PURPOSE: To cut a sliver extending from an empty can to a spinning unit and house the cut sliver in the empty can by moving a sliver holding tool movable in the horizontal direction to a specific position in the direction separate from an apparatus for piecing the sliver.

CONSTITUTION: A sliver (S2) extending from an empty can (B1) to spinning machinery (Sp) is held with a sliver holding tool (K), which is then separated from an apparatus (P) for piecing the sliver to a position passing over a sliver guide (G2). The sliver (S2) is then cut. The holding of the sliver (S2) is subsequently released above the empty can (B1) in the course of returning the sliver holding tool (K) in the direction to the apparatus for piecing the sliver to house the sliver (S2) in the empty can (B1). Thereby, trouble in which the sliver (S2) is caught by the sliver guide (G2) can be prevented.