A method and apparatus for automatically cutting notches at specific locations on a web which are separated by predetermined lengths which are the outer dimensions of a pillowtop mattress. The web is pulled through a sewing station with a traction drive. Slack is induced in the web downstream of the traction drive. Predetermined lengths are drawn out of the slack bin in a single motion through a linear measuring device. A knife disposed in close proximity to the measuring device cuts the notches at the specific locations and subsequently severs the notched portion from the remainder of the web.