: That's true, but you'd still have to invent a way to tension the cloth. With
: virtually zero stretch it would be a real trick.

The solutions to this are many, and already in use.

Oldest way is to emulate builders of birchbark canoes. That bark didn't stretch either, so the skin had 'gores' cut in it, which were sewn up with roots and waterpoofed with resinous sap or tar. A more modern way would be to drape and cut the fabric like a dressmaker does. Darts, gores, and curved seams abound, but they manage to get flat fabric around some of the most beautiful curved surfaces.
Finally, plenty of SOF designs use inflatable tubes, or sponsons, to tighten the skins.

There is work with whatever method of skinning is chosen. You just get to choose what manner of work best suits your building skills.
PGJ