A 1930 trade-journal article on the yarn requirements of Barmen (Torchon, imitation crochet) lace machines in the United States. It explains how the machine works, with its spindles, spring tension, torsion and beater knives, and how these forces limit the choice of yarn. It discusses combed 2-ply cotton and the twist needed for it, then the problems of adopting plied rayon: needle spring strength, twist level and knots. Two figures show a spindle assembly and the complete Barmen machine with labeled parts.