An apparatus for detecting a deformation in a leading end section of a waft thread exiting from a weft insertion channel in an air jet weaving loom, said apparatus comprising a weft stretching channel positioned downstream of said weft insertion channel, said weft stretching channel including a weft entrance area, a jet nozzle positioned for seizing said leading end section of said weft thread and driving said weft thread into said weft entrance area and through said weft stretching channel, at least two weft stop motion devices positioned for monitoring said leading end section of said waft thread, wherein one weft stop motion device (3A) of said at least two weft stop motion devices is positioned in an entrance area of said weft stretching channel for monitoring the presence or absence of said leading end section of said weft thread in said weft entrance area of said weft stretching channel, and wherein the other weft stop motion device (4) of said at least two weft stop motion devices is positioned at an exit of said weft stretching channel.