Clothing markers and cutters work in factories and workrooms. Self-employed markers and cutters may have workrooms in their homes.

Clothing factories and workrooms may be dusty and noisy, and clothing markers and cutters are on their feet most of the day. Cutting machines can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Equipment clothing markers and cutters may use includes:

• shears
• special blades for cutting leather
• electric or computerised cutting machines
• full-size or miniature pattern pieces
• rolls of fabric
• weights for holding down the fabric while cutting
• a cutting table
• needles, thread, pins, white pencils, pens, rulers and set squares for making markings
• an electric trolley to roll out the fabric
• computer-aided design (CAD) software with a printer for printing full-size patterns and associated markers
• a laser cutter
• a fusing press (to fuse interfacing to a garment).

Clothing markers and cutters who work for clothing companies usually work regular hours. However, they may need to work overtime at the height of a season. Self-employed markers and cutters often work irregular hours and their work may be seasonal.

Clothing markers and cutters work independently or in small teams. They may follow the instructions of a cutting manager under the direction of a supervisor.

They may also have contact with:

• sewing machinists
• clothing designers
• pattern makers
• production managers
• other clothing workers such as sorters (who sort cut garments for the machinists)
• fusing press workers (who press fusing onto fabrics).