A supply spool supplies a weft thread through an adjustable actuated thread
brake and a thread tension sensor to a weft thread accumulator, from which an accumulated
insertion length of the thread is provided to a weft
insertion device. The tension sensor provides a measured actual thread tension
signal to a control arrangement, which compares the actual tension to a selected rated tension, and, dependent on the deviation therebetween, provides a
control signal to an
actuator of the thread
brake, so that the actual thread tension constantly corresponds to the selected rated tension. Another sensor provides a
signal indicating a change from an empty spool to a full spool. Responsive thereto, the control arrangement actuates the thread
brake to an adjustable starting brake setting as a coarse adjustment. Then the self-regulating fine adjustment is continued. A constant winding tension and thread accumulation length are achieved in the thread accumulator.