Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for inserting an additive type thread along a surface area of a braided fabric. Base material containing bobbins are guided about the base material bobbin path, whereas bobbins containing the desired additive thread are only permitted to revolve around a portion of the base material bobbin path corresponding to the fabric surface. The base material containing bobbins and the additive thread containing bobbins are provided with different types of feet; the feet of the base material bobbins cooperating with stationary switch means located along the bobbin path to permit rotation of the base material bobbins about the entire bobbin path. In contrast, the feet of the additive type bobbins cooperate with the same stationary switch means in such manner that rotation of the additive thread containing bobbins is limited to a certain specified portion of the bobbin path; the portion corresponding to the desired fabric surface area.