A fabric of bias type comprising:
- a fabric portion formed of a plurality of tapes;
- wherein the fabric portion has a width, a thickness and a length, wherein the width extends from a first side of the fabric portion to a second side of the fabric portion, the first side being parallel to the second side along a length direction of the fabric portion, said fabric portion further comprising at least a middle part between the first side and the second side;
- wherein the plurality of tapes comprises a first set of tapes of the plurality of tapes and a second set of tapes of the plurality of tapes;
- wherein each of the plurality of tapes is a spread fiber tape, having been spread from parent tows and having a distribution of fibers arranged linearly and parallel to each other, oriented in a length direction of the tape;
- wherein the first set of tapes are arranged in an intersecting and overlapping fashion with the second set of tapes;
- wherein the first set of tapes and the second set of tapes are structurally linked with each other;
- wherein each tape of the plurality of tapes is provided in a discrete length and arranged in oblique orientations in relation to a fabric portion's length direction, the discrete length of each tape being longer than the width of the fabric portion and shorter than the length of the fabric portion, and wherein the plurality of the first and second sets of tapes are further arranged in a common, single sheet in straight or folded-straight form;
- a plurality of connection points or connection areas to structurally link the first set of tapes and the second set of tapes, wherein the connection points or connection areas are formed at only the overlapping tape areas with a connection feature connecting at least some of the overlapping tapes of the first and second sets together, wherein the connection points or connection areas are arranged to maintain the fabric portion flat;
- wherein the connection points or connection areas are absent from non-overlapping tape lengths, and;
- wherein the connection points or connection areas are provided as discrete points or areas and are discontinuous between two overlapping areas of tapes though applied to the same fabric portion;
- wherein the discrete connection points or connection areas resist formation of openings or gaps in the fabric portion.