Abstract: The warp threads presented from a curtain of threads are slightly spread apart and tensioned by a constantly rotating tensioning shaft with an enlarged part. A sleeve with a screw-like guidance groove is slipped over the last part of the tensioning shaft, this sleeve being switched as needed by means of a coupling to be driven in synchronization with the tensioning shaft or to be shut off in a specific angular position. The sleeve is provided at its beginning with a knife-like guide beak which during rotation separates the outermost warp thread from the curtain of threads and deposits it into the guidance groove. The spacing between the turns of the groove corresponds to the spacing between the draw-in needles. When the sleeve is stopped, the separated warp threads individually deposited into the turns of the groove are arranged in the proper transfer position to the draw-in needles.