Methods for forming discrete deformations in web materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method involves feeding a web into an apparatus having nips that are formed between intermeshing rolls. The apparatus may be in the form of nested or other arrangements of multiple rolls, in which the web is maintained in substantial contact with at least one of the rolls throughout the process, and at least two of the rolls define two or more nips thereon with other rolls. In some embodiments, rolls can be used to expose a different side of the web for a subsequent deformation step. In these or other embodiments, the rolls can be used to transfer the web between rolls in such a manner that it may offset the rolls and/or web so that subsequent deformations are formed at a different cross-machine direction location than prior deformations.