Abstract: There is disclosed a novel woven multiplex forming fabric defining pockets in one surface thereof into which cellulosic fibers in an aqueous medium are flowed under conditions of flow and rate of water removal that establish high shear fluid flow and result in the orientation of fibers and/or fiber segments at an angle with respect to the plane of the forming fabric and their capture in the pockets and in the areas of the fabric adjacent the pockets.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel cellulosic web and a method for its manufacture. The web is fabricated of fibrous material and is characterized by one of its surfaces being nubby. Such web is formed by the deposition of fibers from an aqueous slurry onto the surface of a multiplex forming fabric defining pockets in one surface thereof, under conditions of flow and rate of water removal that establish high shear fluid flow and result in the orientation of fibers and/or fiber segments at an angle with respect to the plane of the forming fabric. The resultant web has a high apparent bulk and good absorbency and strength properties.