Abstract: An on-machine-seamable papermakers' fabric having a smooth surface and a prolonged life includes flat machine-direction yarns which define the upper and lower surfaces thereof. The fabric has two layers of cross-machine direction yarns, each of which is interwoven with the flat machine-direction yarns. Other machine-direction yarns, of round cross section, weave with the cross-machine-direction yarns in the two layers to bind the two layers together. The knuckles of these round machine-direction yarns are within the fabric with respect to the planes defined by the flat machine-direction yarns, and, and a consequence, are less susceptible to degradation by heat and abrasion. The papermakers' fabric is seamed into endless form during installation on a paper machine. At one of the two ends of the fabric, seaming loops are formed by the round machine-direction yarns. At the other of the two ends, seaming loops are formed by the flat machine-direction yarns.