Many filter design criteria have been produced by various researchers. However, none of these criteria have been universally accepted to be the standard design method. In order to develop a reliable design criteria, an empirical design method was produced. The methodology adopted for this study consisted of the filtration test (long-term gradient ratio test), the hydrodynamic sieving test, and the image analysis test. In the filtration test, eight different soil gradings were tested with six sizes of non-woven needled-punched geotextiles to determine the compatibility of each soil/geotextile combination system. From the hydrodynamic sieving test and the image analysis test, the opening size distribution (OSD) was determined, including the influencing factor of a geotextile's compressibility. As soil characteristics can be determined from standard soil tests and knowing the geotextile's characteristics (OSD) together with the soil/geotextile compatibility, an empirical design method could be developed.