The present invention relates to a method for the flat manufacture of three-dimensional articles, in particular absorbent disposable articles. According to the invention, a plurality of narrow, flexible absorbent bodies (1a-1g) are placed sequentially on a thin material web of liquid-impermeable material (2; 2') or liquid-permeable material, said pads having mutually diverging side surfaces on both sides of a central part of said pads intended to form the crotch parts of a manufactured article; placing a thin, second material web of liquid-permeable material (4) or liquid-impermeable material over said bodies and fastening second material web to the first material web (2; 2') so as to enclose each pad between the two material webs; and by rendering those parts of the mutually joined material webs located between the different pads contractable prior to or in conjunction with placing the liquid-permeable material web in position; and by then causing the contractable parts of the material webs to contract and therewith move the side surfaces of the pads towards one another. The invention also relates to an absorbent disposable article manufactured in accordance with the method.