This post is long overdue. I’ve received a lot of questions about the best scissors for cutting different fabrics, so I think it’s time to share my thoughts. As someone who knows a lot about sewing, I understand how important scissors are in the crafting process. In this article, I’ll talk about my personal collection of scissors and how I use each of them.
Over my many years of experience, I’ve put together a list of what I think are the best sewing scissors. These scissors are good at cutting through layers of fabric, and most of them have a lifetime warranty.
Types of Scissors
Buttonhole Scissors
- Purpose: Designed for safely cutting open buttonholes after sewing.
- Use: Ensures a neat and precise opening without damaging the surrounding fabric.
Pinking Shears
- Purpose: Creates a zigzag edge on fabric to prevent unraveling.
- Use: Ideal for finishing seams, reducing fraying, and adding a decorative touch to projects.
Thread Nippers
- Purpose: Designed for convenience in cutting threads during sewing projects.
- Use: Features a loop for the fourth finger, allowing easy control with the thumb and forefinger.
Tailor’s Shears
- Purpose: Longer shears, typically 10 inches, for making extended cuts.
- Use: Suitable for cutting through various fabrics, including heavy upholstery materials.
Eight-Inch Dressmakers Shears
- Purpose: Classic shears specifically for cutting fabric.
- Use: Often marked or designated for fabric use only, with a bent-handled design for comfortable cutting along flat surfaces.
Embroidery Scissors
- Purpose: Tailored for precision cutting in embroidery and needlework.
- Use: Perfect for snipping threads, making detailed cuts, and enhancing accuracy in intricate projects.
Applique Scissors
- Purpose: Designed for trimming excess fabric in applique work.
- Use: The flat, curved plate allows for easy lifting of fabric, ensuring precise and controlled cuts around applique designs.
Scissors vs Shears
The main thing that sets them apart is the length of the blades and the shape of the handles. Scissors usually have blades that are 6 inches or shorter, while shears have longer blades, 7 inches and more. Scissors have handles that are the same size, while shears have one small handle for the thumb and a larger one for two or more fingers. This helps the hand manage cutting better, leading to more precise cuts. Plus, they’re more comfy to hold. Shears often have handles that are bent, making it easier to cut fabric on a flat surface – a useful feature for sewing.
How To Choose a Sewing Scissor
Choosing the right sewing scissors may not be thrilling, but it’s important for a smooth sewing experience. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you make a simple choice:
Consider the Fabric
Different fabrics need different scissors. Slippery chiffon? Go for serrated-edged scissors. Thick denim or leather? Opt for heavy-duty tailor scissors. The type of fabric you work with determines the best scissors for you.
Think About Usage
Are you making a dress, a quilt, or a felt bag? Quilting requires straight cuts, while a dress demands precision. Choose scissors based on your intended use. For fine cutting, consider using embroidery scissors.
Size Matters
Your scissors should fit comfortably in your hand, allowing for effortless cutting. Longer blades work well for pattern cutting, while shorter blades are better for detailed work. The handle size should match your extended palm—neither too large nor too small.
Left or Right
Remember, scissors are made for left-handed and right-handed use. Check the blades before making your choice.
Consider Weight
Sewing scissors are generally heavier, but prolonged use can be tiring. For delicate cutting, a heavy pair may be difficult to handle. Choose scissors that are easy to use and won’t strain your hand during extended use.
Best Sewing Scissors
KAI Scissors 7250 10in Shears
The KAI 7250 Scissor is effective. Its very sharp blades easily cut through fabric, making the cutting process feel easy, similar to cutting soft butter. My initial worry about their weight disappeared when I found them to be well-balanced, removing any feeling of heaviness once I held them.
Made from high carbon, hardened stainless steel, these 10-inch professional scissors are designed for dealing with thicker fabrics. The addition of carbon improves their cutting ability, providing a sharper and finer edge. The 10-inch length is considered suitable for most sewing enthusiasts, accommodating different projects easily.
The KAI 7250 is good at cutting through multiple layers of fabric effortlessly. Being all-metal, it is durable, assuring it will last for a long time. The assurance of smooth, easy cuts without hand fatigue makes it a dependable tool for the years to come. To sum up, the KAI 7250 is a well-made, all-metal scissor that proves effective in handling various sewing projects with ease.
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Gingher Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors – 8″
The Gingher Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors are reasonably priced and durable, making them, in my opinion, a good investment for your sewing endeavors. I particularly appreciate their straightforward metal, offset handles, finding them to be the most comfortable for my use, even though I acknowledge that some might prefer a bit more grip.
These scissors have a satisfying weight and balance. The sharp blades effortlessly cut through a range of fabrics, from delicate silks to sturdy denim. They handle fleece and layers of cotton gingham with ease. What I find convenient is that I can use the same pair of shears for various tasks, whether it’s cutting one layer or several, dealing with silky or rough, thick or thin fabrics.
Capable of cutting through multiple layers effortlessly, these scissors are sturdy, with each blade and handle piece being a single metal unit, ensuring they won’t fall apart. I’ve been using my Ginghers regularly for several years, and they remain sharp and effective. While I only use them for fabric, I haven’t needed to have them sharpened in that time.
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Industrial Forged 8″ Serra Sharp
The Industrial Serra Sharp Dressmaker Shears Trimmers are manufactured in Brazil with a lifetime guarantee. These scissors serve as my everyday fabric cutters because they are lightweight, making it possible for me to cut fabric all day without experiencing hand pain. Given my small hands, this is especially important to me.
Measuring a modest 8 inches in length, they have a comfortable grip. The stainless steel blades are durable and easy to sharpen, lasting for a long time. With their micro-serrated bottom blade, they provide a consistently clean cut, managing to cut 3 1/2 inches in one go!
Their ergonomic handle allows for precise cuts, and I appreciate the sharpness of the blades. Overall, they are reliable and functional for various cutting tasks.
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Guggenhein IX, Professional Tailor Shears
The Guggenhein 9” Dressmaker Shears are quite good. Their longer blades are handy for dressmaking and quilting, especially when cutting large pattern pieces or yardage and batting. The sharp blades and strong tips are also useful for notching thick seams, a task that smaller scissors find challenging. These shears can handle fabrics ranging from lightweight cotton to heavier ones like denim and leather. The larger blades also make it simpler to cut in a straight line. Despite having metal handles, they remain comfortable to hold even after extended use.
Considered premium tailor scissors, they’re made from quality high carbon steel. The steel is colored through a process called bluing, which is different from the chrome or nickel coating on most other scissors. I liked them so much that I bought two more pairs for my sisters who sew. They appreciate the blade’s length and razor edge as well.
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Fiskars RazorEdge Fabric Scissors – 9″
The Fiskars RazorEdge Fabric Scissors are quite impressive. They feel well-balanced and comfortable in hand, reserved solely for my dressmaking needs. They’re sharp and get the fabric cutting job done well. The size is just right—not too heavy or bulky, yet sturdy. Fiskars has a reputation for quality, and these scissors are no exception.
The premium, hardened, stainless steel blades are precisely honed for maximum sharpness, ensuring they cut all the way to the tip. The pivot design provides an ultra-smooth cutting action. These scissors are built to last, a reliable addition to your quilting and scrapbooking supplies. Fiskars crafts supplies are known for their durability.
Comfort is a priority with the ergonomically sculpted handle, designed for sewists with larger hands. The included sheath adds convenience by protecting the blades when not in use. Overall, these Fiskars scissors are a dependable choice for various cutting tasks in the world of sewing.
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How to Take Care of Your Scissors
Caring for fabric scissors is straightforward but important. First, use them only for cutting fabrics to avoid dulling the blades. Label and store them separately from other tools to prevent mix-ups. This exclusive use for fabrics ensures a longer lifespan and precise cuts.
After each use, clean the scissors by wiping the blades and pivot area with a soft, dry cloth to remove lint, dust, or residue. Stubborn stains or sticky residue may require a cloth with rubbing alcohol, followed by thorough drying. Keeping the scissors dry is crucial to prevent rust and corrosion, which can impact performance.
Even the best fabric scissors lose sharpness over time. Regular sharpening is necessary for efficient cutting. You can use a sharpening stone at home or seek professional sharpening. When using a sharpening stone, maintain a 20-30 degree angle and gently slide the blade along the stone, following the original bevel. Repeat on both blades, testing on a fabric scrap for a clean cut. Caution is advised during sharpening to avoid over-sharpening, which can damage the blades.
I’m Amelia! A passionate foodie, avid home cook, and your go-to guide for all things kitchen. From sizzling pans to innovative gadgets, join me on my flavorful adventures as I whip up honest reviews and delightful dishes, making every meal a masterpiece.