NiP-multiwall carbon nanotube composite coatings were deposited on a textile component at ∼4 μm thickness through electroless plating route. The composites were prepared by depositing four different concentrations of multiwall carbon nanotube (i.e. 100,200,300 and 400 mg L-1) in an electroless bath over four NiP substrates. The NiP-multiwall carbon nanotube composite coating was observed to have a remarkably lower surface roughness and higher micro-hardness - by about 50% in both cases - in comparison with the NiP electroless plated substrate without the incorporation of multiwall carbon nanotube. In addition to that, there was a 14% reduction in yarn to metal friction between the investigated cases. This particular enhancement was adduced to the addition of surfactant to the electrolytic bath. The superior homogeneity in the distribution of multiwall carbon nanotube in the nickel matrix and the formation of the Ni-C bond were also identified to drive the multiwall carbon nanotube towards much improved properties. © 2016 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.