Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber with a tensile element includes manufacturing a tensile element and incorporating the tensile element into a chamber. A first material layer, a second material layer, and a spacing structure having a plurality of support portions and a plurality of gaps may be stacked. The material layers may be located on either side of the spacing structure or on one side of the spacing structure. A strand may be stitched through the gaps to join the material layers and to form the tensile element. The spacing structure may be removed, and the first material layer may be spaced from the second material layer such that segments of the strand extend between the material layers. The tensile element may then be secured to opposite interior surfaces of an outer barrier, and the outer barrier may be pressurized to place the strand in tension.

Abstract: A backpack lap pillow apparatus for providing a comfortable sleep solution while traveling includes a backpack body having a pair of shoulder straps. The pair of shoulder straps has a carry position and an alternate rest position inverting the pair of shoulder straps such that they extend around a top side and a front side of the backpack body. A U-shaped pillow is coupled to an inner side of each of the pair of shoulder straps proximal the top side. The pillow is positioned such that it wraps around the user's neck when the pair of shoulder straps is worn in the carry position and rests above the top side of the backpack body when the pair of shoulder straps is in the rest position, allowing the user to rest her head on the pillow with the backpack body in her lap.

Abstract: A thermally insulating member includes a plane sheet having two ends spaced in a length direction and two sides spaced in a thickness direction perpendicular to the length direction. The plane sheet includes a plurality of rows of slits between the ends of the plane sheet. Each row of slits extends from one of the sides through the other side of the plane sheet. A first spacing between two adjacent rows of slits in the length direction is larger than a spacing between two adjacent slits in the same row of slits in a width direction perpendicular to the length and width directions by a second spacing. A thermally insulating strip is defined between two adjacent rows of slits. A stretchable rib is formed between two adjacent slits in the same row of slits. Each end of the plane sheet is a coupling portion free of the slits.

Abstract: An article of clothing, such as a dress shirt, blouse, coat or jacket, includes a sheet of material forming a body portion. First and second plackets are formed along respective first and second end portions of the sheet of material. First and second magnetic elements are secured inside first and second pockets, respectively, such that positions of the plurality of second magnetic elements correspond to positions of the plurality of first magnetic elements.

Abstract: A blanket in the form of a patchwork quilt and a method of creation is provided. The quilt comprises a plurality of patchwork squares that are cut from a variety of cloth pieces. A plurality of fabric strips is cut to form the border of the patchwork square, whereby each strip comprises a heat-activated, dual-sided adhesive. The outer edges of the plurality of fabric strips are then sewn around the perimeter of the patchwork square, while the inner edge remains unsecured to the square. A keepsake may be inserted within the inner perimeter of the border, thereafter a user may secure the keepsake within the border by applying a heat source to the border.

Abstract: An alternate quilting method and an apparatus manufactured by applying the alternate quilting method. Multiple layers may be arranged in layer sets, the layers of each layer set may be quilt-stitched to each other, and as a result, stitches may be formed. A space between the layers of each layer set may be filled with a thermal insulation material. The layer sets may be offset with respect to each other, in order for the stitches of one layer set to be blocked by the area of another layer set abundant with the insulation material, the objective of which may be to block flow of cold air through the alternate quilting construction.

Abstract: There is provided a sewn product in which one material edge and the other material edge are stitched together in an abutted state. The one material edge and the other material edge are stitched together with one bobbin thread and a plurality of needle threads, the plurality of needle threads being interlocked with the one bobbin thread to form a plurality of rows of zigzag stitched seams.

Abstract: A yarn or thread may include a plurality of substantially aligned filaments, with at least ninety-five percent of a material of the filaments being a thermoplastic polymer material. Various woven textiles and knitted textiles may be formed from the yarn or thread. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be thermal bonded to other elements to form seams. A strand that is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material may extend through the seam, and the strand may be thermal bonded at the seam. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be shaped or molded, incorporated into products, and recycled to form other products.

Abstract: A flat seam construction made up of a number of sequentially formed stitches and formed on a portion of one or more stitchable materials is disclosed. Each stitch has two outer threads, formed into first and second outer thread loops, and at least one inner thread, formed into at least one inner thread loop. Each of the inner and outer thread loops transversely penetrate the one or more stitchable materials. Each of the inner and outer thread loops have a bight portion engaging a bottom surface of the one or more stitchable materials. At least one looper thread is formed on the bottom surface, and arranged such that, the at least one looper thread passes between the bottom surface and at least one of the bight portions. At least one decorative thread is visible on a top surface of the seam construction.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective cover assembly, pattern, and method for use for installation upon an external orthodontic headgear protraction appliance having a chin cup interface and a forehead pad interface. The present invention comprises two aspects of a protective cover assembly, a protective chin cup cover assembly and a protective forehead pad cover assembly. Each protective cover assembly provides an absorbing soft cushioning fleece membrane between the facial skin of an orthodontic patient wearer and the hard surfaces of the orthodontic protraction headgear interfaces to prevent against a plurality of discomforts which result from wearing the orthodontic protraction headgear appliance during treatment of Class III Malocclusion; and configured to improve compliancy of use of the orthodontic protraction appliance in the orthodontic population, especially among growing children and adolescents.

Abstract: A flat seam construction made up of a number of sequentially formed stitches and formed on a portion of one or more stitchable materials is disclosed. Each stitch has two outer threads, formed into first and second outer thread loops, and at least one inner thread, formed into at least one inner thread loop. Each of the inner and outer thread loops transversely penetrate the one or more stitchable materials. Each of the inner and outer thread loops have a bight portion engaging a bottom surface of the one or more stitchable materials. At least one looper thread is formed on the bottom surface, and arranged such that, the at least one looper thread passes between the bottom surface and at least one of the bight portions. At least one decorative thread is visible on a top surface of the seam construction. The at least one decorative thread loops around at least said first outer thread loop at a penetration point thereof.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber based fire barrier for vehicles contains and directs fires and prevents or substantially hinders fire or extreme heat from adversely affecting underlying materials. The fire barriers protect the vehicle and vehicle components from damage from fire and heat, and also provide increased protection to passengers. The fire barriers provide additional time to properly evacuate passengers from a vehicle in the case of an emergency.

Abstract: An airbag is manufactured by sewing a base fabric woven with a first polar fiber by means of a sewing thread. The sewing thread is made up of a yarn formed from a second polar fiber such as nylon 66, and the yarn is subjected to a lubrication treatment using a lubricating agent that consists of a polar group-containing compound having an action to improve lubricity of the sewing thread or that contains mainly such a polar group-containing compound.

Abstract: A holder for use on a duty belt comprising a backing portion including a synthetic material coupled to a cover portion including a synthetic material is disclosed. An edging portion at least partially covers an edge of either the backing portion, the cover portion, or both. The backing portion and the cover portion are coupled by stitching, the stitching passing through the backing portion and the cover portion, and the backing portion and the cover portion are substantially flush along a seam at which the backing portion and the cover portion are joined.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing wrinkle-free garment seams and garments made therefrom comprises (a) placing a bonding element comprising a thermal adhesive between garment components; (b) stitching along a seam line; and (c) applying heat and/or pressure to cause the adhesive to melt and flow along the seam to bond at least one garment component. The thermal adhesive has a melting point of higher than about 150° C., preferably in the range about 160° C. to about 190° C. Alternatively, a bonding element comprising any adhesive material and having a substantially U shape is used to make various seams, such as a yoke seam, a shoulder seam, a side seam, a pocket seam, a hem button stay seam, a sleeve seam, a collar seam, etc. Wrinkle free garments, such as shirts, pants, blouses, skirts, etc., incorporating the seams are produced.

Abstract: A method of flowing resin from an inlet opening into a sealed mold and a lay up which is comprised of at least one top layer of absorbent or reinforcing material which defines a passage or hole from the inlet opening to a non-absorbent layer which non-absorbent layer lies above at least one bottom layer of reinforcing material. This process flows the resin from the inlet opening into the mold then through the passage defined by the top reinforcing layer through the non-absorbent layer and then through channels defined by the non-absorbent layer throughout the lay up.

Abstract: An article and an apparatus and method for making the article. The article including a first piece of material having a margin extending inwardly from an edge of the material. The margin has an inner edge spaced from the material edge. A second piece of material having a margin extending inwardly from an edge of the second material is joined to the first piece of material along inner edges of the margins. A third piece of material is fixed over the margins, and has a first edge fixed to the first piece of material and a second edge fixed to the second piece of material.

Abstract: The body of a mattress comprises a cocoon thread bundle of long fibers formed by reeling cocoon threads off cocoons and separating them one from another. The body the mattress also has inner layers sandwiching the bundle. The body is quilted at appropriate positions and covered by a suface cloth made of woven fabric, and the periphery of the body is fastened by a retention cloth. The mattress has touch different from, for example feather mattress and serves to reduce yarn breakage of the cocoon long-fibers which are used as the stuffing. The stuffing can be easily produced without fail by a process comprising the steps of reeling cocoon threads off boiled cocoons and winding them around a take-up reel, fusing the wound cocoon threads at appropriate positional, and cutting the fused bundles.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components sewn together along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components and into interstices thereby creating a seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A pucker free collar seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip, which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between a first surface of a first collar component and an interlining along a seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam, causing the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the collar components and the interlining, thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding a first collar component, a second collar component and an interlining together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with the shrinkage of sewing thread relative to the collar fabric.

Abstract: A reversible patchwork having patterns in the surface and the reverse thereof. It is constructed by continuously stitching together units of motif M. Each of the units of motif M is constructed so that a circular or polygonal foundation cloth 1 is folded to the surface of the unit of motif M and encloses a domett core 3 therein and is stitched to an upper cloth 2. One of the foundation cloth 1 and the upper cloth 2 or both of them consist of different patterned cuttings for making diverse designs of the unit of motif M.

Abstract: Load distribution shoulder pads (12, 14) for a backpack (10). Each shoulder pad is constructed from a first cushioned layer (16) and a second cushioned layer (18). Each cushioned layer is covered by a corresponding fabric layer (20, 22). The cushioned layers are contoured by the formation of a skived longitudinal recess (66) cut into the interior surface (62) of each cushioned layer along the perimeter edge (64) of the cushioned layer, defining a reduced thickness perimeter lip (70) around each cushioned layer. For assembly, the cushioned layers are placed exterior fabric side against exterior fabric side and a cushioned layer/fabric seam allowance (74) is sewn with stitching (76). The shoulder pad is then reversed inside-out, such that the seam allowances are received between the cushioned layers within a cavity (78) defined by the opposing skived recesses. The shoulder pad has a uniform thickness and density across the entire width, and uncomfortable pressure ridges are avoided.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between opposing surface of a garment component along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment component thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the surfaces of the garment component together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of sewing thread at the seam.

Abstract: A high-security fabric for use in high-security applications comprising an inner layer of nylon having top and bottom surfaces, two inner layers of polyester, one of the inner layers of polyester extending on the top surface of the inner layer of nylon, the other inner layer of polyester extending on the bottom surface of the inner layer of nylon, and two outer layers of a fireproof synthetic fabric, each outer layer of fireproof synthetic fabric extending on one of the inner layers of polyester opposite to the inner layer of nylon. All of the layers form a 5-ply assembly having a top and a bottom and in which the inner layer of nylon is centrally positioned. The assembly is stitched together with a nylon thread in a pattern.

Abstract: An improved geotextile container of the type for maintaining fill material includes a geotextile fabric configured into a tubular shape and having stitched, multi-layer, flanged seams with the stitched flange disposed inside the container. Due to this construction, outwardly directed forces imparted by the fill material will be directed against the stitching. An embodiment has a helical seam along the length thereof instead of one or more longitudinal straight seams. An alternative container embodiment with a helical seam along the length thereof, has an inner liner of geotextile material having one or more longitudinal straight seams. Another alternative container embodiment with an outer layer of geotextile material having an helical seam along the length thereof, has an inner liner of geotextile material having its own helical seam configured with a different pitch than the helical seam in the outer layer.

Abstract: An air bag for a vehicle has a peripheral part of an occupant-associated panel and a peripheral part of an inflator-associated panel stitched together. At portions of the peripheral part of each panel where constituent threads of a fabric of that panel and a contour line of the air bag are substantially parallel, the peripheral part of the other panel stitched thereto is curtailed to form a curtailed portion where threads and the contour are not parallel. As result, the thread-contour substantially parallel portions are easily bent by gas flow on inflation of the air bag and an amount of thread fraying occurring on inflation of the bag is reduced by the bending.

Abstract: A method for forming a ready-to-hang lace curtain and a lace curtain comprising stiffen vertical panel of woven fabric. Each panel being joined to an adjacent panel by an integrally woven vertical zone of open mesh. The open mesh zones formed from a plurality of threads twisted into a single vertical strand. The strand being joined to adjacent vertical panels at evenly spaced intervals by a single loop of thread draw from the vertical strand and extending generally horizontally. The loops being interwoven at spaced locations into the edge of the adjacent vertical panel. Forming an accordion-folding of the plurality of the vertical panels along the mesh zones into aligned and compact stacked assembly and simultaneously die-cutting an opening through the assembled panels while they are in the stacked aligned configuration. The opening configured to receive means for hanging the curtain.

Abstract: Conduit liners and methods for their construction and use are provided. The liners include a first flexible layer mechanically bonded to at least one glass-containing layer and folded to form a tubular laminate. The laminate can be penetrable by resinous liquid capable of setting the form of substantially continuous matrix within the laminate following the expansion of the laminate within a conduit. In preferred versions of the liner, multiple glass layers are provided on the inner and outer diameter of the construction with a polyester core so as to meet minimum thickness requirements for vibration resistance under American in situ pipe vibration resistance codes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternating seam for joining two pieces of stretchable fabric. The alternating seam can be used for making garments, such as pant garments. The alternating seam has a non-inverted seam that extends from a seam inversion point to a desired length below the seam inversion point. Outer sides of the two fabric pieces are in opposing contact with each other along the non-inverted seam. The alternating seam also includes an inverted seam that extends upwardly from the seam inversion point. Inner sides of the two fabric pieces are in opposing contact with each other along the inverted seam. The alternating seam includes an overlapping seam, which may be an extension of the non-inverted seam, extending upwardly from the seam inversion point and curving outwardly to the inverted seam. A pant garment using the alternating seam can be made without any fasteners or elastic.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second surfaces of a garment component along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the first and second surfaces of the garment component together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components along the seam and a sewing thread is used to bind the components together into a seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A method of making a child's accessory such as a hooded towel or mitten-type washcloth is disclosed.

Abstract: A skin foam-in-place skin material is prepared by stitching a plurality of skin forming pieces into a predetermined shape. End edges of the skin forming pieces made of moquette skin are overlapped one upon another. The overlapped portion is joined together by over-lock stitches at a stitching pitch ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 mm using a single needle and three threads along the end edge.

Abstract: A pucker free pocket seam for a shirt providing the shirt with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between folded portions of a first garment component along a seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the folded portions of the first garment component thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the folded portions of the first garment component together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread at the seam.

Abstract: A multi-layer material for use in incontinence products comprises a base layer comprising a needled felt containing not less than 50% by weight polyester fiber, wherein the surface regions of the felt are denser than the central region thereof, which remains substantially unneedled. In addition, a second, multi-ply, layer is provided by a unitary fabric comprising two outer plies of knitted polyester fiber fabric with a ply of monofilament polyester accommodated therebetween. In order to prevent strike-through, furthermore, a barrier layer, e.g. of a polyurethane coated fabric, is also provided, as is also a fourth, skin-contact, layer with a nap finish to provide a comfortable "feel" to the product. Incontinence products made from this material exhibit good absorbency, little or no strike-through and a dry skin effect.

Abstract: A large, round blanket structure includes at least two layers, each formed of semicircular sections diametrically joined and overlaid with seams crossed transversely. The layers are held together by stitching parallel to the the seams and stitching through a strip of binding material folded about the peripheral edge of the combined layers. The use of zig-zag stitches about 50% of the width of the binding overlapping at least one of said circular blanket layers provides a rugged construction and is consistent with a design giving the impression of rays of light (e.g., sun light) radiating from the center of the blanket. Preferably the method will utilize corner pieces, cut in making the semicircular sections, to make cone-shaped towels uniquely suitable for cleaning golf clubs and balls.

Abstract: An insulating blanket for a bulkhead in an engine nacelle comprises a fabric backing layer, a central insulating core, a ceramic precursor-impregnated hot-side fabric layer and, as required, erosion-preventing wire mesh. The backing layer comprises a fiberglass fabric. The insulating core comprises a ceramic felt. The hot side layer comprises one or more layers of resin-impregnated fiber glass fabric. The blanket is precured to provide a predetermined geometric shape.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method of manufacture utilizes a bonding element which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding element to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method of manufacture utilizes a bonding element which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding element to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A method of forming a stitch and the stitch which includes three needle threads and cooperating looper threads for forming three parallel rows of stitches that are joined by a spreader thread that lies on the upper surface of the work piece. The spreader thread follows a serpentine pattern and is configured to lie both forward of and rearward of the penetrating points of the needle threads such that it connects and covers the three parallel rows of stitches.

Abstract: A garment has a multi-pocket system for storing articles generally carried by a traveler. The garment includes a front panel having an outside and inside surface. A pocket assembly which has a plurality of pockets is secured on the outside surface of the front panel of the garment. The plurality of pockets are accessible from the outside of the garment. At least one pocket is positioned on the inside surface of the front panel of the garment. The at least one pocket is accessible from the inside of the garment. The plurality of outside pockets are associated with the at least one inside pocket.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (10) includes a first panel (44) of woven fabric, a second panel (40) of woven fabric, and a seam (52) at which the first and second panels (44, 40) are fastened to each other. The seam (52) includes a folded part (80) of the first panel (44) and a folded part (70) of the second panel (40). The folded part (80) of the first panel (44) includes two lapped plies (82, 84) of the first panel (44). The folded part (70) of the second panel (40) includes two lapped plies (72, 74) of the second panel (40). The folded parts (80, 70) of the first and second panels (44, 40) overlap each other so as to define a double-lapped part (89) of the seam (52) which includes four lapped plies (82, 84, 72, 74) of the first and second panels (44, 40). A first row ( 94) of stitches fastens the four lapped plies (82, 84, 72, 74) of the first and second panels (44, 40) to each other.

Abstract: A restraint cushion is comprised of first and second fabric panels. Each of the two fabric panels is folded and interleaved with the other to form the restraint cushion. A single continuous seam interconnects the mating edges of the two panels. The restraint cushion has a generally cubic shape defined by top, bottom, forward, rearward, left, and right side. Each of the two fabric panels is a generally elongate continuous strip folded to a U-shape and interleaved with the other to form the cubic shape of the restraint cushion. The restraint cushion minimizes the number of panels used in forming the restraint cushion and minimizes the number of seams sewn to interconnect the panels so that the assembly costs of the restraint cushion are reduced.

Abstract: A non-woven recyclable polyester fabric suitable for use as a bale covering that is a single layer batt formed of crosslapped fiber having a structure compacted by needlepunching and calendering. A process for producing this non-woven recyclable polyester fabric that includes forming a web of fiber, crosslapping the web to form a batt, needlepunching the batt, and calendering the batt under suitable conditions.

Abstract: A multi-layer article of manufacture includes an intermediate layer of a water-swellable colloidal clay, such as bentonite, sandwiched between two layers of flexible sheet or fabric material wherein the two flexible layers of sheet or fabric material are structurally interconnected through the intermediate clay layer, such as by needle punching, after lubrication of the clay with a liquid, such as water, to interconnect fibers of one fabric layer to the other fabric layer at spaced locations over essentially the entire inner surface areas of both sheet or fabric material layers.

Abstract: A shaping-material or filler for textiles such as bedspreads, garments or the like is disclosed consisting of a large number of fiber aggregates of a maximum length of 50 mm each. The fiber aggregates are smaller and softer than down in nature and essentially all the fibers are crimped with the fibers of the individual fiber aggregates being arranged randomly inside each aggregate.A filler is created thereby which is especially suitable for textiles such as bedspreads, or garments such as jackets, coats or the like with, the filler being enclosed in an envelope. This filler can be made to vary in thickness with surface distribution, in the manner known for fiber balls and down. However, the filler has little shift, even if the textile is vigorously shaken, and nevertheless, is very soft.

Abstract: An organic thermal reservoir padding material containing a hydroxyalkylcellulose compounded with an alkylene glycol yields a dry, consolidated core material. Best results are obtained in a formulation comprising about 4 parts by volume of hydroxyethylcellulose and about 3 parts by volume of propylene glycol. The resultant organic compound (Table I) is non-toxic, solid, nontacky, dry and moldable into a solid structural form. A freeflowing, unconsolidated thermal reservoir material is produced by mixing about 2 parts by volume hydroxyethylcellulose with about 1 part by volume propylene glycol and about 1/4 part by volume bicarbonate of soda.

Abstract: A fabric for use in supporting a cellulose pulp sheet during passage through a Flakt dryer which is of asymmetric double weave construction, the fabric being folded into V-shaped configuration and there being essentially uncrimped, essentially inextensible load bearing yarns positioned between the weft yarns of the respective fabric layers and extending in the longitudinal direction of the fabric, adjacent ones of the load bearing yarns being separated by warp yarns of the less densely woven inner layer which weave also with the weft yarns of the outer layer. The more densely woven outer layer protects the load bearing yarns from wear and from the adverse effects of heat.

Abstract: An applique design is produced on a garment or other fabric article by providing chenille material having a fabric base and a plurality of cut or looped threads extending from an upper surface of a fabric base and applying a flexible backing material to a lower surface of the chenille material. The chenille material is cut to form edges having an outline of a desired design and disposed over a garment or fabric base. A polymer film is overlaid on the upper surface of the chenille material and a design is stitched over the film to the chenille material and the garment or fabric base, the stitching comprising closely spaced thread which covers and compresses portions of the film and chenille material, the film providing a barrier layer to prevent the thread loops from extending between the closely spaced thread of the stitching.

Abstract: Improved three-dimensional structures incorporating two components sewn together, at least one of which is a knitted component, have sewing alignment guides provided at spaced locations along an edge of the knitted component, the said guides being provided during the knitting operation. The guides can be knitted or laid-in lines in the fabric and/or notches formed in the fabric.