Abstract: In one embodiment, an article of footwear including an upper is described. The upper includes a braid body and at least one component. The braid body includes at least one braided layer. A reinforcement element is attached to the braid body along a connection area using a connecting stitch. The component is attached to the braid body at the connection area using a zigzag stitch including a thread that passes through the component at a first location and passes through the reinforcement element and the braid body at a second location. The second location extends beyond the connecting stitch attaching the reinforcement element to the braid body.

Abstract: A six-needle eight-thread stitch configuration includes six rows of threads (21-26) sewn to two adjoining portions (13, 14) respectively of two fabrics (11, 12). Each row of threads (21-26) tightens a top thread (3; 3?) and a bottom thread (4; 4?) respectively and extending sinuously on upper and lower sides of each adjoining portion (13, 14). Each row of threads (21-26) includes a plurality of upper loops (27) and a plurality of lower loops (28) respectively on the upper and lower sides of the adjoining portions (13, 14). The top thread (3; 3?) extends through the upper loops (27) of each row of threads (21-26) and is fixed to the upper sides of the fabrics (11, 12). The lower thread (4; 4?) extends through the lower loops (28) of each row of threads (21-26) and is fixed to the lower sides of the fabrics (11, 12).

Abstract: A structural fiber pre-form useful as a structural article when saturated with a resin which is subsequently cured is disclosed, which is comprised of a large number of tightly packed, parallel structural yarns. The yarns are held in alignment by a sewing yarn passing vertically around and between the yarns. The pre-form may be covered with a smooth covering, such as a fabric covering, which may either be sewn to the fiber pre-form in a single process, bound thereto by curing of a saturating resin, or a combination of processes.