Abstract: The present invention relates to a forming fabric (2), for use in the sheet-forming section of a paper machine, having or comprising a textile planar structure in which, in order to enhance inherent stability, crossing yarns (5, 6, 7) are engaged into one another at crossing points (14) and in which yarns (5, 7) additionally are fused to one another, which is characterized in that the planar structure comprises crossing first and second yarns (5, 7), the first yarns (7) having the property that they absorb laser energy and can be brought, by absorbed laser energy, to melting temperature at least at the surface; and that first and second yarns (5, 7) are fused to one another at at least some of their crossing points (14).