Abstract: A method of producing a flat polymeric yarn is disclosed which includes the steps of melt spinning a polymer to form a plurality of running filaments, combining the filaments to form a running bundle of filaments, and then guiding the running bundle into contact with a ribbon of fluid so as to apply a controlled quantity of the fluid to the bundle. The fluid coated bundle is guided over a plurality of serially arranged curved braking surfaces, and it is then withdrawn by means of a draw roll so as to draw the running bundle to an extent which exceeds its plastic limit. The application of the fluid to the bundle in accordance with the present invention results in a hydrodynamic friction, rather than a sliding contact friction, between the bundle and braking surfaces, and produces yarn of very uniform quality while also avoiding wear of the braking surfaces.