Abstract: A method of forming a reinforcing fabric and in particular a body ply for a radial tire. A continuous narrow ribbon, which is formed of an uncured elastomeric material having a plurality of spaced substantially parallel reinforcing means, preferably individual steel filaments, embedded in the elastomeric material and extending along the length of the ribbon, is helically wound on a cylindrical drum with successive turns of the ribbon overlapping one another to form a cylinder whose wall thickness is greater than the thickness of the ribbon. The helical winding of the ribbon is continued until the length of the wound cylinder is approximately equal to the circumference of the bead of the radial tire to be produced.