A device for winding a thread onto a spool body is comprised of a main thread traversing guide having a stroke a and a compensating thread traversing guide with a stroke a/2. The thread is guided from a thread feeding device via a stationary deflecting guide roller, a third deflecting guide roller which corresponds to the compensating thread traversing guide, and a second deflecting guide roller which is connected to the main thread traversing guide. The threading device is comprised of a device for clamping the thread to one end of the spool body, a thread guide plate, the curved upper edge of which serves to transport the thread past the stationary deflecting guide roller onto a thread guide edge and to a thread catch. The thread is threaded into the second deflecting guide roller by a first follower connected to the main thread traversing guide. With a second follower connected to the main thread traversing guide the thread is removed from the thread catch during the return stroke and is threaded into the stationary guide roller. A thread loop is conveyed with the second follower past the third deflecting guide roller corresponding to the compensating thread traversing guide and after a further return stroke is threaded into this third deflecting guide roller by a third follower.