A strand tension controller has an elongate strand sensing lever arm (24) having a strand guiding input end (26) and an opposing strand guiding output end (27) with a tension shoe (36) positioned between the input end (26) and the output end (27) of the lever arm (24) for applying tension between a range of zero and a preset maximum tension on the strand. The lever arm (24) is pivoted adjacent to the strand engaging output end (27) pivotal movement (25) responsive to strand tension sensed at the opposing strand engaging input end (26) of the lever arm (24) and for subtracting from the tension applied by the tension shoe (36). The tension is sensed on the strand at the input end (26) of the lever arm (24). The tension shoe (36) engages a first surface of the lever arm (24) and the strand passes along the top surface of the lever arm (24). A pressure responsive expandable fluid reservoir in the form of an air tube (16) controls the force applied to the strand.