Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching an elastic member in cross machine direction and combining the elastic member, while held in tension, with a moving substrate web. A web of unstretched material, having elasticity across the direction of metering, is fed onto a first rotating drum at a speed slower than the surface speed of the drum. A cutter roll severs a portion of the unstretched material from its leading edge. Vacuum grippers in a drum slot beneath the elastic member support the ends of the member when it is cut from the web. Sealing dies are mounted to the surface of the vacuum grippers below the ends of the elastic member. As the first drum rotates further, the vacuum grippers are cammed axially outward within the slot to stretch the elastic member. Meanwhile, a substrate web is metered onto a second drum which rotates at the same surface speed as the first drum. The second drum rotates against the first drum but in the opposite direction.