A yarn twisting apparatus is disclosed for twisting a plurality of yarn strands into a composite yarn, and which comprises a central twisting spindle and yarn guide means for ballooning the yarn about the package as it is withdrawn therefrom. A common drive system is provided for rotating the ballooning means and for advancing the yarn, and a yarn accumulator is provided which is controlled by a sensor such that the drive means is operated only when the amount of yarn on the accumulator is less than a predetermined amount.