Sewing Essentials: Scissors
Nothing makes or breaks a good mood when sewing, then a pair of scissors.
They get dull, you misplaced them or even worse. Someone ruined them by using them for something other then fabric.
Scissors are an essential item when you are sewing or doing almost every craft.
Below is a list of scissors and want they are designed to cut.
This list does have Affiliate links. If you are not familiar with these links, its just a link to the product, the price remains the same for you. However I make a tiny commission from your purchase. That being said, if you decide to not use my link, thats okay. Prices and availability in your local area will be different.
When possible, supporting a local fabric, or sewing store is always preferred.
Snips
Starting off with the smallest pair of scissors.
Snips are your thread scissors.
They are used when cleaning up threads, clipping threads from the machine. Snips are also used to help take out some stitches. Used in many crafts, from knitting, crochet, cross stitching and so many more.
These are the pair of scissors, you can never find. You will swear, you left them "Right there" and somehow they end of in another room. My solution to this problem, is have more Snips.
I try to have one pair of every machine, one pair on the ironing board, the cutting table, and for good measure a few back ups hanging on my thread wall.
Snips vary in styles From the very basic, plain snips all the way to some really cool designed ones. There are folding ones as well. As for cost, there are available from $1 to $50.
When looking for a pair of Snips, you really want two things.
Something that feels good in your hand, ideally for a few minutes
Something that has a good set of scissor blades. Cutting threads may seem easy, but if you ever have a dull set of snips, its going to ruin your mood.
Recommendations
My Everyday Snips. I have at a dozen of this style of snips. Sometimes I find them at fabric stores for $1, but usually its a $2-5. They last, thru a lot of drops on my concrete floor, the washer and dryer, etc. Best part is they are allowed to fly with you on carry on (at least in Canada, have not tested elsewhere).
Singer Stork Snips - Maybe the most recognizable style of snips. They are great, and usually can handle more heavy duty uses like yarns).
Lastly I am including this really different Snips, I found well researching.
Shears
These are the scissors that are "Using my fabric scissors is grounds for divorce". Online at least.
I don't think I would ever divorce over some scissors, but I would ask for a more expensive replacement. With good reason, Shears are the scissors that are used to cut fabric. Precise cuts are key to getting your patterns to work. A good cut, will help prevent some fraying, until you can finish the edge.
Well a dull or nicked set, will cause more frustration, unclear notches in patterns and the need to re-cut patterns. Also your hand will hurt if the shears are not up to the task, and with repeated use, injury could happen.
Shears don't have to be expensive, I think the first pair I picked up were a $1 at a thrift store, brand new.
Depending on the fabrics you are cutting, a simple set of crafting scissors will work. If you are cutting a lot of heavier or tougher fabrics, like denim, you may want to invest in some higher quality shears.
Recommendations
1. Basic Crafting Scissors - Fiskars makes great scissors and these are a great pair for beginners, anyone cutting quilting cotton, etc.
Gingher Fabric Shears - Gingher makes great shears and they are built to last. Many reviews have them lasting 40 years or more.
Pinking Shears
The first two scissors are more of the need to have, and will use in every sewing project. Pinking shears are great to have, but not a must have. Pinking shears add a zig-zag edge to the fabric, Which prevent fraying, and can be used for decorative edges, if desired.
Depending on the project, the zigzag edge can be useful, especially if the fabric being used is prone to fraying. Or if a project that is cut out a bit before you get a chance to sew everything.
I use mine a lot for denim patches. Since the patches are interfaced and sewn in, the Pinking shears give a clean edge that is not to bulky.
Recommendations
There is many options out there, again allowing for any budget. I personally ever brought one set, and they are the ones pictured. They are Gingher Pinking shears, and I love them.
I managed to find a set for sell on Amazon (link here). However I found a set of 2 for even cheaper (Link here). So if you have a friend to go splits with, or need a gift for yourself and a friend. That would a great option.
Budget Friendly Pinking Shears - A great option if you are not going to use Pinking shears a lot.
No matter your skill level, project or budget. Scissors are a necessary tool when sewing or doing any fiber arts project. There is nothing wrong with getting scissors at dollar stores, some of my snips are Dollaroma purchases. Every fabric and craft store will have a selection a scissors, ranging in prices.
There is many more types of scissors used in sewing, and I could write a blog that is triples the length of this. I decided to keep this blog to the scissors that are the most used, common and useful to most sewing.
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