Disclosed is a thread-delivering device (1) comprising several thread-delivering units (11, 12, 13, 14) that are combined into a group (8). Said thread-delivering units (11, 12, 13, 14) operate in an individual and tension-controlled manner based on a given thread tension value during test operation. The resulting thread delivery quantities or thread speeds of the individual thread-delivering units (11, 12, 13, 14) are reported to a central processing unit which calculates a mean value for the group from the reported thread speeds and transmits said mean value to the thread-delivering units (11, 12, 13, 14) as a set point for the subsequent operation, whereby the individual thread-delivering units (11, 12, 13, 14) can then operate purely in positive mode. The central processing unit (31) can also receive signals characterizing machine speed and pattern signals via an input (57), the thread-delivering units of the group (8 or 16) that is to be addressed being turned on and off, accelerated, or slowed down based on said signals.