Abstract: A method and system for cutting a web, such as a patterned fabric, displays a nested template pattern for the fabric along with a superimposed image of the fabric on a display screen, to allow the nested template pattern to be moved relative to the fabric image, under operator control. The nested template pattern may be moved as a whole, and individual templates may be moved, rotated or warped, so that a new template pattern is produced which is aligned to the fabric image, notwithstanding defects such as skew, bow or uneven repeat in the fabric. Once produced, the new template pattern is converted into customized cutting instructions for the fabric. The customized instructions are used to control a cutting station, for example a laser cutting station, to cut each section of fabric according to its customized cutting instructions.