A carrier (1) for a yarn working machine includes a spindle (6) to support a bobbin or yarn package (3). At least one fixed yarn take-off guide (10) and associated tensioning device is provided for guiding yarn from the bobbin or package (3) to a yarn working station. A tensioning device (14) is mounted on the carrier (1) remote from the spindle (6) and comprises a yarn guide element (15) associated with an elastically resilient element (17). The resilient element (17) is capable of being elongated or stretched and thereby placed under increasing tension as yarn passing through the guide element (15) is drawn off the bobbin or package (3). Such carriers are suitable for use in braiding machines, and are particularly useful when braiding with fine yarns, such as required for surgical sutures.