Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a piece of pre-shaped carpet to pattern. The apparatus includes a bottom support platen, a common support having depending therefrom, a top pressing platen and vertically-cutting blades. The bottom support platen and the top pressing platen are shaped to conform to the shape of the pre-shaped carpet. The common support is moved vertically down so that the top pressing platen exerts substantial pressure on the carpet, and the common support continues to move down so that the vertically-cutting blades cut the carpet. The common support then moves up, lifting the blades up, followed by the reduction and release of the pressure on the carpet.In a preferred embodiment of the method and apparatus, a peripheral support member and peripheral pressing member are provided to firmly hold the extreme edge of the carpet so that the section of the carpet to be cut is held taut during the cutting operation.