In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model is established for the local deformation of the woven composite preforms during the draping. The commercial finite element software Abaqus is employed to predict the deformation of the carbon fiber preform in a spherical draping. The deformation process of the 0° and 45° carbon fabrics in the spherical draping process is studied. The results show that sliding between fibers and wrinkling of fibers are the typical deformation modes of the preform during the spherical draping. In the spherical draping deformation of 0° fabric, the shear deformation angle of the 0° and 90° fiber bundles is the smallest, and the shear deformation angle of the fiber bundle is the largest in the 45° direction; for the 45° fabric, the shear deformation angles of the 0° and 90° fiber bundles are the largest, and that of the fiber bundle in the 45° direction is the smallest.