Sewing Tools Spotlight: Scissors? How to pick the best styles

How to pick the best Scissors Style

Other than a sewing machine, a good pair of scissors is perhaps the most essential tool for any sewist. There are a range of scissors made specifically for sewing; so today we will be going through what types you need and when to use them.

Dressmaking Shears

Full-sized fabric scissors or dressmaker shears are the most versatile of cutting tools for sewing – so if you don’t have a pair, you need at least one pair! They are available in three different lengths, 8 inch, 9 inch, and 10 inch. This measurement refers to the blade length. The longer the blade, the heavier the scissors. Dressmaking sheers will be your go-to for cutting out new projects, snipping notches, and trimming seam allowances.

When starting out sewing, it’s tempting to just grab a cheap pair of scissors from your local box store – but those scissors are not made for fabric and thread.  This will cause you a lot of frustration and you will eventually have to purchase a pair of dressmaking scissors. Look for scissors labelled as “fabric scissors” or “dressmaking shears.” These types of scissors are typically sharper and more durable than cheap crafting scissors.

Once you have your new fabric scissors – remember to never cut anything except fabric with them. Cutting paper or any other non-fabric item will quickly dull them, making it difficult to cut through fabric in the future. So, save yourself the frustration and keep your precious scissors off-limits for anything but fabric.

Thread Snips

Another type of scissors that is a vital addition to your sewing practice is a pair of thread snips. These are just tiny scissors with small blades that can more easily get into areas difficult for full-sized scissors. As the name implies, they are perfect for trimming thread tails away after stitching.

You can get thread snips in many different styles, but I personally like the kind without holes for the fingers that are spring-loaded and stay open when not in use. I find them much quicker and easier to use than thread snips that are made just like normal scissors, except in miniature.

Pinking Shears/ Scissors

Pinking Shears are a great alternative to finish seams on woven fabrics if you do not use a serger or overlock machine. The blades look like a series of perfectly aligned small “v’s.” (These are called sawtooth blades) When you cut the edges of fabric, the pinkers will leave a series of zig zag cuts. These cuts significantly reduce fraying, but they do not eliminate it.  They are best for tightly woven fabrics such as quilting cottons and are not suitable for knit fabrics.

Applique Scissors

If you will be sewing applique fabric and need to trim a single layer, Applique Scissors are a must have tool.

Applique Scissors are also called pelican or duckbill scissors, a reference to their shape. They are medium length (approximately 6 inches) and are specifically designed to trim applique fabric. One blade is a traditional, sharp pointed scissor blade. The other blade has a slightly thicker, larger semi-circle, bowl shape. This unique design allows the scissors to lift, separate, and trim applique fabrics from the main fabric. These are also great scissors for grading seams when working with thick fabrics.

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If you have a question or tutorial suggestion, please leave it in the comments below.  We would love to hear from you!