Abstract: A method for fastening a button to a panel of fabric includes the steps of looping a thread having at least a thermo-fusible element between the button and the fabric panel to create at least two runs of thread between the panel and the button; gathering thread from the runs into mutual contact and applying heat to the shank to melt the thermo-fusible element of the runs of thread.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing textured thread textured thread comprises the steps of: processing textured yarn having a zero or near-zero twist by applying a singles twist thereto; plying at least two textured yarns together by twisting them in a direction opposing the singles twist; wherein the singles twists lie in the range 4 to 20 turns per inch and the plying twist lies in the range 2 to 18 turns per inch.

Abstract: A sewing machine thread feed for a supplying sewing thread to a sewing machine, the feed including: a guide mechanism for guiding sewing thread to a needle of the sewing machine; first and second spools carrying first and second filaments respectively, one of the spools carrying a low-melt filament and the other carrying a textile filament; first and second retention mechanisms for retaining the first and second spools respectively in position against force applied to them when filament is drawn off; the first and second filaments run from the first and second spools respectively to the guide mechanism; wherein the first filament runs from the first spool, through the centre of the second spool, so that the action of the second filament, when being drawn off the second spool, causes inter-winding of the first and second filaments to create composite sewing thread.

Abstract: A method of joining two panels of fabric comprises the steps of: placing the edges of the panels in register with each other to form a seam; wrapping the edge of at least one panel in fusible thread to create a treated edge; stitching the interfolded panels to join them to each other; and applying heat to the stitched seam to cause the fusible thread to melt.