Abstract: Apparatus and method for wrapping core yarns, the apparatus including a plurality of spools driven by a single spindle and the method including the steps of applying two or more layers of wrapped yarn to a core yarn by the use of a minimum number of spindles.

Abstract: A balanced elastic yarn includes an elastomeric core twisted in one direction and a single cover strand helically wrapped about the elastic core in a direction opposite to the twist direction of the elastic core. After a predetermined twist has been inserted in the elastic core, the core is tensioned with the elongation being positively controlled between spaced points intermediate the yarn take up and the elastic core supply and a high number of wraps per inch of the cover strand are helically wound about the elongated core while the core draft or stretch is positively controlled. The elastic core take-up package is subjected to heat to relieve the stresses in the cover strand resulting in a balanced elastic yarn in the relax state.