Cutting doesn’t require just any scissors especially in the sewing industry. There are different scissors intended for specific purpose. It can be very frustrating when it comes to cutting in sewing. Whether you are starting as a beginner sewist, or a pro, having a collection of sewing shears will make your work fun and enjoyable. There are different types of scissors for sewing.
In this article, I’ll help you learn about different types of sewing scissors, and when to use them.
Important Points to Note on Sewing Scissors
First, here are some points to note on sewing scissors
- If you want your scissors to stay in good condition for long, use each pair of scissors for their purpose.
- Under no circumstance are you supposed to use fabric scissors for cutting other objects like paper, cardboard, tapes, etc.
- Regularly clean your precious scissors by wiping off lint with a clean cloth.
- And don’t forget about safety. Don’t leave scissors ragging around everywhere. Instead, create a storage unit for scissors. You can also make some scissors cases to cover those sharp tips.
What are the different types of scissors for sewing?
In the sewing industry, you can never have too many cutting tools in your sewing kit. There are numerous scissors types some of which include fabric cutting scissors, embroidery scissors, snips, etc.
Types of Sewing Scissors and their Uses
Here are 10 types of scissors and their uses….
1. All-Purpose Scissors
These kinds of scissors can be used to cut anything. They are used in the office, kitchen, or crafting DIY projects. In sewing, they are the best for cutting out paper patterns, strings cloths etc.
2. Dressmaking Shears
A nice pair of fabric cutting scissors is what you need to obtain a clean, and professional-looking cut. These heavy-duty shears are built to help you cut your fabric with ease and in less time possible.
The combination of sharp and blunt tip prevent fabric from puckering. In addition, the shape helps with stability as you can cut the fabric close to the surface. They are long hence making longer cuts in one stroke giving you a clean and even cut.
3. Tailors Shears
When learning the types of scissors for sewing, this should probably be your number one choice. They range between 5-13 inches, with both sharp pointed blades. They cut several layers of fabric, or thick fabrics like velvet, leather.
The handle angle helps you cut the fabric without lifting it, making it more precise. They are also lightweight, which is ideal for quilting and craftwork.
4. Rotary Cutter
When you find it difficult to cut straight edges using scissors, then go for a rotary cutter. It works well because you will lay your fabric on a flat surface and run the cutter on the fabric.
It’s ideal for heavy fabrics and cutting multiple layers at once. A rotary cutter is very sharp giving you a clean and clear cut, without fraying the fabric.
You can also buy a pinking blade and attach it to your rotary and use it on row edges. A rotary cutter is ideal for quilting projects, cutting leather, or multiple layers of fabrics.
5. Embroidery Scissors
They are thin and small in size. Can be straight or bent with sharp and pointy tips. If you deal with embroidery, this is a must-have tool in your sewing kit.
They are essential for hand embroidery, used to snip threads. Their make helps you nick threads very close to the fabric without damaging the fabrics.
6. Thread Snips
It’s a small tool that helps you make small snips. Unlike the normal scissors, this tool has a spring between the handles. You hold the thread clipper from the outside and press it to close and make snips.
It’s ideal for making projects that require a lot of thread cutting. You can use these snips instead of a seam ripper.
7. Pinking Shears
They look like normal scissors except that their blades are zigzagged. They can be used mostly for woven fabrics that fray. To reduce the fraying, you can use pinking shears.
After sewing, trim the raw edges with your pinking shears and it will create that zigzag pattern. You can also use it on craft projects for decoration purposes.
8. Duckbill/ Applique Scissors
This is a real deal tool to have if you deal with embroidery more often. Just like the name suggests, this pair of scissors have one blade with the shape of a duck.
They are small in size, and very sharp. These types of scissors for sewing allow you to cut extra fabric on your embroidery very close to the base fabric without damaging your project.
9. Leather Shears
Leather projects can be intimidating when you don’t have the right cutting tool. Leather fabrics are expensive. You don’t want to spend so much on them only to ruin them when cutting out your pattern. That’s why it’s necessary to have the right leather cutting scissors.
Leather scissors are much stronger than fabric scissors. Due to the sturdiness of leather, you need to have heavy-duty and strong scissors that will sustain the pressure.
10. Paper Scissors
They can be either straight or curved with pointy and sharp tips. These are ideal when cutting out sewing patterns. However, when you want to have a very precise and detailed craft or pattern, then a good pair of paper scissors will be the best option.
Paper scissors require high maintenance as they can blunt easily because papers and like materials are rough. Therefore, to keep them in good condition, frequently sharpen them, if possible after every project.
Final Thought
Cutting in sewing doesn’t have to be disheartening. It can be enjoyable, and fun. But only when you decide to use the right cutting tools. This will make your work easier, effective, and provide a professional and quality result.
The types of scissors for sewing will be determined by the kind of projects you often handle. Investing in quality sewing scissors can save you a lot of stress and make your sewing experience exciting.
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