Method and apparatus for supplying vacuum to a serving device which travels along a multi-station parent textile machine such as a spinning frame and providing a servicing operation such as yarn piecing or package doffing to the stations of the parent machine are disclosed, wherein a vacuum duct, which has vacuum outlet openings corresponding to the individual stations of the machine and lids rotatably supported for closing the vacuum outlet openings, is arranged along the parent machine and the servicing device includes a nozzle which takes in vacuum from the duct. The nozzle is advanced toward the vacuum duct just before the servicing device reaches a station which calls for the servicing, and the end of the nozzle rotates the lid to uncover its vacuum outlet opening and then is stopped in alignment with the opening. Then, the nozzle is moved with the servicing device to rotate the lid thereby closing the outlet opening, whereafter it is retracted to its original position. Thus, the vacuum outlet opening is uncovered by the lid only when necessary vacuum is being supplied, with the result that good airtightness may be maintained and loss of vacuum reduced to a minimum.