A method and apparatus are provided for forming a strap loop and securing it about an article (P). The strap free end is pressed against a guide surface (224) and moved in a path to form a primary strap loop (LP) while permitting the primary strap loop (Lp) to twist off of the guide surface (224). With the free end of the strap (S) held against further movement, the trailing portion of the strap (S) is fed to expand the loop to a predetermined larger size. The article (P) is inserted in the loop (L F ) and the trailing portion of the strap (8) is withdrawn to tighten the loop (L F ) about the package (P). The trailing portion of the strap (S) is severed from the tightened strap loop (LF) and the overlapping portions of the strap (S) are then sealed by a friction-fusion weld.