Abstract: A strand carrier for a strand fabricating machine includes a support structure and a shaft mounted thereon. A hub is mounted for rotation around the shaft for receipt of a bobbin of strand thereon for common rotation about the shaft. A helical clutch spring includes a first end secured to the support structure so that it closely encircles an outer cylindrical surface of the hub to restrict rotation thereof. A clutch release sleeve is rotatably mounted on the support structure around the clutch spring and receives the other end of the spring in an opening therein so that rotation of the clutch release sleeve in a first direction will tend to unwind the clutch spring to reduce friction on the hub. A control lever pivotally mounted on the support structure has a first section which includes a strand guide thereon and is connected to the sleeve. The lever is biased in a direction tending to rotate the sleeve in an opposite direction from the first direction.