Fabric Cutter

Also known as:

Cloth Cutter
Cutter, Fabric
Textile Cutter

Introduction

Fabric cutters work in clothing factories. They cut fabric into the shapes required before it is made up into garments. Some cutters use hand shears to cut thin layers of fabric in small quantities. Other cutters use tools such as band knives, to cut through many layers of cloth.

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Work Activities

Fabric cutters are responsible for cutting material accurately to a required shape, before it is made up into a garment. Every day, a cutter is given a worksheet listing the jobs for the day.

The cutter checks the material for flaws then arranges it in smooth layers, on a special cutting table. This is known as laying up. It might be done manually or by machine. A pattern is then put on the fabric using tailor's chalk or a spray.

The material is then cut, using one of several different types of cutting tool. Occasionally the cutter may still use hand shears to cut thin layers of fabric in small quantities. The cutter has to manually keep all the layers aligned.

However nowadays most cutting is carried out using computerised or laser machines. The computer works out the layout for the pattern, with as little waste as possible. The job of the cutter is to program the machine and lower it on to the fabric. Modern machines can cut through up to 150 layers of fabric at one time.

After cutting, the cutter may remove the cut fabric from the table and put it into bundles, ready for the next stage of garment manufacture.

Cutters also do routine maintenance of their cutting tools.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need good hand skills. For using hand shears and for keeping the material aligned you must have strong hands and arms. You need to be fairly fit, as you will stand for most of the day and lift heavy cloth. Good eyesight is important.

You must follow safety regulations carefully, and use the guards, thimbles and metal gloves provided.

Mistakes can be expensive, so you must be careful and accurate when cutting fabric.

There are about 600 clothing and textile companies within Scotland, mostly in the Borders.

Of the 250 workers in the Harris Tweed industry who are based in the Western Isles, 150 of them work from home on handlooms while the rest are in mills.

Increased use of new technology and the practice of out-sourcing work to factories abroad mean there is less demand for unskilled or semi-skilled workers.

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Pay and Opportunities

Fabric cutters are usually paid on piecework rates.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Fabric cutters earn in the range of £220 - £250 a week, rising to £270 - £350. Higher earners can make around £370 a week.

Fabric cutters usually work a basic 39-hour week, which may include early starts, weekends and shift work. Part-time work may be available.

Employers throughout the UK are garment manufacturers and tailors' firms. These range from small family businesses to large companies.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills and abilities gained in the clothing manufacturing industry, using machinery, can be helpful.

An interest in fashion and design is also useful.

• 20% of people in jobs such as fabric cutter work part-time.

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