A system for manufacturing self-retaining suture includes means for supporting the suture during cutting of retainers which protrude from the suture at multiple angles. The system includes an anvil having a channel configured to support a suture during cutting of a retainer at a first angular position while providing for non-interference between the anvil and retainers previously cut on the suture at one or more angular positions different than the first angular position. In embodiments the channel is provided with notches which receive previously-formed retainers during creation of subsequent retainers. The system thereby provides for rotating the suture and supporting the suture with the anvil without interference with previously-formed retainers.