A two-dimensional fabric (20) used to produce a three-dimensional composite part has a binding system (21) with binding warp threads (23) and/or binding weft threads (24) and a reinforcing system (22) with reinforcing weft threads (25) and/or reinforcing warp threads (26). At least some of the inserted reinforcing threads (25) are shortened reinforcing weft threads (25a) and/or shortened reinforcing warp threads (26a). Their thread length (L) is less than that of the binding weft threads (24) or the binding warp threads (23). The shortened reinforcing thread's (25a), (26a) free ends are located in a respective thread end position (30) or (31). The respective thread length (L) and the respective thread end positions (30), (31) of a shortened reinforcing thread (25a), (26a) in the two-dimensional fabric (20) are predetermined based on the three-dimensional shape of the composite part to be produced to reduce cutting waste when producing preforms and cutting effort.