Methodology and tooling arrangements for increasing interlaminar shear strength in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure are provided. The CMC structure may be formed by a plurality of layers of ceramic fibers disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface of the composite structure. A plurality of surface recesses are formed on the surfaces of the structure. For example, each of the surfaces of the composite structure may be urged against corresponding top and bottom surfaces of a tool having a plurality of asperities. The plurality of surface recesses causes an out-of-plane sub-surface fiber displacement along an entire thickness of the structure, and the sub-surface fiber displacement is arranged to increase an interlaminar shear strength of the structure.