Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding tissue webs into a parent roll is disclosed which results in greater uniformity in sheet basis weight, machine direction stretch and bulk when comparing the corresponding sheet properties taken from representative locations throughout the roll. The apparatus and method includes engaging the tissue web against a reel spool with a flexible member such as a transfer belt which traverses an unsupported span between two support rolls. The web is transferred from the transfer belt to the parent roll as the parent roll is urged against the sheet/transfer belt at a point within the unsupported span. The resulting deflection of the transfer belt is detected and, in response, the reel spool position is changed to control the deflection at a desired level. Accordingly, a predetermined light nip pressure can be applied to the roll as the tissue web is wound thereon and large parent rolls of high bulk tissue can be manufactured with desired properties when unwound.