A fabric cutter uses a pattern and cuts out the pieces of fabric or other materials, such as vinyl, to be made into clothing or other textiles.

The Work

You could be:

• making sure work areas and equipment are clean
• deciding on the correct cutting method for the type of material
• preparing the fabric for cutting out by spreading it out in flat layers, smoothing out creases and checking the fabric for faults
• planning how much to cut from a piece of material so there is less waste
• placing the pattern on the fabric and marking round it
• cutting round the pattern using a computer controlled cutting machine, scissors or a special electric knife
• carefully cutting delicate materials by hand
• cutting as many as 150 layers of fabric at once, if you use a cutting machine
• storing fabrics correctly and checking stock levels.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organization you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2022 the National Minimum Wage is £4.81 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17, £6.83 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £9.18 an hour for workers aged 21 to 22. The National Living Wage is £9.50 for workers aged 23 and over.

Pay is sometimes on a piece-rate system, so that the more items you cut out, the more you earn. With experience you may earn around £13 an hour. A cutting room manager can earn up to £40,000 with experience. You may be able to earn bonuses and work overtime.

Conditions

• You will work in the cutting room of a factory or workshop.
• The machines can be noisy.
• You will be doing a lot of bending, stretching and lifting. You will have to lift heavy rolls of fabric from stockrooms.
• You may use computer controlled cutting equipment and sharp tools.
• You may have to wear protective clothing.

Getting In

• You may get directly into a job with on the job training.
• You do not need formal qualifications but it may be helpful if you have an NC, NQ (SCQF Level 4-6) or HNC (SCQF Level 7) in a subject such as fashion design and production.
• You do not need formal qualifications to get into an NC or NQ course but for entry to the HNC, you normally need 1 or 2 Highers, or an appropriate NC or NQ.
• You may be able to get in through a Modern Apprenticeship, with training leading to SVQs at SCQF Levels 6 or 7.

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• good hand to eye coordination
• a steady, accurate hand, for cutting
• excellent attention to detail
• good IT and numeracy skills
• a good understanding of textile characteristics
• a methodical approach to work.

You need to be able to:

• work quickly and accurately under pressure
• follow instructions
• follow health and safety procedures carefully
• work as part of a team with others such as designers, machinists and technologists.

Training

Training is normally on the job.

Getting On

• With experience you may be able to move on to become a pattern cutter or grader.
• You might become a cutting room supervisor or manager.
• You might study further to become a tailor or dressmaker.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.