An article comprised of tape segments embroidered in place is disclosed. One embodiment includes tape segments embroidered to a self-supporting embroidered structure. Another embodiment includes tape segments embroidered together to form an embroidered lattice structure. In one embodiment, some of the tape segments may expand when exposed to heat and may be used to form cushioning regions for the article.

An article comprised of tape segments embroidered in place is disclosed. One embodiment includes tape segments embroidered to a self-supporting embroidered structure. Another embodiment includes tape segments embroidered together to form an embroidered lattice structure. In one embodiment, some of the tape segments may expand when exposed to heat and may be used to form cushioning regions for the article.

A method for embroidering endless strips using an embroidery machine includes the following steps: Feeding a strip section of at least one upper strip to an embroidery area of an embroidery frame; introducing embroidery using at least one embroidery head onto the strip section of the upper strip within the embroidery area of the embroidery frame; feeding at least one lower strip to the embroidery area of the embroidery frame, which is placed below the upper strip; producing at least one connecting seam between the upper strip and the lower strip in a plane of the embroidery frame; and removing the finished strip comprising the embroidered strip and the lower strip sewn thereto.

A controller acquires sewing data for sewing an applique piece on a sewing target material, the applique piece having a shape having a hole, the hole being a closed area surrounded by at least part of the applique piece, identifies a contour of the applique piece while distinguishing an inner contour and an outer contour, the inner contour being the contour defining the hole of the applique piece, the outer contour being the contour other than the inner contour, determines, based on the acquired sewing data, whether an inner stitch and an outer stitch are arranged at positions closer to each other than a particular distance or at positions overlapping each other, and outputs an error notification in response to determining that the inner stitch and the outer stitch are arranged at positions closer to each other than the particular distance or at positions overlapping each other.

The sewing machine is configured to prevent a string-shaped material from catching on a nearby component part thereof. A guide member for guiding the string-shaped material toward a sewing position reciprocates in a lateral direction to sew the string-shaped material to a sewing workpiece through zigzag stitching. A restriction member is disposed close to the guide member and has a laterally elongated section having a length corresponding to a range of reciprocation of the guide member. The string-shaped material extending from the guide member to the sewing position is positioned to be located beneath the laterally elongated section of the restriction member. With the presence of the laterally elongated section, when the guide member reciprocates, the string-shaped material being swung left and right by the guide member is reliably positioned (restricted) beneath the laterally elongated section. The restriction member may function as a presser foot too.

The sewing machine is configured to prevent a string-shaped material from catching on a nearby component part thereof. A guide member for guiding the string-shaped material toward a sewing position reciprocates in a lateral direction to sew the string-shaped material to a sewing workpiece through zigzag stitching. A restriction member is disposed close to the guide member and has a laterally elongated section having a length corresponding to a range of reciprocation of the guide member. The string-shaped material extending from the guide member to the sewing position is positioned to be located beneath the laterally elongated section of the restriction member. With the presence of the laterally elongated section, when the guide member reciprocates, the string-shaped material being swung left and right by the guide member is reliably positioned (restricted) beneath the laterally elongated section. The restriction member may function as a presser foot too.

A cutting system includes a sewing machine and a cutting device. The sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a sewing communication portion, a sewing processor, and a sewing memory. The sewing machine acquires an embroidery data stored in the sewing memory. The sewing machine sends, via a network line, the acquired embroidery data. The cutting device includes a cutting portion, a cutter communication portion, a cutter processor, and a cutter memory. The cutting device receives, via the network line, the embroidery data sent by the sewing machine. The cutting device generates a cutting data based on the received embroidery data. The cutting device drives the cutting portion based on the generated cutting data, and cuts the object to be cut.

A processing data generation device includes an input portion, a processor, and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a detection signal of the input portion. The memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes. The processes include pattern identification processing of identifying a target pattern, region specification command acquisition processing of acquiring, via the input portion, a region specification command to select, as a cutting region, a first region surrounded by an outside of the target pattern and by the target pattern, and processing data generation processing of creating processing data for cutting out, from a workpiece to be cut, the cutting region specified by the region specification command, as an applique piece.

An article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes. Between nodes portions of ribbon act like links joining the nodes. The links can be arranged in various geometries, including a rectangular grid and a triaxial grid. The ribbon structure may extend the entire length of the article of footwear, and may extend through a forefoot, midfoot and heel.

A textile manufactured product made using embroidery machines comprises a base structure made of thread-like and/or ribbon-like elements which are made of at least one first material and also comprises at least one thread-like and/or ribbon-like ornamental element made of at least one second material which is different to the first material in terms of mechanical strength and reflection/refraction of the light; the thread-like and/or ribbon-like ornamental element is connected to said base structure by means of a plurality of knots which are positioned at predetermined intervals along the thread-like and/or ribbon-like elements made of the first material.