There is provided a method and apparatus for manufacturing filters for smoking articles. The method comprises providing hollow tubes (309) of filter material. Each hollow tube has an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The method further comprises providing filter inserts (205). Each filter insert (205) has a first portion having a cross sectional dimension larger than the inner diameter of the hollow tube. The method further comprises inserting each filter insert (205) into a hollow tube (309) of filter material. During inserting, the first portion of the filter insert (205) engages with the hollow tube (309) to retain the filter insert in the hollow tube.