Abstract

Properties critical in the manufacture of garments from textile materials were measured on 158 ovine skins typical of those used in garment manufacture, and the location from which properties of leather most represent those of the whole skin identified. Mass, thickness, compression, bending and extension under low loads (lOOgf/cm) were measured at between four and eight locations either side of the spine, and two directions (0 and 90° to the spine) on each skin. The most representative location was adjacent to the spine and in the middle of the skin, and was similar to but larger than that recommended in existing standard test methods for leather. Approximately 10 skins were required to estimate the properties of a batch of ovine garment leather.