Hand Cutter how-to

How to Cut Material to a Template

Templates give consistent pieces.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Templates give consistent pieces. In short: lay; align; hold, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Lay material flat.

  2. Align the template.

  3. Hold firmly.

  4. Cut in one smooth pass.

  5. Check size.

  6. Stack pieces.

Safety reminders for hand cutters

  • Wear cut-resistant gloves
  • Cut away from the body
  • Change dull blades
  • Dispose of blades safely

Template · Flash · Trim line · Tolerance · Gasket · Durometer: see the full hand cutter glossary.

More hand cutter how-to guides

Learn this in Hand Cutter trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz