Abstract: The invention provides a roll over which a sheet of dyed and dried yarns passes from a drying chamber. During operation of the apparatus, the roll is maintained in a position diverting the yarns out of a straight path, creating a surplus in the path. When the machine stops, the roll is moved slowly under controlled conditions to a position nearer a straight path, during which the surplus is given up to compensate for the shrinkage of the yarn residing in the drying chamber whereby yarn in the dyeing stage remains motionless. The invention is particularly (but not solely) useful in the manufacture of tufted carpeting from yarns dyed individually in segments along their length with different colors for production of predetermined complex designs in the carpet.