A method and apparatus for controlling the traversing frequency during the winding of a cross-wound package. In so doing, a signal is detected which is generated by the motion of the yarn while being wound onto a yarn package. Thereafter, the signal is analyzed by frequency, and/or amplitude, or other characteristics. Finally, the traversing frequency of the yarn takeup system is adjusted or varied as a function of the analysis result. In the preferred embodiment, the signal is proportional to a development of airborne sound or a development of solid-borne sound, each of which is generated in response to the motion of the advancing yarn on the package being formed. The method of the present invention allows disturbances in the winding operation to be avoided, such as the formation of so-called ribbons and similar phenomena.