A method is disclosed for imparting twist to textile filaments and a friction twister therefor wherein a plurality of turns of twist are imparted to the filament for each revolution of the friction twister. The disclosed friction twister comprises two hollow spindles containing frictional engagement means therein. The two spindles are driven by pivoting the twister about a pivot point so that the hollow spindles come into engagement with a drive belt that passes between the spindles. Reversing guide means is provided to allow a filament to enter the front portion of one spindle and exit from the front portion of the other spindle. Another embodiment of the reversing guide means has a capacity to handle two filaments simultaneously.