Air permeability is an important parameter in through-air drying of unbacked tufted carpet. The primary backing of tufted carpet is the dominant parameter determining carpet air permeability. Carpets of identical construction are tufted using woven and nonwoven primary backings, and the effects of primary backing type on air permeability and drying are studied. The carpet tufted with the nonwoven backing has significantly higher air permeability and significantly lower drying time for a constant pressure drop drying process.