Abstract: A new tangential following motion control method of knife blade is proposed for automatic fabric cutting. By this method, following interpolation algorithm of arbitrary 2D curves can be implemented by ordinary motion controllers with a 3-axis linear interpolation function. After curves are discretized into broken lines according to required precision, each cutting piece contour can be divided into a number of segments composing of several lines. And transition between lines in the same segment is realized by rotating knife blade around tool nose. Error analysis and experiments showed that this method, with cutter compensation and adjustable overcutting, is effective and practicable. Compared with existing technology, it provides higher precision and lower cost.