A method and apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing papermakers or like fabrics wherein preformed apertured fabric bands are joined together in spaced edge-to-edge disposition in a manner to provide substantial uniformity of construction throughout the fabric width. The invention proposed supporting the bands (11, 12) in spaced parallel disposition on a pinned roller (26) wherein the distribution and configuration of the pins (34) matches the apertures in the bands and creating an infill band in the region between adjacent preformed bands (11, 12) by feeding thermoplastic matrix material to the surface of the pinned roller in said region, causing said matrix material to flow into interstices between the pins and to bond with the material of the preformed bands. Reinforcing yarns (13) will be provided in the region between adjacent preformed bands and extending in a direction parallel to the bands and will be embodied within the matrix material of the joined structure. Transversely extending yarns may be provided on the preformed bands for like encapsulation by the matrix material of the infill band.