PURPOSE: To provide an apparatus and a method for securing an elastic member to a flexible backing for use in catamenial pads.

CONSTITUTION: An apparatus includes a means for feeding a backing sheet onto a first drum 14 having a plurality of surface grooves 38 formed thereinto. The backing sheet is pulled into each of the grooves, e.g. by a vacuum. Then, a strip of an elastic member is placed across each of the grooves and anchored at its respective ends. Subsequently, the backing sheet is drawn off of first drum 14 and extended so that the elastic member is stretched to overlay the backing sheet. Further, this apparatus includes a means for adhering portions of the elastic member intermediate the anchored ends to the backing sheet while the elastic member is in its extended position. A method for securing the elastic membrane to the backing sheet uses the apparatus as described above.