Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cutting out faultless pattern pieces from webs of fabric superimposed to form a stack and having irregularly occurring material defects. According to the invention, intrusive material defects are cut out and the individual parts of each web of fabric which has had a material defect cut out of it are overlapped such that a complete set of pattern pieces is obtained each time and none of these pieces contains an intrusive material fault. The coordinate data for the material defect are ascertained by digitally operating means and stored in digital form so that the can be displayed, together with cutting data, on a screen which is preferably displaced together with a fabric laying carriage of a fabric laying machine for carrying out the inventive method.