Abstract: A pile fabric, especially velvet, can have a selection of yarn strands appearing on one of its faces severed by means of a focused laser beam. According to the invention, the zone of focus of the laser beam is brought successively into contact with predetermined portions of each of the strands for a period of time sufficient to cause combustion of at least some of the fibers forming each strand. The invention provides means for shifting the focus of the laser beam accordingly.

Abstract: A velvet cutting machine includes, a cutting knife having a knife holder, a knife blade and a velvet point, the velvet point extending at one end of the cutting knife in the form of a needle connected successively to the knife blade and the knife holder, the knife holder being connected by a shaft of the machine to a knife-retaining arm of the machine which, in turn, is coupled by another shaft of the machine, that is subjected to a spring, biasing force in peripheral direction thereof, to a cutting head of the machine swingingly suspended on a support arm of the machine extending substantially parallel to the region of a traveling fabric web that is to be cut.