WO2015019087A1

WO2015019087A1 - Improvements in or relating to joining fabric portions to one another

Info

Publication number: WO2015019087A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/052410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Sturman
Original assignee: Montfort Services Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2013-08-08
Filing date: 2014-08-06
Publication date: 2015-02-12
Also published as: GB201314241D0; GB2516962A

Abstract

A fabric construction (10; 50) comprises first and second fabric portions (12, 14) that are joined to one another in a desired configuration. The first fabric portion (12) has first and second outer surfaces (16, 18) between which extends a first end (20). The second fabric portion (14) has a third outer surface (30) against which the second outer surface (18) of the first fabric portion (12) is secured in abutment by at least one first stitch formation (32). The first end (20) of the first fabric portion (12) is secured in abutment against the third outer surface (30) of the second fabric portion (14) by a second stitch formation (34).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO JOINING FABRIC PORTIONS

TO ONE ANOTHER

This invention relates to a fabric construction comprising first and second fabric portions joined to one another in a desired configuration, and to a method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in such a configuration.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a fabric construction comprising first and second fabric portions joined to one another in a desired configuration, the first fabric portion having first and second outer surfaces between which extends a first end, the second fabric portion having a third outer surface against which the second outer surface of the first fabric portion is secured in abutment by at least one first stitch formation, the first end of the first fabric portion being secured in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion by a second stitch formation.

Having the first end of the first fabric portion abut against the third outer surface of the second portion means that none of the threads or other structural elements which might go to make up the first fabric portion is exposed and instead an essentially smooth and uniform interface between the first and second fabric portions is presented, e.g. to a wearer of a garment incorporating the fabric construction of the invention. As a result such a fabric construction is much less likely to cause irritation or discomfort to the wearer than, e.g. a conventional fabric construction in which such threads or other structural elements are exposed.

In addition, the absence of exposed threads or other structural elements from within the first fabric portion reduces considerably the number of elements within the fabric construction of the invention which might otherwise deteriorate or degrade during wear or washing, and so limits the adverse impact such wear and washing has on the appearance of the fabric construction of the invention.

Moreover, avoiding exposed threads or other structural elements from within the first fabric portion helps to improve colour matching between the first and second fabric portions. This is because typically any dye applied to a fabric portion penetrates only partially therethrough and so those threads or other structural elements lying towards the middle of a fabric portion often are dyed to a lesser extent and so have a different colour to the outer surfaces of the fabric portion. Optionally the first end of the first fabric portion is inclined relative to each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first fabric portion. Preferably the first end of the first fabric portion extends at an acute angle relative to the first outer surface and extends at an obtuse angle relative to the second outer surface.

Arranging the first end of the first fabric portion in each of the foregoing manners helps to facilitate urging of the first end into abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion.

The first and second fabric portions may have the same width as one another. Such an arrangement arises particularly in, e.g. breast support garments, where comfort is especially important.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the second fabric portion additionally includes a fourth outer surface and a second end which extends between the third and fourth outer surfaces thereof, and the second end of the second fabric portion is secured in abutment against the second outer surface of the first fabric portion by a third stitch formation.

Additionally having the second end of the second fabric portion secured in such a manner relative to the first fabric portion results in a fabric construction in which exposed threads or other structural elements are completely eliminated which similarly all but eliminates the likelihood of the fabric construction causing irritation or discomfort.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration, the first fabric portion having first and second outer surfaces between which extends a first end and the second fabric portion having a third outer surface, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) securing the second outer surface of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with at least one first stitch formation; and

(b) securing the first end of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with a second stitch formation. Securing the first end of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with a second stitch formation provides the same advantages as those associated with the aforementioned fabric construction of the invention. Preferably the method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration further comprises, after the step of (a) securing the second outer surface of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with at least one first stitch formation, the step of (c) removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation.

Removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation advantageously provides access to the first fabric portion in arrangements in which it is secured to the second fabric portion using an automated process if, for example, it is desired to alter where along the length of the first fabric portion the first end is located.

Optionally the step of (c) removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation includes moving the or each first stitch formation and a first cutting member into engagement with one another. Such a step severs the or each first stitch formation while minimising the risk of damage occurring to one or other of the first and second fabric portions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the first cutting member includes a datum formation which is cooperable with the or each first stitch formation to position the first fabric portion and the first cutting member relative to one another in a first datum position, and wherein moving the or each first stitch formation and the first cutting member into engagement with one another includes changing the relative position of the first fabric portion and the first cutting member to a second cutting position.

The provision of a first datum position and a second cutting position allows the method of the invention to be readily repeated in a consistent manner on a plurality of essentially identical first and second fabric portions.

The method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration may further include the step of selectively fixing the position of the first fabric portion relative to the datum formation. Such selective fixing of the first fabric portion relative to the datum formation helps to ensure the accuracy of any subsequent processing steps associated with the resulting fabric construction. Optionally the method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration further includes the step of returning the relative position of the first fabric portion and the first cutting member to the first datum position. Returning the first fabric portion and the first cutting member to the first datum position relative to one another helps to ensure that the first cutting member is suitably spaced from the first fabric portion, e.g. so as to avoid the first cutting member fouling a subsequent processing operation. In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention the method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration further comprises, after the step of (c) removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation, the step of (d) cutting the first fabric portion at or adjacent to the removed portion of the or each first stitch formation to define the first end of the first fabric portion.

Carrying out such a cutting step after removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation advantageously permits the first end of the first fabric portion to lie at or adjacent to an end or edge of the second fabric portion. Preferably the step of (d) cutting the first fabric portion at or adjacent to the removed portion of the or each first stitch formation includes moving the first fabric portion and a second cutting member into engagement with one another.

Such a step helps to provide for uniform and repeatable cutting of respective first fabric portions.

The step of moving the first fabric portion and the second cutting member into engagement with one another may include causing the second cutting member to pass through one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the first fabric portion and then through the other of the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the first fabric portion.

Causing the second cutting member to pass through the first fabric portion in the foregoing manner lends itself to being readily automated, e.g. as part of a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated punching operation. In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention the step of moving the first fabric portion and the second cutting member into engagement with one another includes moving the first fabric portion and the second cutting member laterally relative to one another whereby the second cutting member passes through each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first fabric portion at substantially the same time.

Such an operation, while being readily capable of being automated, additionally helps to ensure an accurate and smooth cut of the first fabric portion. The method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration may further include the step of arranging the first fabric portion and the second cutting member at an inclined angle relative to one another.

Arranging the first fabric portion and the second cutting member in such a manner means that the resulting first end is similarly inclined relative to each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first fabric portion which, in turn, helps to facilitate the urging of the first end into abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion. Optionally the step of (b) securing the first end of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with a second stitch formation includes forming a bar tack stitch formation across the width of the first fabric portion.

A bar tack stitch formation helps to draw the whole of the first end into abutment with the third outer surface of the second fabric portion while also reducing the likelihood of the first end inadvertently separating from the third outer surface.

There now follows a brief description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 (a) shows a schematic perspective view of a fabric construction according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 (b) shows a schematic partially-sectioned elevational view from one side of the fabric construction shown in Figure 1 (a);

Figure 1 (c) shows a schematic elevational view from one side of the fabric construction shown in Figure 1 (a) in a partially constructed configuration; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a fabric construction according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3(a) to 3(c) illustrate schematically a step in a first method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates schematically a further step in the first method;

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a still further step in the first method; and

Figure 6 illustrates schematically a plurality of steps in a second method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

A fabric construction according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by reference numeral 10. The fabric construction 10 includes first and second fabric portions 12, 14 which are joined to one another in a desired configuration.

The first fabric portion 12 has first and second outer surfaces 16, 18 between which extends a first end 20. The first end is inclined relative to each of the first and second outer surfaces 16, 18 and, more particularly as shown in Figure 1 (c), extends at and acute angle relative to the first outer surface 16 and at an obtuse angle relative to the second outer surface 18.

In the embodiment shown the first outer surface 16 is plusher and softer than the second outer surface 18, although this need not be the case in other embodiments of the invention.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown the first fabric portion 12 is a tubular fabric portion 22 within which is located a fabric casing member 24 that secures a support member 26, e.g. an underwire 28 for a breast support garment (not shown), to the first fabric portion 12. Other embodiments of the invention may include other forms of first fabric portion 12 such as fabric tapes or the like.

The second fabric portion 14 has a third outer surface 30 against which the second outer surface 18 of the first fabric portion 12 is secured in abutment by a pair of first stitch formations 32. Other embodiments of the invention may include more than or less than two first stitch formations 32. In addition, the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12 is secured in abutment against the third outer surface 30 of the second fabric portion 14 by a second stitch formation 34.

The second stitch formation 34 is a bar tack stitch formation 36 which extends beyond the first end 20 and beyond the width wi of the first fabric portion 12.

The bar tack stitch formation 36 includes a first thread 38, in the form of a needle thread 40, and a second thread 42 in the form of a bobbin thread 44, as shown in Figure 1 (b). In the embodiment shown the needle thread 40 is or includes a multifilament thread, such as a textured polyester thread or a microfiber textured polyester thread. Such a thread is softer (and hence less likely to cause irritation to the wearer of a garment in which the first fabric construction 10 is incorporated) than conventional needle threads, such as core spun or staple spun polyester threads, which are normally used. Nevertheless, in other embodiments of the invention the needle thread 40 may be or include such a spun polyester thread.

A fabric construction according to a second embodiment of the invention is designated generally by reference numeral 50. The second fabric construction 50 is similar to the first fabric construction 10 and like features share the same reference numerals.

In the second fabric construction 50 the width wi , W2 of each of the first and second fabric portions 12, 14 is the same. In addition the second fabric portion 14 also includes a fourth outer surface 52, and a second end 54 that extends between the third and fourth outer surfaces 30, 52 of the second fabric portion 14. The second end is, like the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12 inclined at an angle to each of the third and fourth outer surfaces 30, 52 and, more particularly, extends at an obtuse angle relative the third outer surface 30 and at an acute angle relative to the fourth outer surface 52.

The second end 54 is similarly secured in abutment against the second outer surface 18 of the first fabric portion 12 by a third stitch formation 56 in the form of a further bar tack stitch formation 58. In this manner, in the second fabric construction 50 each of the first and second ends 20, 54 is secured in abutment against the corresponding outer surface 30, 18 of the opposed fabric portion 14, 12 by a respective bar tack stitch formation 36, 58. A method of forming the first fabric construction 10 shown in each of Figures 1(a), 1 (b) and 1 (c) includes the steps of:

(a) securing the second outer surface 18 of the first fabric portion 12 in abutment against the third outer surface 30 of the second fabric portion 14 with a pair of first stitch formations 32; and

(b) securing the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12 in abutment against the third outer surface 30 of the second fabric portion 14 with a second stitch formation 34.

After securing the second and third outer surfaces 18, 30 in abutment with one another, and before securing the first end 20, a step (c) of removing a portion of each of the pair of first stitch formations 32 is carried out. Figures 3(a) to 3(c) illustrate schematically step (c) in a first method according to an embodiment of the invention.

More particularly Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show a first cutting member 70 into engagement with which an operative moves each of the first stitch formations 32.

The first cutting member 70 takes the form of a circular cutting disc 72 which is sandwiched between first and second shroud members 74 (only one of which is shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c)). Each shroud member 74 has a smaller diameter than the cutting disc 72 and is intended to reduce the risk of the cutting disc 72 inadvertently cutting the first or second fabric portions 12, 14 rather than each of the first stitch formations 32.

A benefit of utilising a circular cutting disc 72 is that it acts to automatically centre the pair of first stitch formations 32. In addition its operating lifetime may be easily extended by rotating it slightly so as to present a portion of its perimeter which remains sharp to each of the first stitch formations 32. In other embodiments of the invention the first cutting member 70 may, however, take a different form such as a cutting blade or knife.

The first cutting member 70 includes a first datum formation 76 which cooperates with the first stitch formations 32 to position the first fabric portion 12 and the first cutting member 70 in a first datum position relative to one another, as shown in Figure 3(b). In addition the first cutting member 70 includes first and second guide formations 78, 80 each of which lies to one side of the first datum formation 76. In use, with the first fabric portion 12 and first cutting member 70 lying in the first datum position, the first fabric portion 12 extends over the cutting disc 72 and the first and second guide formations 78, 80 act to urge the second fabric portion 14 to pass over the opposite side of the cutting disc 72 and thereby separate the first and second fabric portions 12, 14.

Once so positioned, movement of the first stitch formations 32 into engagement with the first cutting member 70 involves the operative driving the first stitch formations 32 into the cutting disc 72 and thereby changing the relative position of the first fabric portion 12 and the first cutting member 70 to a second cutting position, as shown in Figure 3(c). In other embodiments of the method of the invention the cutting disc 72 may instead be driven into the first stitch formations 32 which are otherwise held stationary. In the second cutting position, a portion of each first stitch formation 32 has been removed, i.e. cut, by the cutting disc 72 such that each first stitch formation 32 now terminates within the confines of the second fabric portion 14.

Once removal of a portion of each first stitch formation 32 has taken place the operative removes the first and second fabric portions 12, 14 from engagement with the first cutting member 70, with such a step causing the first fabric portion 12 and the first cutting member 70 to pass through the first datum position.

After the step (c) of removing a portion of each of the pair of first stitch formations 32, a further step (d) of cutting the first fabric portion adjacent to the removed portion of the pair of first stitch formations 32 is carried out to define the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically step (d) in the first method of the invention.

More particularly Figure 4 shows a second cutting member 90 into engagement with which an operative moves the first fabric portion 12.

The second cutting member 90 includes a guide aperture 92 which receives the first fabric portion 12. The guide aperture 92 is arranged at an inclined angle relative to a cutting blade 94 which is operable to be driven through the first fabric portion 12. Other embodiments of the invention may utilise a second cutting member 90 which takes a different form, e.g. such as a cutting disc. The second cutting member 90 also includes a second datum formation 96 against which the operative abuts the second fabric portion 14 so as to position the first fabric 12 as desired relative to the cutting blade 94. Once the first fabric portion 12 is positioned as desired relative to the cutting blade 94 the cutting blade 94 is driven through the first fabric portion 12, e.g. by a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator (not shown), so that is passes through the first outer surface 16 of the first fabric portion 12 and then its second outer surface 18. The inclined relative arrangement of the guide aperture 92 and the cutting blade 94 means that the resulting cut first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12 is similarly inclined relative to each of the first and second outer surfaces 16, 18 thereof.

In other embodiments of the method of the invention the cutting blade 94 may instead be held stationary and the first fabric portion 12 driven into it.

Following the completion of step (d) mentioned above, step (b) (also mentioned above) is then carried out.

More particularly, the step (b) of securing the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12 in abutment against the third outer surface 30 of the second fabric portion 14 with a second stitch formation 34 includes forming a bar tack stitch formation 36 across the width Wi of the first fabric portion 12.

Figure 5 illustrates schematically one example of how the bar tack stitch formation 36 may be configured, although other embodiments of the method of the invention may incorporate different configurations.

The exemplary bar tack stitch formation 36 includes a start point 100 from where the stitch formation 36 follows a stitch path 102 which zigzags between a first datum line 104, that lies solely on the second fabric portion 14, and a second datum line 106 which overlies both the first and second fabric portions 12, 14. In addition, in the bar tack stitch formation 36 shown the stitch path 102 extends beyond the width wi of the first fabric portion 12. Figure 6 illustrates schematically steps (c) and (d) mentioned above in a second method of the invention. A number of the components used to carry out the second method are similar to those used to carry out the first method of the invention (as set out above) and so like features share the same reference numerals.

More particularly Figure 6 shows a first cutting member 70 which is moved into engagement with each of the first stitch formations 32.

The first cutting member 70 again takes the form of a circular cutting disc 72, but the cutting disc 72 is moveable relative to the first datum formation 76 between a retracted position, as shown in Figure 6, and a cutting position in which it cuts through a portion of the pair of first stitch formations 32.

The first cutting member 70 shown in Figure 6 additional includes a clamping member (not shown) which is used to selectively fix the position of the first fabric portion 12 relative to the first datum formation 76. In this manner it is possible to maintain the position of the first fabric portion 12 relative to the first datum formation 76 throughout subsequent processing steps.

The first datum formation 76 again cooperates with the first stitch formations 32 to position the first fabric portion 12 and the cutting disc 72 relative to one another in a first datum position, i.e. with the first fabric portion 12 clamped in position relative to the first datum formation 76 and the cutting disc 72 lying in the retracted position shown in Figure 6.

In use, with the first fabric portion 12 and first cutting member 70 lying in the first datum position, the first fabric portion 12 again extends over the cutting disc 72 and the first and second guide formations 78, 80 act to urge the second fabric portion 14 to pass over the opposite side of the cutting disc 72 and thereby separate the first and second fabric portions 12, 14. Once so positioned, movement of the first stitch formations 32 into engagement with the first cutting member 70 involves movement of the cutting disc 72 into its cutting position in which a portion of each first stitch formation 32 has been removed, i.e. cut, by the cutting disc 72 such that each first stitch formation 32 now terminates within the confines of the second fabric portion 14.

Such movement of the cutting disc 72 changes the relative position of the first fabric portion 12 and the first cutting member 70 to a second cutting position, and may be affected by a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. The cutting disc 72 may also be spun about its central rotational axis during movement into its cutting position.

Once removal of a portion of each first stitch formation 32 has taken place the cutting disc 72 is returned to its retracted position such that the relative position of the first fabric portion 12 and the first cutting member 70 returns to the first datum position. Movement of the cutting disc 72 back to its retracted position may again be affected by a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. Alternatively the cutting disc 72 may be biased towards its retracted position, e.g. by a spring, such that on removal of a force urging the cutting disc 72 into its cutting position the biasing force urges the cutting disc 72 back to its retracted position.

In other embodiments of the method of the invention the first fabric portion 12 may instead be moved relative to a fixed cutting disc 72 to affect cutting of the first stitch formations 32.

In any event, such movement of the cutting disc 72 back to its retracted position moves it clear of the second cutting member 90 which is then able to carry out the further step (d) of cutting the first fabric portion 12 adjacent to the removed portion of the pair of first stitch formations 32 to define the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12.

The second cutting member 90 takes the form of a second cutting disc 1 10 which is arranged at an inclined angle relative to the first outer surface 16 of the first fabric portion 12 which remains fixedly clamped relative to the first datum formation 76.

More particularly the first datum formation 76 is arranged on a carriage 112 that is moveable laterally relative to the second cutting disc 110. The carriage 1 12 is inclined relative to the second cutting disc 110 such that the first fabric portion 12 secured thereto is presented at an inclined angle to the second cutting disc 110. In some embodiments of the method of the invention the angle of inclination of the carriage 1 12 relative to the cutting disc 1 10 may be altered as desired.

Each of the first datum slot 76 and the first and second guide formations 78, 80 includes a respective slot 114 to accommodate a cutting edge 1 16 of the second cutting disc 110. Moreover the distance between the second cutting disc 110 and the first datum formation 76, and hence the extent to which the cutting edge 1 16 of the second cutting disc 1 10 extends into each slot 1 14, may be varied. With the first fabric portion 12 continuing to be held in position relative to the first datum formation 76, the carriage 112 is moved laterally, e.g. by a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator or a mechanical screw, so that the first and second outer surfaces 16, 18 of the first fabric portion 12 are driven through the second cutting disc 110 at substantially the same time. During this operation the second cutting disc 110 is spinning about its central rotational axis so as to affect a neat and clean cut of the first fabric portion 12.

Meanwhile the inclined relative arrangement of the carriage 1 12 and the second cutting disc 1 10 results in the cut first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12 being similarly inclined relative to each of the first and second outer surfaces 16, 18 thereof.

In further methods of the invention, the second cutting disc 1 10 may be utilised prior to step (c), i.e. before removing a portion of each of the pair of first stitch formations 32, to partially cut laterally through the first fabric portion 12 and associated first stitch formations 32. Preferably this pre-cutting takes place at a position coincident with a desired cutting position of the first cutting member 70, i.e. coincident with where ultimately it is desired to have each first stitch formation 32 terminate within the confines of the second fabric portion 14.

Such pre-cutting of the first fabric portion 12 and associated first stitch formations 32 acts to sever one or more stitches of each first stitch formation 32 such that the portion of each first stitch formation 32 to be subsequently removed by the first cutting member 70 is no longer held in tension. As a result such subsequent removal, i.e. cutting of the respective portions of each first stitch formation 32, can be effected very readily.

The aforementioned pre-cutting, i.e. partial lateral cutting of the first fabric portion 12 and associated first stitch formations 32, can be achieved by temporarily increasing the distance between the second cutting disc 1 10 and the first datum formation 76 so that the second cutting disc 110 extends only partly into the first fabric portion 12 as it is moved laterally relative thereto for a first time by the associated carriage 112.

In such circumstances the first fabric portion 12 is subsequently cut through completely to define the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12, as described hereinabove in relation to step (d) of the method of the invention, once removal of a portion of each first stitch formation 32 has taken place. In any event, following completion of the aforementioned steps the fabric construction 10, i.e. the first and second fabric portions 12, 14, is removed from the carriage 112, e.g. by unclamping the clamping member, and the carriage may be returned to its original position, i.e. as shown in Figure 6, ready to receive and operate on a further fabric construction.

Following the completion of step (d) the resulting fabric construction 10 may be taken to another work station where a bar tack stitch formation 36 is formed across the width wi of the first fabric portion 12 to secure the first end 20 of the first fabric portion 12 in abutment against the third outer surface 30 of the second fabric portion 14. Such a bar tack stitch formation 36 may adopt the configuration shown in Figure 5.

Either of the first and second methods set out above may be used in a second processing step to form the second fabric construction 50 shown in Figure 2.

Claims

CLAIMS;

1. A fabric construction comprising first and second fabric portions joined to one another in a desired configuration, the first fabric portion having first and second outer surfaces between which extends a first end, the second fabric portion having a third outer surface against which the second outer surface of the first fabric portion is secured in abutment by at least one first stitch formation, the first end of the first fabric portion being secured in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion by a second stitch formation.

2. A fabric construction according to Claim 1 wherein the first end of the first fabric portion is inclined relative to each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first fabric portion.

3. A fabric construction according to Claim 2 wherein the first end of the first fabric portion extends at an acute angle relative to the first outer surface and extends at an obtuse angle relative to the second outer surface.

4. A fabric construction according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second fabric portions have the same width as one another.

5. A fabric construction according to Claim 4 wherein the second fabric portion additionally includes a fourth outer surface and a second end which extends between the third and fourth outer surfaces thereof, and the second end of the second fabric portion is secured in abutment against the second outer surface of the first fabric portion by a third stitch formation.

6. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration, the first fabric portion having first and second outer surfaces between which extends a first end and the second fabric portion having a third outer surface, the method comprising the steps of:

(b) securing the first end of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with a second stitch formation.

7. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 6 further comprising, after the step of (a) securing the second outer surface of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with at least one first stitch formation, the step of (c) removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation.

8. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 7 wherein the step of (c) removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation includes moving the or each first stitch formation and a first cutting member into engagement with one another.

9. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 8 wherein the first cutting member includes a datum formation which is cooperable with the or each first stitch formation to position the first fabric portion and the first cutting member relative to one another in a first datum position, and wherein moving the or each first stitch formation and the first cutting member into engagement with one another includes changing the relative position of the first fabric portion and the first cutting member to a second cutting position.

10. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 9 further including the step of selectively fixing the position of the first fabric portion relative to the datum formation.

11. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 further including the step of returning the relative position of the first fabric portion and the first cutting member to the first datum position.

12. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to any of Claims 7 to 11 further comprising, after the step of (c) removing a portion of the or each first stitch formation, the step of (d) cutting the first fabric portion at or adjacent to the removed portion of the or each first stitch formation to define the first end of the first fabric portion.

13. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 12 wherein the step of (d) cutting the first fabric portion at or adjacent to the removed portion of the or each first stitch formation includes moving the first fabric portion and a second cutting member into engagement with one another.

14. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 13 wherein the step of moving the first fabric portion and the second cutting member into engagement with one another includes causing the second cutting member to pass through one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the first fabric portion and then through the other of the first outer surface and the second outer surface of the first fabric portion.

15. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to Claim 13 wherein the step of moving the first fabric portion and the second cutting member into engagement with one another includes moving the first fabric portion and the second cutting member laterally relative to one another whereby the second cutting member passes through each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first fabric portion at substantially the same time.

16. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to any of Claims 13 to 15 further including the step of arranging the first fabric portion and the second cutting member at an inclined angle relative to one another.

17. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration according to any of Claims 6 to 16 wherein the step of (b) securing the first end of the first fabric portion in abutment against the third outer surface of the second fabric portion with a second stitch formation includes forming a bar tack stitch formation across the width of the first fabric portion.

18. A fabric construction generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.

19. A method of joining first and second fabric portions to one another in a desired configuration generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.