Abstract: An apparatus for forming a braided covering over an article, such as a wire harness, which is continuously operable for forming a braided covering throughout the entire length of the wire harness. A sensor, operable in response to movement of the material being utilized for forming the braided covering, is actuable to control the operation of a mechanism for advancing the braided harness out from the zone of braiding operation to permit the continuous braiding of the harness throughout the length thereof. A detector, operable in response to the presence of deformations in the braided harness, controls operation of the advancing mechanism and braiding operation to detect, for example, breaks in the threaded material being supplied for the braiding operation.