a method and apparatus for manufacturing recloseable plastic bags with engageable mating profiles where the bags are provided open for the consumer . the profiles are initially provided in the fully engaged condition within an elongate , longitudinally cut tube . the profiles are then periodically fused , tacked , or attached together at the approximate locations where the tube is to be cut into bags . upon tacking , the profiles are pulled apart by frictionally engaging an area on the outside of the film , near the profiles , and between the tacks . the film is then forced away from the profiles , which at least partially pulls one profile from the other . thereafter , the tube may be cut and sealed into bags as would otherwise normally occur .