Abstract: An automatic and operator-unattended apparatus and method for forming a stitched coin pocket in a ply of material. A continuous length of material is provided to a folding station, which imparts a generally Z-shaped fold in the material by moving parallel plates along paths substantially parallel to each other, while the material is held by holding plates. A carriage with gripping fingers holds the fold in place while moving the length of material out to a predetermined length. A cutter cuts the material into a predetermined length. The carriage then pulls the ply of material through a sewing station where the fold is stitched. The carriage then places the sewn folded ply atop a stack of similarly formed articles by positively depositing same on the top of the stack. An improved stacking apparatus presents a substantially flat stacking surface for the article by allowing tilting of the stacking table to compensate for the increased thickness at one end of the ply due to the presence of the folded region.