A method and apparatus is disclosed for imparting false twist to textile yarn wherein a friction twister is employed to impart a plurality of turns of twist to a strand of yarn for each revolution of the friction twister. The invention is particularly suited to situations wherein the yarn strand is moving rapidly. The disclosed frictional twister comprises two axially aligned hollow spindles containing frictional engagement means therein. The two spindles are driven by moving belts that contact the exterior circumferential surfaces of the spindles. Movable yarn guide means are provided to engage the yarn strand and assure adequate frictional engagement between the yarn strand and the frictional engagement means after the spindles are threaded up. Another embodiment of the friction twister has the capacity to handle a plurality of yarn strands simultaneously.