Abstract: A spool carrier capable of delivering yarn under tension from a spool to a braiding machine includes a frame having a base, a center rod mounted on the base in a position that it extends upwardly therefrom along a vertical axis, and a support which axially retains the spool in place. The spool carrier further includes a tensioning mechanism for providing tension on the yarn of the spool. The tensioning mechanism releases yarn from the spool upon reaching a predetermined amount of tension on the yarn. The tensioning mechanism includes a power spring mounted on the base and engagable with the spool for providing a resisting tension being applied to the yarn and spool when reeling yarn off the spool, and a yarn releasing mechanism for enabling the rotation of the spool and for releasing yarn off the spool when the tension on the yarn exceeds a predetermined tension of the power spring.