A method for manufacturing a fiber layer or a component perform includes yieldably tensioning a plurality of yarns in a tensioning plane such that each yarn is separately and individually held in a yieldable manner. Then, a workpiece carrier is moved through the tensioning plane in a perpendicular direction thereto such that the yarns contact the workpiece carrier and respectively bend according to the contour of the workpiece carrier. If a predetermined tensile force on one or more of the plurality of yarns is exceeded, then an additional length of such yarn(s) is supplied from a reserve and/or a coil to cover the workpiece carrier. Then, the ends of the yarns are fixed along an edge of the workpiece carrier.