Abstract: A yarn transfer arrangement in a yarn winding machine comprises two part-circular guide plates which , when an empty tube has moved to the winding position, move from a non-operating position, spaced apart on opposed sides of the winding position of the machine by a distance greater than the diameter of a full package, to an operating position in which the plates surround the empty tube apart from an entry aperture and an exit aperture allowing yarn travel to and from the empty tube. One guide plate causes the yarn to have sufficient wrap around the empty tube that, on operation of a cutter disposed on the other guide plate adjacent the exit aperture, the cut yarn end is entrained around the empty tube between it and the other guide plate, and winding of a package on the empty tube is thereby initiated. The guide plates are then moved back to the non-operating position.