Yarn feed mechanism for tufting machine

A yarn feed mechanism for a tufting machine for feeding yarn to the needles (24) comprises a yarn guide (21) and a threader (22) mounted on a needlebar of the machine. The threader (22) and guide (21) are mounted in close proximity in the machine and yarn passes directly from the guide to threader without the necessity for any intermediate structures such as a jerker. The mechanism allows for a reduced mass and size for the yarn feed mechanism without reducing efficiency of operation. Either or both of the yarn guide and threader may perform a jerker function The threader (22) is formed as a U-shaped member which reinforces the needle bar (23).