Abstract: A batt-on-mesh press felt having improved abrasion resistance, batt retention, and dimensional stability comprising a fibrous batt in combination with a woven mesh base. The woven mesh base comprises an ionomer resin-encapsulated nylon yarn in the cross-machine direction and nylon yarn in the machine direction.

Abstract: A papermakers wet felt comprising a three layer fabric having a first or lower layer which defines a machine roll contacting surface, a second or intermediate layer, and a third or top layer which defines a paper-receiving surface. The lower layer is woven of machine direction yarns which are of much greater diameter than the cross machine direction yarns. The intermediate layer is also woven, and adds stability and strength to the felt while providing void areas for drainage. The top layer comprises a batt or fleece of non-woven batting material.Also disclosed is a method of making the papermakers felt wherein the lower and intermediate cloths are separately woven and then associated with each other so that the inner surface of the intermediate layer contacts the outer surface of the bottom layer. The associating of the two layers takes place on a conventional fiber locker or needling machine associated with a conventional stretching device.