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In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about scissors for sewing and fabric cutting.

Scissors are one of the most essential tools for any sewist, but not all scissors are created equal. Using the wrong scissors can ruin your fabric, damage your scissors, and make your sewing project harder and less enjoyable. That’s why it’s important to know how to choose and use the right scissors for sewing and fabric cutting.

In this ultimate guide, you will learn everything you need to know about scissors for sewing and fabric cutting.

By the end of this guide, you will be able to choose and use the best scissors for your sewing and fabric cutting needs, and improve your sewing skills and results. Whether you are a beginner or an expert sewist, you will find this guide useful and informative.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

Types of Scissors for Sewing and Fabric Cutting

There are many types of scissors for sewing and fabric cutting, each with its own purpose, features, advantages, disadvantages, and tips. Here are some of the most common and useful ones for sewists:

Dressmaker’s Shears

These are the most versatile and popular scissors for sewing and fabric cutting. They have long, sharp, and slightly angled blades that can cut through multiple layers of fabric with ease. They also have a bent handle that allows you to cut on a flat surface without lifting the fabric.

Dressmaker’s shears are ideal for cutting out patterns and trimming seams. The most useful length is 8 to 10 inches.

Some of the benefits of dressmaker’s shears are:

• They can cut through various types of fabric smoothly and cleanly
• They can cut along curves and straight lines with precision
• They can reduce hand fatigue and wrist strain

Some of the drawbacks of dressmaker’s shears are:

• They may dull quickly if used for other materials
• They may be too large or heavy for some users
• They may be difficult to sharpen or repair

Some of the tips for using dressmaker’s shears are:

• Always use sharp dressmaker’s shears for cutting fabric, as dull ones may damage the fabric or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right dressmaker’s shears for the right fabric, as different fabrics require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your dressmaker’s shears clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your dressmaker’s shears safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your dressmaker’s shears regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of dressmaker’s shears here.

Tailor’s Scissors

These are similar to dressmaker’s shears, but they have shorter and thicker blades that can cut through heavy-duty fabrics such as leather, denim, or canvas. They also have a straight handle that gives you more control and precision.

Tailor’s scissors are ideal for cutting small or intricate details and making decorative effects. The most useful length is 5 to 7 inches.

Some of the benefits of tailor’s scissors are:

• They can cut through thick or multiple layers of fabric with ease and precision
• They can create crisp and clean edges on the fabric
• They can last longer and stay sharper than other scissors

Some of the drawbacks of tailor’s scissors are:

• They may be too small or narrow for some users
• They may be too heavy or stiff for some users
• They may be expensive or hard to find

Some of the tips for using tailor’s scissors are:

• Always use sharp tailor’s scissors for cutting fabric, as dull ones may damage the fabric or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right tailor’s scissors for the right fabric, as different fabrics require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your tailor’s scissors clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your tailor’s scissors safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your tailor’s scissors regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of tailor’s scissors here.

Pinking Shears

These are scissors that have zigzagged blades that create a serrated edge on the fabric. They are used to prevent fraying and add a decorative finish to the fabric. They can cut through most fabrics, but they may not be very effective on stretchy or slippery fabrics.

Pinking shears are ideal for cutting fabrics that are prone to fraying, such as cotton, linen, or wool. They also add a decorative touch to your projects. The most useful length is 7 to 9 inches.

Some of the benefits of pinking shears are:

• They can prevent fraying and unraveling along the seams, especially if you don’t have a serger
• They can create a unique and stylish look on the fabric
• They can save time and money by eliminating the need for hemming or finishing the edges

Some of the drawbacks of pinking shears are:

• They may not work well on stretchy or slippery fabrics, such as knits or silk
• They may be bulky and heavy, and they may not be very comfortable to use for long periods of time
• They may be difficult to sharpen or repair

Some of the tips for using pinking shears are:

• Always use sharp pinking shears for cutting fabric, as dull ones may damage the fabric or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right pinking shears for the right fabric, as different fabrics require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your pinking shears clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your pinking shears safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your pinking shears regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of pinking shears here.

Embroidery Scissors

These are small scissors that have pointed tips and short blades. They are used for cutting threads, trimming seams, and making precise cuts on small or intricate details. They are perfect for embroidery, applique, quilting, and other hand-sewing projects. They can also be used to trim threads and clip curves and corners.

Embroidery scissors are ideal for cutting delicate, fine, or detailed work. The most useful length is 3 to 5 inches.

Some of the benefits of embroidery scissors are:

• They can cut through threads and stitches with precision and ease
• They can cut close to the fabric without damaging it
• They can reach hard-to-reach or irregular areas with ease

Some of the drawbacks of embroidery scissors are:

• They may not be very suitable for cutting large pieces of fabric or thick materials
• They may be too small or fragile for some users
• They may be expensive or hard to find

Some of the tips for using embroidery scissors are:

• Always use sharp embroidery scissors for cutting fabric, as dull ones may damage the fabric or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right embroidery scissors for the right fabric, as different fabrics require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your embroidery scissors clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your embroidery scissors safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your embroidery scissors regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of embroidery scissors [here].

Curved Embroidery Scissors

These are scissors that have curved blades that allow you to cut close to the fabric without damaging it. They are ideal for machine embroidery, as they can help you trim the excess threads and stabilizer without lifting the hoop. They can also be used for hand embroidery and other sewing projects that require precise cutting.

Curved embroidery scissors are ideal for cutting around shapes and curves. The most useful length is 3 to 4 inches.

Some of the benefits of curved embroidery scissors are:

• They can cut close to the fabric without damaging it
• They can cut around shapes and curves with precision

• They can reach hard-to-reach or irregular areas with ease

Some of the drawbacks of curved embroidery scissors are:

• They may not be very suitable for cutting large pieces of fabric or thick materials
• They may be too small or fragile for some users
• They may be expensive or hard to find

Some of the tips for using curved embroidery scissors are:

• Always use sharp curved embroidery scissors for cutting fabric, as dull ones may damage the fabric or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right curved embroidery scissors for the right fabric, as different fabrics require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your curved embroidery scissors clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your curved embroidery scissors safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your curved embroidery scissors regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of curved embroidery scissors [here].

Snips

These are scissors that have short, spring-loaded blades that can cut through threads and stitches with a simple squeeze. They are ideal for quick and easy cutting, especially when you need to cut multiple threads at once. They can also be used to trim threads and clip curves and corners.

Snips are ideal for cutting threads and stitches. The most useful length is 2 to 3 inches.

Some of the benefits of snips are:

• They can cut through threads and stitches with ease and speed
• They can cut multiple threads at once without tangling or knotting
• They can reduce hand fatigue and wrist strain

Some of the drawbacks of snips are:

• They may not be very suitable for cutting fabric or other materials
• They may be too small or sharp for some users
• They may be difficult to control or handle

Some of the tips for using snips are:

• Always use sharp snips for cutting threads and stitches, as dull ones may damage the threads or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right snips for the right threads and stitches, as different threads and stitches require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your snips clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your snips safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your snips regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of snips [here].

Applique Scissors

These are scissors that have a special shape that allows you to cut close to the fabric while protecting it from damage. They have a lower blade that is wider and shorter than the upper blade, creating a gap between them. This gap prevents the lower blade from cutting the fabric underneath the applique.

Applique scissors are ideal for applique, reverse applique, and other sewing projects that require cutting around shapes. The most useful length is 5 to 6 inches.

Some of the benefits of applique scissors are:

• They can cut close to the fabric without damaging it
• They can cut around shapes and curves with precision and ease
• They can create neat and clean edges on the applique

Some of the drawbacks of applique scissors are:

• They may not work well on thick or multiple layers of fabric
• They may be too large or bulky for some users
• They may be expensive or hard to find

Some of the tips for using applique scissors are:

• Always use sharp applique scissors for cutting fabric, as dull ones may damage the fabric or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right applique scissors for the right fabric, as different fabrics require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your applique scissors clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your applique scissors safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your applique scissors regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of applique scissors [here].

General Purpose Scissors

These are scissors that can be used for various purposes, such as cutting paper, cardboard, plastic, or other materials. They are not designed for cutting fabric, and they can become dull or damaged if used for that. They are useful for other tasks related to sewing, such as cutting out patterns, labels, or instructions.

General purpose scissors are ideal for cutting non-fabric materials. The most useful length is 6 to 8 inches.

Some of the benefits of general purpose scissors are:

• They can cut through various types of materials smoothly and cleanly
• They can be used for a variety of tasks and projects
• They are inexpensive and easy to find

Some of the drawbacks of general purpose scissors are:

• They may not be very sharp or durable, and they may not cut through thick or multiple layers of material very well
• They may dull or damage your fabric scissors if used interchangeably
• They may not be very comfortable or ergonomic to use for long periods of time

Some of the tips for using general purpose scissors are:

• Always use sharp general purpose scissors for cutting non-fabric materials, as dull ones may damage the materials or cause uneven cuts
• Always use the right general purpose scissors for the right material, as different materials require different levels of pressure and angle
• Always keep your general purpose scissors clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades
• Always store your general purpose scissors safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others
• Always sharpen your general purpose scissors regularly, as sharp ones will make your cutting easier and faster

You can find a great pair of general purpose scissors [here].

Best Scissors for Different Fabrics

The best scissors for cutting fabric depend on the type, weight, and texture of the fabric. Here are some general recommendations for some common fabrics, but you may need to experiment and find what works best for you.

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and durable. It is one of the most versatile fabrics, and it can be used for a variety of projects, from clothing to quilts.

The best scissors for cutting cotton are fabric scissors, as they can cut through cotton smoothly and cleanly. You can also use pinking shears to prevent fraying or add a decorative edge to cotton fabric.

Silk

Silk is a natural fiber that is smooth, shiny, and luxurious. It is also delicate, slippery, and prone to fraying.

The best scissors for cutting silk are serrated scissors, as they can grip the silk and prevent it from sliding or snagging. You can also use embroidery scissors for cutting small or intricate details on silk fabric.

Denim

Denim is a heavy-duty fabric that is made from cotton twill. It is sturdy, durable, and resistant to wear and tear. It is also thick, stiff, and hard to cut.

The best scissors for cutting denim are heavy-duty fabric scissors, as they can cut through denim with ease and precision. You can also use pinking shears to prevent fraying or add a decorative edge to denim fabric.

Leather

Leather is an animal skin that is treated and tanned to make it flexible, durable, and water-resistant. It is also tough, thick, and hard to cut.

The best scissors for cutting leather are heavy-duty fabric scissors, as they can cut through leather with ease and precision. You can also use serrated scissors to grip the leather and prevent it from slipping. You should avoid using pinking shears or embroidery scissors on leather, as they may damage the leather or dull the blades.

Wool

Wool is a natural fiber that is warm, cozy, and fuzzy. It is also stretchy, bulky, and prone to fraying.

The best scissors for cutting wool are fabric scissors, as they can cut through wool smoothly and cleanly. You can also use pinking shears to prevent fraying or add a decorative edge to wool fabric. You should avoid using serrated scissors or embroidery scissors on wool, as they may snag or pull the wool fibers.

Knits

Knits are fabrics that are made from interlocking loops of yarn. They are stretchy, soft, and comfortable, but they are also slippery, unstable, and prone to curling.

The best scissors for cutting knits are serrated scissors, as they can grip the knits and prevent them from sliding or stretching. You can also use embroidery scissors for cutting small or intricate details on knits. You should avoid using pinking shears or fabric scissors on knits, as they may cause the knits to unravel or distort.

Tips for Using Scissors for Sewing and Fabric Cutting

Here are some tips for using scissors for sewing and fabric cutting:

• Always use sharp scissors for cutting fabric, as dull scissors may damage the fabric or cause uneven cuts.
• Always use the right scissors for the right fabric, as different scissors have different features and advantages for different fabrics.
• Always use the right scissors for the right task, as different scissors have different sizes and shapes for different purposes.
• Always keep your scissors clean and dry, as dirt, dust, or moisture may affect the performance or damage the blades of your scissors.
• Always store your scissors safely and securely, as exposed blades may cause injury or damage to yourself or others.
• Always sharpen your scissors regularly, as sharp scissors will make your cutting easier and faster.
• Always cut with the grain of the fabric, as cutting across the grain may cause the fabric to stretch or distort.

• Always cut with smooth and steady strokes, as cutting with jerky or uneven motions may cause the fabric to slip or snag.
• Always cut on a flat and stable surface, as cutting on a curved or uneven surface may affect the accuracy or quality of your cuts.

How to Care for and Maintain Your Scissors for Sewing and Fabric Cutting?

To care for and maintain your scissors for sewing and fabric cutting, you need to follow some tips, such as:

• Clean your scissors regularly: You should wipe your scissors with a soft cloth after each use, and remove any lint, dust, or dirt that may accumulate on the blades or the hinges. You should also wash your scissors with mild soap and water if they become sticky or stained, and dry them thoroughly before storing them. You should avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasives, or solvents that may damage your scissors or cause rusting or corrosion.
• Sharpen your scissors periodically: You should sharpen your scissors when they become dull or difficult to cut with. You can use a sharpening stone, a sharpening rod, or a specialized scissors sharpener to restore the edge of your blades. You should follow the instructions of the manufacturer or the sharpener, and use gentle and even strokes along the entire length of the blade. You should avoid over-sharpening or under-sharpening your scissors, as this may affect their performance or durability.
• Store your scissors properly: You should store your scissors in a dry and cool place, away from moisture, heat, or direct sunlight. You should also store your scissors in a protective case, a pouch, or a drawer, and keep them away from children, pets, or other sharp objects. You should avoid storing your scissors in a crowded or cluttered space, as this may cause them to bend, break, or scratch.

Scissors are one of the most essential tools for any sewist, but not all scissors are created equal. By choosing and using the right scissors for sewing and fabric cutting, you can improve your sewing skills and results, and enjoy your sewing projects more. I hope this post has given you some useful information and tips on scissors for sewing and fabric cutting, and inspired you to try them out on your next project. Happy sewing!

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In this post, you have learned everything you need to know on types of scissors for sewing and fabric cutting.

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