Abstract: A method is provided for the determination and elimination of visible defects in textile webs, wherein the web is moved in the longitudinal direction over a defect seeking and registering area, and the surface position of visible defective areas, such as material deficiencies or excesses with regard to fiber components of the web are located in their surface dimension by known means during the movement of the web, as compared to the adjacent areas of the web. The defective areas are registered as a deviation from the reference condition, and the web is subsequently stopped with the defect in a position above a needle base into which felting needles are sunk. In the case of material deficiencies, the defective areas are supplied with donor material from a reserve, to control their defect by pushing the donor material into the web and stitching it to the defective area with at least two felting needles at 50 to 500 perforations per cm.sup.