Some of our stores had a meter. When I was nose-high to the counter I adored watching the saleslady measure and cut. I believe the machine had a little built-in clipper. The clipped spot was put squarely over a slot built into the cutting table that guided the lower blade of the scissors. I have no memory of cloth being ripped in any of the department stores.
I do remember being a 'tween' and a saleslady patiently and kindly cutting eighth of a yard pieces I selected to make Barbie clothes for my little sister. I can still see the gorgeous white brocade I selected for evening wear and the tiny print for pajamas. She measured and cut as carefully and as courteously as if I were a major customer.