Abstract: An improved process for making stitchbonded fabric in which a feed material that has a visible pattern on it is surface is multi-needle stitched with a contractible yarn and then the stitched material is contracted to form an attractive, novel surface pattern that is quite different from the original pattern on the feed material.

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded fabric has a pattern of stitches formed by a multi-needle stitched set of contractible stitching threads in a planar material that comprises a non-fibrous layer of polymer or metal, such as a metallic foil, a polymeric film, or a leather. Contraction of the stitchbonded fabric provides the fabric with unusual tactile, visual and functional effects.

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded nonwoven fabric having repeating patterns of stitches in a fibrous layer is prepared with a stitching thread that consists essentially of fiber of partially molecularly oriented synthetic organic polymer. The fabric can be stretched, shrunken, and/or heat set and is particularly suited for thermoforming operations.

Abstract: A fitted mattress cover is provided with a flat top panel and a knitted or woven fabric skirt attached to and depending from the periphery of the top panel. The lower edge of the skirt contains a band of longitudinally extending elastic yarns that were integrally incorporated into the edge during fabrication of the skirt fabric. The yarns of the elastic band provide sufficient tension to pull some of the skirt fabric under the mattress and provide a secure fit when the cover is installed on a mattress.

Abstract: A fitted mattress cover has a fabric skirt warp-knit from bulked yarns and elastic yarns. The skirt is elastically stretchable in the longitudinal direction by at least 50%, inelastically stretchable in the transverse direction by at least 60%, and regains its transverse stretch characteristics when laundered and dried in a relaxed condition and possesses important advantages over known stretchable stitchbonded skirts in wash durability, stretch/conformability, and puncture resistance, as well as in economy of manufacture.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a fibrous sheet that produces rainbow and/or hologram images. A sheet having an outer surface composed of fibrous elements has its outer surface embossed with a pattern of fine grooves that are substantially aligned from fibrous element to fibrous element. In contrast, prior fabrics for producing rainbow or hologram images were laminated to plastic or metal foils having pre-embossed patterns of grooves. Sheets and fabrics of the present invention are free from such impermeable foils and retain desirable attributes of breathability and other aesthetic qualities.

Abstract: A fibrous sheet is provided with an outer surface having fibrous elements which are embossed with a pattern of fine grooves that are substantially aligned from fibrous element to fibrous element. The pattern of fine grooves is embossed directly on the surface of the fibrous sheet and produces rainbow and/or hologram images on exposure to light. In contrast, prior fabrics for producing rainbow or hologram images were laminated to plastic or metal foils having pre-embossed patterns of grooves. Sheets and fabrics of the present invention are free from such impermeable foils and retain desirable attributes of breathability and other aesthetic qualities.

Abstract: An improved stitchbonded nonwoven fabric having repeating patterns of stitches in a fibrous layer is prepared with a stitching thread that consists essentially of fiber of partially molecularly oriented synthetic organic polymer. The fabric can be stretched, shrunken, and/or heat set and is particularly suited for thermoforming operations.