The invention relates to a method for the production of a double- or multi-component multifilament yarn, the components of which comprise differing shrinkage properties, whereby at least one component irreversibly lengthens on the action of heat. The yarn components are each produced loop-free in a continuous manner as a straight yarn and then combined to give a combination yarn. The ready-to-use, loop-free combination yarn is wound on a spool for further use. The length change property may be initiated by means of a heat treatment after processing to give a textile fabric. The device comprises a collector for each component, followed by parallel working processing devices for the separate processing of each of the components. The processing device for the extending component comprises a drawing field formed by drawing rollers and a staged heating. The processing device for the shrinking components has a drawing field formed by drawing rollers. A delivery device for collating the components is provided, also a connecting device and a winding device.