Abstract: For the starting of slivers at a textile machine, two staple fiber slivers are individually inserted into two guides. The first guide assumes a feeding position and guides the staple fiber sliver being fed into a feeding device. The second guide holds the second staple fiber sliver in a readiness position. When the first staple fiber sliver going to the feeding device is interrupted, the first, empty guide is brought from its feeding position into its readiness position. At the same time the second guide, together with the staple fiber sliver inserted into it, is brought into the feeding position. Thereupon, a new staple fiber sliver is introduced into the first guide, now in the readiness position, whereupon a new sliver is put in readiness. The two guides are connected to each other with respect to movement. The invention also includes the process for replacing an interrupted supply of sliver to reduce down time to a minimum.