A form for a thin reinforced composite material includes a plurality of separate linear fiber strips, each having a rectangular cross section composed of reinforcement fibers. The linear fiber strips laid out in a two-dimensional base layer defining a shape of the form. A first successive layer formed with the plurality of separate linear fiber strips contacting the base layer, the linear fiber strips laid out in the first successive layer interspersed from the separate linear fiber strips in the two-dimensional base layer. A method of forming the form includes arranging the plurality of separate linear fiber strips on a substrate and tacking the plurality of separate linear fiber strips to the substrate with a plurality of stitches. A method of forming a unitary reinforced composite component from the form is further provided. The resulting component having high strength and light weight and being efficient to manufacture.