Abstract: A method of positioning two workpiece portions for stitching together along a desired stitching path.A pallet is provided for positioning workpiece components (e.g. a vamp V and quarter portions RQ, LQ of a shoe upper) in position for stitching the portions together, where, when the various components are in a flat condition, the regions (corresponding to the desired stitching paths) of the various components are not in overlapping relationship; that is to say, the pallet enables distortion of at least one of the components in order to bring the regions of the various components into such overlapping relationship. This is achieved by locating e.g. the quarter portions RQ, LQ in a flat condition in relation to a slot (14) of the pallet, which slot corresponds with the desired stitching path, and thereafter positioning the other component, e.g.