An endless yarn traversing band for a yarn traversing device in a machine for producing cross-wound bobbins. The band has spaced yarn guiding projections in a sawtoothed configuration. The band is formed of a textile yarn or metallic yarn fabric embedded in an elastomeric material. C-shaped sheaths of stainless steel are clamped over the leading edges of the yarn guiding projections. These leading edges project generally perpendicularly from the band up to a maximum inclination away from the direction of travel of the band of approximately 10 degrees. The trailing edges of the yarn guiding projections are convexly shaped such as with an outer extent angled approximately 10 degrees inwardly from the outer end of the leading edge and an inward extent extending at a greater inclination. The band is produced by forming layers of fabric, embedding the fabric in an elastomeric material, cutting the embedded fabric to the shape of the band and yarn guiding projections, scarfing and joining the ends of the band to form an endless band and then clamping the sheaths on the leading edges of the yarn guiding projections. Alternatively, the yarn guiding projections can be inserted between the fabric layers before embedding in the elastomeric material, also, alternatively, the fabric can be wound in endless layers and embedding in elastomeric material in endless form.

A textile yarn winding machine and method for winding yarn utilizing a rotatable package supporting spindle, two continuous belts movable oppositely along two respective traversal spans for traversingly moving yarn longitudinally along the package, and rotating yarn engaging fingers adjacent opposite ends of the package for positively transferring the yarn between the belts at the package ends. The belt traversal spans extend in crossing relationship from respectively opposite yarn engaging locations closely adjacent opposite ends of the package to respectively opposite disengaging locations spaced from the other package end to effect quick yarn reversals. The yarn engaging fingers move in circular reversal paths to positively engage the yarn at the disengaging locations of the spans, disengage it from the belt guiding it, and move it to the engaging location of the other belt. The rotational speed of the spindle is variable in relation to a selected yarn characteristic or feeding condition to control the package surface speed and thereby control the characteristic or condition. The longitudinal speed of movement of the belts is variable to maintain its ratio to the spindle rotational speed constant, and to periodically change such ratio to control the yarn winding angle.