Description
Lay out, mark, and cut fabric and apparel components from markers or patterns using manual or automated cutting equipment. Optimize material usage, ensure accuracy and quality, and prepare cut bundles for production.
- • Review cutting tickets, markers, and specifications to determine sizes, quantities, and layouts.
- • Spread and align fabric on cutting tables, accounting for grain, nap, stripes, plaids, and defects.
- • Position markers or templates to maximize yield and minimize waste.
- • Mark reference points, notches, and alignment indicators on fabric as required.
- • Cut fabric using hand shears, rotary cutters, straight-knife, band-knife, or die-cut equipment.
- • Operate, load, and monitor automated cutting machines; set parameters and run cut files.
- • Replace blades and perform routine maintenance and adjustments on cutting tools and equipment.
- • Label, ticket, and bundle cut parts by size, style, color, and lot for sewing operations.
- • Inspect fabric for flaws and shade variations; flag defects and adjust cutting to avoid them.
- • Verify cut parts against specifications and tolerances; perform in-process quality checks.
- • Trace specified patterns onto fabric when needed and cut along designated lines.
- • Input or retrieve cutting specifications and marker files from computers or plotters; print markers as needed.
- • Record yields, fabric usage, and cut counts; report variances or shortages.
- • Handle and store fabric rolls safely; manage remnants and maintain cutting-room organization.
- • Coordinate with patternmakers and production staff to resolve cutting issues and clarify specifications.
- • Follow safety procedures and maintain a clean, hazard-free cutting area.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
