A tow stabilization method includes applying liquid to a tow having fibers arranged into a non-stabilized spread-out fiber web, applying powder to the web to adhere the powder where liquid was applied, removing powder from where it did not adhere, and fusing the powder remaining on the web to stabilize the fiber arrangement. The liquid may be volatile. The step of fusing may include heating the fiber web. The liquid and/or powder may be selectively applied. Selective application of powder may be used without application of liquid or powder removal. A tow stabilization apparatus includes a liquid applicator, powder applicator, powder remover, and powder fuser. The liquid applicator may include spray nozzles, applicators based on miniature solenoid valves, inkjet printing heads, and roll applicators. The powder remover may include rollers, air blasters, vibrators, sound wave generators, and vacuums. The powder fuser may include heat applicators and chemical reaction initiators.