A length of fastener stock (111) includes opposing first and second continuous side members—(113-1) and (113-2) which are coupled together by a plurality of flexible cross-links (117). Individual fasteners (121) are selectively obtained from the stock (111) by cutting or separating the side members (113-1) and (113-2) at appropriate points (i.e., midway) between the cross-links or filaments (115). Accordingly, each fastener (121) will include a first cross-bar (123-1), which has been cut from side member (113-1), and a second cross-bar (123-2), which has been cut from side member (113-2), the cross-bars (123-1) and (123-2) being interconnected by the flexible filament (115). Suitably, with respect to an axial cross-section thereof, the width W of the flexible filament (115) is greater than or equal to approximately one and a half-times the height H of the filament (115).