Abstract: Apparatus and method for winding a continuous strand formed from an attenuable material is disclosed. The winding collet has a starting drum mounted on one end. An end face of the starting drum includes diametrically opposed strand engaging members that engage the strand as it is brought against the face of the starting drum. The strand is conducted from the strand engaging means to the starting drum and is wound on the starting drum until the winding collet reaches operating speed. When the winding collet is at its operating speed, the strand is urged away from the starting drum and onto the winding collet to form the winding.