A method and apparatus of applying stocking sheaths to cylindrical articles involving passing the articles longitudinally through the interior of a cylindrical mandrel bearing on its outer surface a supply of continuous stocking material. As the articles emerge from the mandrel they pickup overhanging stocking material and draw it off the mandrel. The interconnecting stocking between successively emerging articles is severed by shearing means. Spacing sufficient to provide stocking portions overhang the ends of the articles is achieved by driving the articles emerging from the mandrel at a greater speed than they are driven through the mandrel. Filter elements are formed of hollow, fibrous cylinders covered with a cloth stocking by tucking the overhanging ends of the stocking into the hollow ends of the cylinders.