Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tensioned garter and bonding it to a substrate while holding the garter in a predetermined shape. A garter is any continuous loop of elastic material or a laminate of elastic bands and one or more flexible backing sheets. In one embodiment mandrels having a perimeter of the desired garter shape are mounted to a rotating drum. Tensioned elastic ribbons are progressively wrapped, sealed, and cut around the mandrels to form individual tensioned garters which cling to the side walls of the mandrels. In another embodiment each mandrel has a top surface. The upper portion of a garter has sufficient elastic tension to cause it to fold over the mandrel top surface to form a garter flange thereon. A substrate is then engaged with the garter flange and an external sealing means seals the flange to the substrate, using the mandrel top surface as an anvil. In still another embodiment the mandrel top surface has a raised outer rim.