisation and creative potential of American alligator leather

ABSTRACT

Today, there is a surplus of American alligator hides in the market (Fannin, Penn, & Stannard, 2021). Finding new uses for alligator leather is critical. However, alligator is challenging to use in apparel products. The irregular shape of the hide can make it difficult to cut items and garments require numerous skins (Belleau, Marquette, & Summers, 2004). Previously, Belleau et al. (2004) reported best practices for utilising alligator leather in apparel. This investigation was almost 20 years ago and did not use experimental patternmaking methods. The purpose of the present research was to apply experimental patternmaking methods to determine the best approach for utilising more of each alligator hide and maximising the creative potential of alligator leather. To investigate, a design team completed five designs. Each design employed a different experimental patternmaking method with alligator leather. Key requirements for designing with alligator were considered and combined by the design team.

KEYWORDS:

• Experimental patternmaking
• alligator leather
• design
• sustainability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the . LSU Millard Perkins Undergraduate Research Grant and the Louisiana Sea Grant Competitive Research Program (Project ID: R/A-63). NOAA Award # NA22OAR4170105