A method of fabricating a preform is provided. The method includes disposing a veil over a first mold portion having a three-dimensional shape, the veil including a thermoplastic material and magnetic particles; disposing a fiber tow onto the veil; heating at least a portion of the veil by induction so that the fiber tow becomes coupled to the veil; compressing the fiber tow and the veil toward each other with a second mold portion that has a negative contour relative to the first mold portion; and removing the preform from the first and second mold portions. The preform has the three-dimensional shape and includes the fiber tow coupled to the veil. Preforms prepared by the method are also provided.