An apparatus and method of automatically moving yarn packages between yarn processing stations in a textile environment that includes the steps of providing a yarn package elevator, transporting a yarn package on the yarn package elevator from a textile machine position to a common transfer location, and holding the package in a stationary position on an elevator tray. A label is applied to a surface of the package and the elevator tray and package is moved to a knot-tying location, the package is removed from the elevator tray to a knotting head apparatus at the knot-tying location and a knot is tied in a package yarn tail of the package to secure the package tail from unraveling in subsequent package handling steps. Correct application of the knot to the yarn tail is either validated, or in the alternative, if the knot is not validated, the package is forwarded to a location for manual reworking to apply a correct knot to the yarn tail.

A yarn producing apparatus produces carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn by aggregating CNT fibers, A substrate support supports a CNT forming substrate, a winding unit continuously draws the CNT fibers, a yarn producing unit aggregates the CNT fibers, a status monitor monitors a state of the CNT yarn, and a supply state changing mechanism changes a supply state of the CNT fibers, based on a result of monitoring by the status monitor.