embodiment applies dye intermittently to the web as it travels from the first to the second set of drive rolls the web of yarns 6 may be concentrated under the applicators if desired by means for example of perforate guides 18 and wire loop guides 19 the or each such applicator may comprise one or a bank of downwardly directed nozzles 20 reciprocating to and fro above the web from one side to the other such nozzles may for example be caused to reciprocate by a conventional power driven eccentric or crank 21 connected by a connecting rod 22 to a saddle 23 carrying the nozzles 20 mounted for to and fro sliding motion on an appropriate guide 24 extending transversely of the web the nozzles 20 may be connected by relatively short pliable tubes 25 to vats 26 fed from the output of a dye pump fed directly from a steam heated tank of dye stuff so that the dye emerging from the nozzle 20 is very close to the temperature of the boiling dye in the tank as the nozzles travel to and fro they apply strips of colour to the web such strips being spaced apart in the direction of web travel the surplus dye stuff is caught in the tank below the web or in a return gutter 27 for return to the heated vats if desired more than one colour may be applied at this time by utilising more than one applicator each with its own dye supply and removal system in addition if desired the web leaving the second set of drive rolls 14 may be directed by stationary guide elements 28 into and thence out of a pool of dye stuff 29 in a heated bath so as to apply.