The cutting room decides fabric cost and the quality of every panel that reaches the sewing line. These questions are asked in interviews for cutting, IE and planning roles.
CAD and marker
1. What is CAD? Computer Aided Design.
2. Why is CAD needed? To make patterns and markers with accurate measurements and the best fabric use.
3-4. What is marker efficiency and how is it calculated? The share of the marker area actually used by garment parts.
Formula: Marker efficiency % = Area of pattern pieces ÷ Total marker area × 100
5-6. What is the grain line (green line) on a pattern and why is it needed? It shows the direction each part must lie on the fabric length. Placing parts off grain makes garments twist and hang badly after washing.
7. What is a one-garment-one-way marker? All parts of one garment face the same direction.
8. What is a random (normal) marker? Parts are placed in different directions to save fabric - only allowed for fabrics without nap or direction.
19. Marker vs pattern? A pattern is the template of one part. A marker is the layout of all patterns of all sizes to be cut from one lay.
20. Types of marker: random/normal, one garment one way, all garments one way, selvedge marker, block marker.
Planning the cut
9. Why is numbering needed on cut panels? To keep panels of one garment from the same ply (no shading inside a garment) and to identify the size.
10. What is shading? Colour difference between parts of the same garment - a serious defect.
11. What is a cut plan? The plan of lays, marker ratios and plies for a style, made from the order sheet.
12. Ratio pack vs solid pack? Ratio pack: each carton has sizes in a fixed ratio. Solid pack: one size (and colour) per carton.
13-14. What is consumption and where do we get it? The fabric needed for one garment. It comes from the marker (CAD or manual): marker length ÷ garments in the marker.
15. Consumption 1.25 yd, table 15 yd - how many garments in one marker? 15 ÷ 1.25 = 12 garments.
16-17. Size set, initial and bulk cutting? Size set: a few pieces of all sizes to confirm measurements. Initial (pilot): a small run to confirm the process. Bulk cutting starts only after the initial is approved.
18. Bulk pattern? The pattern approved for bulk - the initial pattern after any corrections from the pilot run.
Fabric checks before cutting
21. What does the fabric inspection team do when fabric arrives? Checks quantity, width, GSM, defects (4-point system), shade bands and shrinkage, and reports before cutting.
22-25. What is shrinkage, and why the shrinkage & shade report? Shrinkage is the change in length and width after washing or pressing. Testing it lets the pattern be adjusted, and grouping rolls by shade and shrinkage stops mixed sizes and colours in the same garment.
26. What is spandex fabric? Fabric with elastane for stretch - it needs relaxation and careful spreading without tension.
27-30. What is fabric relaxation? Letting fabric rest unrolled without tension so it recovers its natural length before cutting. Knits and stretch fabrics typically need 12-24 hours; the need is decided from the shrinkage test and buyer requirement. Relaxation machines (fabric relaxer) speed this up.
31-32. PO sheet? The purchase order breakdown by colour, size and quantity - cutting uses it for the cut plan.
33. Parts of a 5-pocket denim: front panels, back panels, yoke, waistband, front pockets, coin pocket, back pockets, pocket bags, fly and belt loops.
34. Cutting machines: straight knife, band knife, round knife, die cutter and automatic CNC cutter.
Fusing and manpower
35. Fusing elaboration report? A record of temperature, pressure, time and bond strength tests for each fusing setup.
36. Fusing temperature? Usually 145-150 °C, but always follow the interlining supplier's data sheet.
37. Why fuse? To give shape and strength to parts like collars, cuffs and plackets.
38. Numbering manpower: 25,000 garments × 21 panels = 525,000 panels in 10 hours. Numbering SAM 0.014 min per panel → 100% target 4,285 per hour; at 75% efficiency 3,214 per hour, 32,140 in 10 hours. Manpower = 525,000 ÷ 32,140 = 16.3 → 17 people.