The method of forming pleated filter media includes providing a generally planar web of filter material, folding the web to form a pleated web having a plurality of fold lines, arranging the plurality of pleats in a first spaced configuration defined by a first distance between adjacent pleat tips, applying a continuous strand of adhesive to the web, and adjusting the arrangement of the plurality of pleats into a second spaced configuration defined by a second distance between adjacent pleat tips. The web has a front face and a rear face. Each fold line is intermediate oppositely sloping first and second wall surfaces. The plurality of fold lines form a plurality of pleats having a first plurality of pleat tips and a second plurality of pleat valleys. The second distance is different from the first distance.