a yarn winding method is disclosed which involves a package doffing sequence for automatically transferring the running yarn to bobbins which are serially delivered to a winding position , and which reduces the tendency of the yarn to form laps on the equipment during the yarn transfer . the method includes the steps of winding the running yarn onto a first bobbin while traversing the yarn to form a cross wound package , laterally withdrawing the bobbin from its winding position when it becomes full , bringing an empty rotating second bobbin into circumferential contact with the running yarn , and then terminating the traverse of the yarn and transferring the yarn to the empty bobbin . also , the traversing speed is decreased at the beginning of the doffing sequency and shortly prior to the traverse being terminated , and so that the tendency of the running yarn to slacken and form laps during the transfer operation is reduced .