An installation for cutting off several thread lengths (S, S1, S2) from a continually advanced skein (D) of flexible thread material and for distributing the separated lengths, with a feed (2), guides (1, 3), a cutter (4) and two insertion channels (E1, E2) to accept the separated thread lengths, in which the cutter has two contra-rotating (P3, P3') cutter wheels (13, 13') drivable together for cutting the thread lengths off from the continuous supply of the skein with at least one blade (15, 15', 16, 16') each And each blade has a deflector (18, 18') to deflect the leading section (A1, A2) of the material skein from its transport path, where the leading sections and the following material skein can be alternately inserted into the insertion channels outside the material transport path running substantially parallel thereto.