Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin. The nonwoven fabric can include staple fibers to a lesser extent than the individualized bast fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven textile fabric is formed into a web while in a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

A method to produce a unidirectional reinforcement for fiber reinforced composites by a resin transfer or vacuum infusion molding process include: laying continuous rovings unidirectionally side by side in one layer for forming a unidirectional web, applying thermoplastic or thermoset binder on the web, activating the binder for bonding the rovings together to form a unidirectional reinforcement, and forming flow passages for resin in a direction transverse to the direction of the unidirectional rovings by laying thin discrete flow passage having, under compression, an aspect ratio of equal or less than 2 on the continuous unidirectional rovings.

The invention provides a nonwoven fabric which can improve these problems of the conventional technologies, can be produced at relatively low costs, is bulky and excellent in cushioning properties, has a good texture and is excellent in shaping ability at post-processing. Specifically, the present invention provides a bulky nonwoven fabric, comprising a fiber layer A containing a spiral crimp fiber and a fiber layer B, wherein the fiber layer B is laminated on at least one surface of the fiber layer A, the spiral crimp fiber of the fiber layer A and the fiber of the fiber layer B are partly entangled and integrated at the interface in a thickness direction of both layers, the fiber layer B exhibits a structure in which the layer is lifted up to the fiber layer B side between individual entangled parts; and having a specific volume of 30 cm.sup.3/g or more.