A multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric has stitching yarns integrated into the
papermaking surface. Each of a plurality of repeating units of the fabric comprises: a set of top
machine direction yarns; a set of top cross-
machine direction yarns interwoven with the top
machine direction yarns; a set of bottom machine direction yarns; a set of bottom cross-machine direction yarns interwoven with the bottom machine direction yarns; and pairs of first and second stitching yarns. The stitching yarns pairs are positioned between pairs of top cross-machine direction yarns. The stitching yarns of each pair are interwoven with the top and bottom machine direction yarns such that, as a
fiber support portion of the first stitching
yarn is interweaving with the top machine direction yarns, a binding portion of the second stitching
yarn is positioned below the top machine direction yarns, and such that as a
fiber support portion of the second stitching
yarn is interweaving with the top machine direction yarns, a binding portion of the first stitching yarn is positioned below the top machine direction yarns. The first and second stitching yarns cross each other as they pass below a traditional top machine direction yarn. Also, each of the binding portions of the first and second stitching yarns passes below at least one of the bottom machine direction yarns. In this configuration, the stitching yarns are completely integrated into the top, or
papermaking, surface of the fabric, and therefore do not adversely
impact the
papermaking qualities of the fabric.