Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to enable the transfer coating of an elaborate and fine pattern of hot melt adhesive onto a workpiece, and to extend the service life of the first roll and the doctor blade. A predetermined pattern of hollows is provided on the surface of a first roll which is partially immersed and rotatably mounted in a tank of adhesive. A second roll which is in rotatable contact with the first roll, has a pattern of protrusions provided on its surface of the second roll that differs from that on the first roll. By this approach, the adhesive is transferred only to the protrusions of said second roll even if excess adhesive remains in the hollows of the first roll and even if some adhesive remains in areas other than the hollows. Accordingly, a necessary and sufficient amount of adhesive can be transferred onto the workpiece without the simultaneous transfer of any stains. In this way, an elaborate, fine, and clear pattern without any spreading and/or loss of shape can be obtained.