A machine for producing a nonwoven feeds continuous filaments onto two surfaces that form a convergent passage. At least one of the surfaces is moving to drive the continuous filaments through the passage to form the nonwoven web. The continuous filaments have filament portions that are respectively received on the two surfaces to form spaced lateral web parts joined by a central web part formed by the continuous filament portions bridging the convergent passage. A vacuum is applied through the surfaces to assist placement of the filament portions and to direct the web as it emerges from the passage onto a horizontal take-up conveyor.