Abstract: Cross-machine strength reduction of creped wadding sheets due to embossing is reduced by a background embossing pattern having elongated embossments oriented with the major axis of the embossments substantially parallel to the cross-machine direction of the sheet.

Abstract: A patterned marrying roll especially adapted to combined multiple plies of a tissue sheet at a nip between the marrying roll and an embossing roll. The marrying roll is provided with a pattern of raised laminating elements covering a predetermined percentage of the marrying roll surface which are caused to bear against the raised embossing elements of an embossing roll with the plies of a pillowed tissue sheet therebetween. The pattern of raised elements on the marrying roll surface may be in the form of dots, a recticular grid pattern, or any other pattern of choice. The pattern is preferably aligned at an angle to the machine direction to eliminate bunching or puckering of the tissue sheet between pattern elements. The pattern on the marrying roll may comprise from approximately 10% to approximately 40% of the marrying roll surface.