Abstract: Device for forming a thread crossing or lease in a textile machine, including a first comb being disposed in the path of the threads and having laminations defining interstices therebetween, a second comb being disposed obliquely relative to the first comb and having laminations defining interstices therebetween and tips on the laminations, the tips of the laminations of the second comb being engageable with equal distribution into the interstices of the first comb, every other interstice of the second comb being partially filled in providing alternately long and short interstices being open at the top thereof, and the combs being slideable relative to each other when engaged, and a method of operating the device.