The invention relates to a fabric layer, in particular a protective fabric and/or backing fabric, for a corrugated or pleated flat material of a filter element, wherein the flat material comprises a plurality of pleats 17 or corrugations running parallel to one another, which form successive pleat or corrugation peaks 18 and pleat or corrugation troughs 19, which are connected to one another by apleat flank, wherein a fluid can flow through the flat material, wherein the fabric layer comprises a first fabric region, in particular a first fabric strip 10, and at least one second fabric region,in particular a second fabric strip 11, the threads whereof, in particular weft threads, merge into one another, wherein the first fabric region, in particular the first fabric strip, comprises a first type of weave and the second fabric region, in particular the second fabric strip, a second type of weave, which differs from the first type of weave.