Abstract: A method and apparatus for gathering a plurality of brush bristles into a bundle and forming the bristle bundle into a tuft. The apparatus comprises a housing and a centerpiece. The housing comprises a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, a bore formed in the interior of the housing and extending generally along the housing longitudinal axis, and a slot formed in the exterior of the housing. The housing slot communicates with the housing exterior and extends generally diagonally toward the housing second end from the housing exterior to the housing interior such that the housing slot communicates with the housing bore. The centerpiece is adapted to be slidably received within the housing bore and comprises a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and a slot formed in the exterior of the centerpiece.