Abstract:
A stitch structure has a first surface and a second surface. The stitch structure includes: a first fabric having a first end section; a second fabric having a second end section; a first stitching that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the first end section; a second stitching that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the second end section; a third stitching; and a tape-shaped member. The stitch structure is characterized by; a first thread and a second thread being arranged in the first stitching and the second stitching, respectively, so as to repeatedly return across and penetrate at least the first fabric and at least the second fabric, in the thickness direction thereof; a decorative thread being arranged in the third stitching so as to repeatedly span between at least the first thread and the second thread; and the tape-shaped member binding the first fabric and the second fabric.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a seam structure, 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Flat seaming is a known method for sewing of fabrics, wherein the edges of two fabrics are stitched together. In a flat seaming sewing method, 4 needles are used, for example, to compose the seam of 6 threads (4 needle threads, 1 looper thread and 1 top cover thread), and the outlet seam is flat (see PTL 1 and PTL 2, for example). The sewing machine using for flat seaming is a 4-needle, feed-off-the-arm, interlock stitch machine, and the seam formed by flat seaming is called a “flat seam”. 
         [0003]    In flat seaming, the stitching is performed with the fabric edges are in contact with each other, and therefore the sewn sections are soft and few irregularities result. Clothing that has been sewn by flat seaming therefore has no outlet seam on the back side of the fabric, such that the skin does not contact with an outlet seam and stress on the skin is thereby alleviated. In other words, a satisfactory fitting feel is provided for the wearer. In addition, flat seaming is more responsive to fabric elongation compared to common sewing methods, and the strength and durability of the sewn sections are highly superior. 
         [0004]    Flat seaming is therefore widely employed not only for underwear; however, also for sportswear including swimwear, athletic competition uniforms and wet suits. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0005]    PTL 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication HEI No. 8-238389 
         [0006]    PTL 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-34668 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0007]    However, although there are no outlet seams with 2-needle, flatbed, interlock stitch machines and 4-needle, feed-off-the-arm, interlock stitch machines, raised sections having decorative threads are nevertheless present on the skin side when worn, and the feel on the skin can potentially be uncomfortable due to the raised sections and decorative threads. Furthermore, removing the decorative threads on the skin side exposes the skin side to the fabric edges, and reduces the quality. 
         [0008]    It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a seam structure with minimal skin contact and excellent quality. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0009]    The present inventors have devised a seam structure comprising a first fabric having a first edge, a second fabric having a second edge, the second fabric being disposed adjacent to the first fabric such that a direction in which the second edge extends is essentially parallel to a direction in which the first edge extends, a first seam formed by a first thread and extending in a direction essentially parallel to the direction in which the first edge extends, a second seam formed by a second thread and extending in a direction essentially parallel to the direction in which the second edge extend, a third seam formed by a decorative thread, and a tape-like member having a base and a bonded section, the seam structure having a first surface and a second surface, wherein at the first seam, the first thread is disposed so as to run through at least the first fabric in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof, at the second seam, the second thread is disposed so as to run through at least the second fabric in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof, the third seam is disposed on the first surface, and at the third seam, the decorative thread is disposed so as to repetitively straddle across at least the first thread and the second thread, and the tape-like member is disposed on the second surface, the bonded section of the tape-like member bonding the first fabric and the second fabric. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0010]    The seam structure of the disclosure has minimal skin contact and excellent quality. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seam structure  1  according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic plan view of the first surface  2  of the seam structure  1  according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a schematic plan view of the second surface  3  of the seam structure  1  according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing an example of a sewing machine to be used for forming a seam structure of the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view showing a needle cage and needles, in the sewing machine shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the pet of movement of a needle and lower looper. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a diagram schematically showing a state of sewing together two fabrics using the sewing machine shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seam structure according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seam structure according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seam structure according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Embodiments of the disclosure will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, with the understanding that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3  are diagrams schematically showing a seam structure  1  according to the present embodiment,  FIG. 1  being a cross-sectional view,  FIG. 2  being a plan view of the first surface  2  of the seam structure  1 , and  FIG. 3  being a plan view of the second surface  3  of the seam structure  1 . 
         [0023]    The seam structure  1  of the disclosure comprises a first fabric  4  having a first edge  4   a,  a second fabric  5  having a second edge  5   a,  a first seam  11  formed by a first thread T 1  and extending in a direction essentially parallel to the direction D in which the first edge  4   a  extends, a second seam  12  formed by a second thread T 2  and extending in a direction essentially parallel to the direction D in which the second edge  5   a  extends, a third seam  13  formed by a decorative thread T 3 , and a tape-like member  14  having a base and a bonded section, the seam structure having a first surface  2  and a second surface  3 . The first seam  11  and second seam  12  are disposed running in an essentially parallel direction (direction D) across a fixed width W. 
         [0024]    For this embodiment, the first fabric  4  and second fabric  5  are disposed in an adjacent manner such that the direction in which the first edge  4   a  extends and the direction in which the second edge  5   a  extends are an essentially parallel direction (direction D). Also, the first fabric  4  and second fabric  5  are disposed with the first edge  4   a  and second edge  5   a  overlapping in the thickness direction T of the seam structure  1 . 
         [0025]    At the first seam  11 , the first thread T 1  is disposed in a manner running through the first fabric  4  and tape-like member  14  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the first fabric  4  and tape-like member  14 . At the first seam  11 , the first thread T 1  repetitively reciprocates between the surface  4   b  of the first fabric  4  on the first surface  2  of the seam structure  1 , and the surface  14   a  of the tape-like member  14  on the second surface  3  of the seam structure  1 . 
         [0026]    At the second seam  12 , the second thread T 2  is disposed in a manner running through the second fabric  5  and tape-like member  14  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the second fabric  5  and tape-like member  14 . At the second seam  12 , the second thread T 2  repetitively reciprocates between the surface  4   b  of the first fabric  4  on the first surface  2  of the seam structure  1 , and the surface  14   a  of the tape-like member  14  on the second surface  3  of the seam structure  1 . 
         [0027]    The third seam  13  is disposed on the first surface  2  of the seam structure  1 , and at the third seam  13 , the decorative thread T 3  is disposed so as to repetitively straddle across the first thread T 1  and the second thread T 2 . For this embodiment, the third seam  13  meanders between the first thread T 1  and the second thread T 2 . 
         [0028]    The tape-like member  14  is disposed on the second surface  3 , with the bonded section of the tape-like member  14  bonding the first fabric  4  and the second fabric  5 . 
         [0029]    For this embodiment, the edge face  4   c  of the first edge  4   a  of the first fabric  4  and the edge face  5   c  of the second edge  5   a  of the second fabric  5  lie between the first seam  11  and the second seam  12 . 
         [0030]    For this embodiment, the second surface  3  of the seam structure  1  is used as the skin side, so that the wearer is less likely to experience a contacting feel on the skin. On the second surface  3 , the joining section of the first fabric  4  and the second fabric  5  is covered by the tape-like member  14 , and therefore the quality is excellent. 
         [0031]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the edge face  4   c  of the first edge  4   a  of the first fabric  4  and the edge face  5   c  of the second edge  5   a  of the second fabric  5  lie between the first seam  11  and the second seam  12 , however according to the present disclosure, at least the edge face of the first edge of the first fabric lies between the first seam and the second seam, whereby the edge face of the first edge is covered by the third seam (decorative thread) and cannot be directly seen from the exterior, resulting in an excellent aesthetic quality. 
         [0032]    According to the present disclosure, the edge face of the second edge of the second fabric does not need to lie between the first seam and the second seam, from the viewpoint of quality. 
         [0033]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the edge face  5   c  of the second edge  5   a  of the second fabric  5  lies between the first seam  11  and the second seam  12 ; however, in a seam structure according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the edge face of the second edge of the second fabric may lie on the outer side of the first seam (the side opposite from the second seam side). If the tape-like member bonds the first fabric and second fabric, i.e. if it covers the edge face of the second edge of the second fabric, then problems related to the feel on the skin due to the edge face of the second edge will be less likely to occur. In addition, if the edge face of the second edge of the second fabric lies on the outer side of the first seam, the first seam will be disposed so as to run through at least the first fabric and second fabric in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction, and therefore the strength of the seam structure will be increased. 
         [0034]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the first thread T 1  in the first seam  11  is disposed so as to run through the first fabric  4  and tape-like member  14  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in their thickness direction T; however, according to the present disclosure, the strength of the seam structure will be increased if the first seam is disposed so as to run through the members including the tape-like member in a repetitive reciprocating manner in their thickness direction. 
         [0035]    Likewise, the strength of the seam structure will be increased if the second seam is similarly disposed so as to run through the members including the tape-like member in a repetitive reciprocating manner in their thickness direction. 
         [0036]    For the present disclosure, the first fabric and second fabric are not particularly restricted and may each be a fabric commonly used in the technical field, such as a woven fabric, knitted fabric or nonwoven fabric. 
         [0037]    The threads, including the first thread, second thread and decorative thread (and the third thread and fourth thread mentioned below), may be ones commonly used in the technical field for flat seaming, for example, and they are preferably ones with easy elongation in order to avoid inhibiting elongation of the first fabric and second fabric. 
         [0038]    There are no particular restrictions on the base of the tape-like member, and it may be a fabric, such as a woven fabric, knitted fabric or nonwoven fabric, and considering the possibility of direct contact with the skin of the wearer, it is preferably one that is soft and easily elongated, such as a knitted fabric. When the base of the tape-like member is a knitted fabric and the first seam and second seam are exposed on the surface of the tape-like member, the first thread and second thread forming the first seam and second seam, respectively, can settle into the base which is a knitted fabric, thereby improving the feel of the second surface on the skin. 
         [0039]    If the base of the tape-like member is a woven fabric, the thickness of the tape-like member will be smaller than when it is a knitted fabric; however, the first seam and second seam will be less able to settle into the base, the wearer will be more likely to feel the first seam and second seam on the second surface, and the feel on the skin will tend to be impaired. 
         [0040]    The bonded section of the tape-like member may be one that is commonly employed in the technical field, and for example, it may be one having an adhesive property at room temperature, or having an adhesive property upon heating. 
         [0041]    Examples for the tape-like member include types having a base made of a polyester based knitted fabric and having a polyurethane-based hot-melt adhesive. The tape-like member is pressed at a high temperature, such as 150° C., for bonding of the first fabric and second fabric. 
         [0042]    The tape-like member preferably has a certain degree of thickness from the viewpoint described above; however, if it is too thick the tape-like member itself will form a raised section, reducing the feel on the skin and the visual quality. Therefore, the thickness of the tape-like member is not particularly restricted; however, is preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, for example. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing an example of a sewing machine  50  to be used to form the seam structure  1  according to this embodiment. The sewing machine  50  basically has the same construction as a conventional 4-needle flat seamer. 
         [0044]    According to this embodiment, with the 2 needles and needle threads on the outer side among 4 needles, and the upper decorative thread, removed from a conventional 4-needle, feed-off-the-arm, interlock stitch machine, the first seam and second seam are formed by the two inside needle threads, and the decorative thread on the first surface is formed by a looper thread. 
         [0045]    The sewing machine  50  includes a sewing machine main body  52  anchored to a base  51 , and a bed  53  provided extending from the sewing machine main body  52 . 
         [0046]    The sewing machine main body  52  has an essentially L-shape, with a rising portion  54  rising upward from the base  51 , a horizontal portion  55  curving at an approximate right angle from the top end of the rising portion  54  and extending in the horizontal direction, and a needle bar guide  56  provided at the tip section of the horizontal portion  55 . At the needle bar guide  56 , a needle bar  57  is in a reciprocally movable state in the vertical direction, and is housed in a state with its top end protruding upward from the needle bar guide  56 . The needle bar  57  has mechanical power transferred from a motor (not shown) provided in the base  51 , whereby it is reciprocally driven in the vertical direction. At the bottom of the needle bar guide  56  there are provided two needles  58  on the lower end of the needle bar  57 . The two needles  58  move up and down as the needle bar  57  is driven to move up and down. 
         [0047]    The bed  53  is disposed extending essentially in the horizontal direction from the rising portion  54  of the sewing machine main body  52 , with its tip section facing two needles  58  provided on the needle bar guide  56 . Inside the bed  53  there is provided a lower looper  61 , near the tip section, i.e. at the position facing the lower ends of the needles  58 . The lower looper  61  moves in an elliptical orbit, in synchronization with movement of the needles  58  in the vertical direction. The needle thread T 11  is supplied to the two needles  58  from a thread winding reel (not shown), through a first thread guide piece  62 , a second thread guide piece  63  and a third thread guide piece  64 . Each needle thread T 11  has its tensile force adjusted separately by tension adjusting means  65  lying between the first thread guide piece  62  and thread winding reel (not shown). At the lower looper  61 , decorative thread T 12  is provided through the sewing machine main body  52  from a thread winding reel (not shown), via tension adjusting means  68 . The tensile force of the decorative thread T 12  supplied to the lower looper  61  is thus easily adjusted. 
         [0048]    In particular, the sewing machine  50  is provided with a fabric cutter  90  that cuts a first edge of a first fabric and a second edge of a second fabric, and tape-like member supply means (not shown) that supplies a tape-like member  14  toward the section between the fabric cutter  90  and the needles  58 . The tape-like member  14  is layered over the first fabric and second fabric through a guide hole  91 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view showing a needle cage  69  and two needles  58 . The needle cage  69  has an essentially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and it has insertion holes  70  through which the two needles  58  are inserted. 
         [0050]    The two needles  58  are inserted into the insertion holes  70  and fixing bolts  72  are screwed into the screw holes  71 , so that they are fixed in the needle cage  69 . The insertion holes  70  are rectangular, and the two needles  58  are fixed alongside each other in the widthwise direction of the needle cage  69 . 
         [0051]    The two needles  58  are fixed in the needle cage  69 , and a fitting section  74 , having an outer screw formed on the side opposite the side on which the two needles  58  are fitted, is screw-fitted into the needle bar  57  to fit the two needles  58  onto the needle bar  57 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the path of movement of a needle  58  and lower looper  61  in a sewing machine  50 . The needle  58  has an insertion hole  81  formed near the tip section, the needle thread T 1  being inserted into the insertion hole  81 . The needle  58  reciprocally moves up and down, forming a first seam (and second seam). 
         [0053]    The lower looper  61  has a longitudinal form, with a pointed tip section  85 . Decorative thread T 12  is inserted in the lower looper  61  in the interior from the rear end  86  side to near the tip section  85 . A third seam is formed when the decorative thread T 12  is operated by the lower looper  61 . The lower looper  61  moves in an ellipsoid fashion enveloping the path through which the needle  58  passes, in the plane essentially perpendicular to the vertical direction of the needle  58 . The movement of the lower looper  61  in the elliptical orbit takes place in synchronization with the up/down movement of the needle  58 . 
         [0054]    By the mutually synchronous movement of the needle  58  and lower boner  61 , a mutually engaged relationship is created between the needle thread T 11  and decorative thread T 12 , as mentioned above. 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is a diagram schematically showing a state of sewing together two fabrics using the sewing machine  50 . 
         [0056]    The first fabric  4  and second fabric  5  are introduced into the sewing machine  50  along a wrap former  92  with the sides that are to form the second surface  3  facing upward, and with the first edge  4   a  and second edge  5   a  joined together. 
         [0057]    The fabric cutter  90  cuts the outlet seam portion of the first fabric  4  (a portion of the first edge  4   a ), and the outlet seam portion of the second fabric  5  (a portion of the second edge  5   a ). 
         [0058]    The tape-like member  14  is fed between the fabric cutter  90  and needles  58  from the tape-like member feeder (not shown), through a guide hole  91 . An appropriate degree of tensile force is applied to the tape-like member  14  by tension adjusting means not shown). The tape-like member  14  is disposed so as to cover the first edge  4   a  of the first fabric  4  and the second edge  5   a  of the second fabric  5 . 
         [0059]    The first fabric  4 , second fabric  5  and tape-like member  14  are sewn together by two needle threads T 11  running through the first fabric  4  and second fabric  5  and the tape-like member  14  in the thickness direction. At the same time, a decorative thread T 12  is engaged between the two needle threads T 11 , so as to alternately straddle across the two needle threads T 11 . 
         [0060]    Next, the portion including the tape-like member  14  is heated to bond the tape-like member  14  with the first fabric  4  and second fabric  5 . The heating may be accomplished in a separate step from the sewing step using a hot press apparatus provided separately from the sewing machine  50 . Also, the hot press apparatus may be situated immediately after the sewing machine  50 , to perform the heating after the sewing step. The heating is carried out by a method known in the technical field. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0061]    A second embodiment of the disclosure will now be explained. The explanation will focus primarily on the parts differing with the first embodiment, omitting mention of the parts they have in common. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the seam structure  1  of this embodiment. 
         [0063]    For this embodiment, the first fabric  4  and second fabric  5  are disposed with the edge face  4   c  of the first edge  4   a  and the edge face  5   c  of the second edge  5   a  are in contact with each other. 
         [0064]    Also for this embodiment, at the first seam  11 , the first thread T 1  is disposed running through the first fabric  4  and tape-like member  14  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the first fabric  4  and tape-like member  14 , while at the second seam  12 , the second thread T 2  is disposed running through the second fabric  5  and tape-like member  14  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the second fabric  5  and tape-like member  14 . 
         [0065]    It is assumed for this embodiment that the second surface  3  of the seam structure  1  is to be used on the skin side of the wearer, and this embodiment allows the thickness of the seam structure to be reduced to further improve the skin contact when worn. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0066]    A third embodiment of the disclosure will now be explained. The explanation will focus primarily on the parts differing with the first embodiment, omitting mention of the parts they have in common.  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the seam structure  1  of this embodiment. 
         [0067]    For this embodiment, at the first seam  11 , the first thread T 1  is disposed running through the first fabric  4  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the first fabric, while at the second seam  12 , the second thread T 2  is disposed running through the second fabric  5  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the second fabric  5 . 
         [0068]    Also for this embodiment, the first seam  11  and second seam  12  do not run through the tape-like member  14 , the tape-like member  14  bonding the first fabric  4  and second fabric  5  from above the first seam  11  and second seam  12 . 
         [0069]    It is assumed for this embodiment that the second surface  3  of the seam structure  1  is to be used on the skin side of the wearer, and since the wearer is less likely to feel the first seam  11  and second seam  12  during wear, the skin contact is improved. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0070]    A fourth embodiment of the disclosure will now be explained. The explanation will focus primarily on the parts differing with the second embodiment, omitting mention of the parts they have in common.  FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the seam structure  1  of this embodiment. 
         [0071]    For this embodiment, the seam structure  1  has a fourth seam  21  closer to the first seam  11  and a fifth seam  22  closer to the second seam  12 , between the first seam  11  and second seam  12 . At the fourth seam  21 , the third thread T 4  is disposed in a manner running through the first fabric  4  and tape-like member  14  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the first fabric  4  and tape-like member  14 , and the fourth seam  21  extends in a direction essentially parallel (not shown) to the direction in which the first seam  11  extends (not shown). 
         [0072]    Also, at the fifth seam  22 , the fourth thread T 5  is disposed in a manner running through the second fabric  5  and tape-like member  14  in a repetitive reciprocating manner in the thickness direction T of the second fabric  5  and tape-like member  14 , and extends in a direction essentially parallel (not shown) to the direction in which the second seam  12  extends (not shown). 
         [0073]    Moreover, for this embodiment, the decorative thread T 3  at the third seam  13  straddles across the first thread T 1 , second thread T 2 , third thread T 4  and fourth thread T 5 . 
         [0074]    This embodiment has increased strength of the seam structure  1  since the seam structure  1  has the fourth seam  21  and fifth seam  22  in addition to the first seam  11  and second seam  12 , and the decorative thread T 3  at the third seam  13  straddles across the first thread T 1 , second thread T 2 , third thread T 4  and fourth thread T 5 . 
         [0075]    The embodiments above were described as examples in which their seam structures are formed with a 4-needle, feed-off-the-arm, interlock stitch machine; however, the seam structure of the disclosure may be formed by another type of sewing machine, such as a 2-needle, flatbed, interlock stitch machine or a 3-needle, flatbed, interlock stitch machine, instead of by a 4-needle, feed-off-the-arm, interlock stitch machine. 
         [0076]    When a 2-needle, flatbed, interlock stitch machine or 3-needle, flatbed, interlock stitch machine is used, the seam structure of the disclosure can be formed, for example, by situating the first fabric and second fabric at desired locations and anchoring them with a tape-like member, and then forming the first seam, second seam and third seam in the first fabric, second fabric and tape-like member. 
         [0077]    The clothing that is to include the seam structure of the disclosure is not particularly restricted, and may be clothing that is to directly contact with the skin of the wearer, such as, for example, sportswear, such as swimwear, or compression wear, underwear or the like. 
       EXAMPLES 
       [0078]    The present disclosure will now be explained in fuller detail by an example, with the understanding that the disclosure is not meant to be limited to the example. 
       Example 1 
       [0079]    As experimental examples to confirm the effect of the disclosure, there were prepared a sample with the seam structure shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , a sample with a seam structure by conventional flat seaming (formed by seaming with 6 threads: 4 needle threads, 1 looper thread and 1 top cover thread), a sample with a seam structure by conventional 2-needle interlock (after overlook), and a sample with a seam structure by single-cut 2-needle interlock, and their thicknesses were compared. 
         [0080]    For all of the samples, the fabrics (first fabric and second fabric) were knitted fabrics with thicknesses of 0.45 mm. Also, the tape-like member had a hot-melt adhesive section, the base was a knitted fabric, and the thickness was 0.2 mm. 
         [0081]    In the sample with a seam structure according to the disclosure, polyester thread (#50) was used for the needle thread and decorative thread. In the other samples, polyester thread (#50) was used for the needle thread and Polina (110#) was used for the decorative thread. 
         [0082]    The sample with a seam structure according to the disclosure had a thickness of 0.75 mm, the sample with a seam structure by conventional flat seaming had a thickness of 1.44 mm, the sample with a seam structure by 2-needle interlock had a thickness of 1.93 mm, and the sample with a single-cut 2-needle interlock had a thickness of 1.44 mm. 
         [0083]    In the seam structure of the disclosure, the thickness at the seam sections was clearly much thinner compared to the conventional seam structure. 
         [0084]    Moreover, the surface of the tape-like member side of the sample of the seam structure according to the disclosure had a smooth surface, and reduced skin contact compared to the other samples. 
         [0085]    Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following aspects. 
       [Aspect 1] 
       [0086]    A. seam structure comprising: 
         [0087]    a first fabric having a first edge, 
         [0088]    a second fabric having a second edge, the second fabric being disposed adjacent to the first fabric such that a direction in which the second edge extends is essentially parallel to a direction in which the first edge extends, 
         [0089]    a first seam formed by a first thread and extending in a direction essentially parallel to the direction in which the first edge extends, 
         [0090]    a second seam formed by a second thread and extending in a direction essentially parallel to the direction in which the second edge extends, 
         [0091]    a third seam formed by a decorative thread, and 
         [0092]    a tape like member having a base and a bonded section, 
         [0093]    the seam structure having a first surface and a second surface, 
         [0094]    wherein at the first seam, the first thread is disposed so as to run through at least the first fabric in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof, 
         [0095]    at the second seam, the second thread is disposed so as to run through at least the second fabric in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof, 
         [0096]    the third seam is disposed on the first surface, and at the third seam, the decorative thread is disposed so as to repetitively straddle across at least the first thread and the second thread, and 
         [0097]    the tape-like member is disposed on the second surface, the bonded section of the tape-like member bonding the first fabric and the second fabric. 
       [Aspect 2] 
       [0098]    The seam structure according to aspect 1, wherein an edge face of the first edge of the first fabric lies between the first seam and second seam. 
       [Aspect 3] 
       [0099]    The seam structure according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the first fabric and second fabric are disposed with the first edge and second edge overlapping in a thickness direction of the seam structure. 
       [Aspect 4] 
       [0100]    The seam structure according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the first fabric and second fabric are disposed with the edge face of the first edge and the edge face of the second edge are in contact with each other. 
       [Aspect 5] 
       [0101]    The seam structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein at the first seam, the first thread is disposed running through the first fabric and tape-like member in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof, and at the second seam, the second thread is disposed running through the second fabric and tape-like member in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof. 
       [Aspect 6] 
       [0102]    The seam structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the base is a knitted fabric. 
       [Aspect 7] 
       [0103]    The seam structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the seam structure has a fourth seam closer to the first seam and a fifth seam closer to the second seam, between the first seam and second seam, and at the fourth seam, the third thread is disposed running through at least the first fabric in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof, while at the fifth seam, the fourth thread is disposed running through at least the second fabric in a repetitive reciprocating manner in a thickness direction thereof. 
       [Aspect 8] 
       [0104]    The seam structure according to aspect 7, wherein at the third seam, the decorative thread straddles across at least two threads selected from among the first thread, second thread, third thread and fourth thread. 
       [Aspect 9] 
       [0105]    The seam structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the seam structure is formed by a 4-needle, feed-off-the-arm, interlock stitch machine, a 2-needle, flatbed, interlock stitch machine, or a 3-needle, flatbed, interlock stitch machine. 
       [Aspect 10] 
       [0106]    Clothing comprising a seam structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 9. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0107]      1  Seam structure 
         [0108]      2  First surface 
         [0109]      3  Second surface 
         [0110]      4  First fabric 
         [0111]      4   a  First edge 
         [0112]      4   b  Surface 
         [0113]      4   c  Edge face 
         [0114]      5  Second fabric 
         [0115]      5   a  Second edge 
         [0116]      5   c  Edge face 
         [0117]      11  First seam 
         [0118]      12  Second seam 
         [0119]      13  Third seam 
         [0120]      14  Tape-like member 
         [0121]      14   a  Surface 
         [0122]      21  Fourth seam 
         [0123]      22  Fifth seam 
         [0124]    T 1  First thread 
         [0125]    T 2  Second thread 
         [0126]    T 3  Decorative thread 
         [0127]    T 4  Third thread 
         [0128]    T 5  Fourth thread 
         [0129]    W Width 
         [0130]    T Thickness direction 
         [0131]    D Direction