Abstract: A stitched yarn surface structure includes a backing having decorative upper surface and a thickness dimension T of at least two (2) millimeters. The backing exhibits a predetermined compressive resistance Rb. Plural rows of face yarn segments cover at least a portion of the decorative upper surface of the backing, with adjacent face yarn segments being spaced apart by a predetermined minimum spacing dimension S. The yarns forming the face yarn segments have a predetermined compressive resistance Ry. The compressive resistance Rb, the compressive resistance Ry, and the spacing S are selected such that a load of up to one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (psi) imposed on the stitched yarn surface structure by a loading member is able to be borne by the stitched yarn surface structure without allowing contact between the member and the decorative upper surface of the backing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stitch formation and method of making it which consists of alternate chain and lock stitches formed from a single continuous thread. On the first penetration of the needle, the thread is divided into two portions, one on each side of the work piece and then subsequent penetration of the needle forms the alternate chain and lock stitches with the drawn off thread portion passing through the alternate loops to form the lock stitch.