Get to Know Sewing Scissors and Shears

One of the most important sewing tools you will need are a quality pair of scissors. There are several sizes and shapes of scissors to choose from. Here are some tips to help you figure out what kind of scissors you need.

There are many levels of quality in sewing scissors. You may be tempted to get the cheapest pair you can find. This is not the best idea. If you get a good, quality set of sewing scissors, they will last you for your entire sewing career. When they become dull, you can either get them sharpened or find a sharpener and do it yourself. Be careful, though, they can become razor sharp.

One type of sewing scissors are dressmaker shears. They have long blades and angled handles. The angle on the handles will let the fabric stay flat on the table that you are using to cut it. These make cutting out patterns much easier. It is highly recommended you get a pair of these scissors if you are going to sew a lot.

Sewing scissors are similar except they are shorter and the blades are thinner. These scissors are good for trimming seams and interfacing. They are good for close trimming.

Rotary cutters can be easy to use to cut out patterns and geometric shapes. A special cutting mat is required. And, you can also get acrylic rulers to help keep straight lines straight.

For fabrics that will ravel, pinking shears are the perfect answer. The zigzag seam that the serrated blades will cut will stop, or at least slow, fraying. This type of scissors are not required. They will be very helpful, however.

For clipping stray threads it is very handy to have a set of embroidery scissors around. These scissors are small and pointed. There are some that have clips so they can be attached to anything. This makes them easier to keep track of.

Seams can be ripped out with embroidery scissors. There is also a tool made especially for this task. A seam ripper makes redoing mistakes much easier. Just be careful that you do not poke them through the fabric and then rip the fabric instead of the seam.

Having the right tools for the job makes that job much easier and more enjoyable. While most of these scissors are not completely necessary, they will definitely help make the experience of sewing more enjoyable. Hopefully, these tips will help you know what type of sewing scissors you need to get started.

SOURCE

Detrixhe, Sandra. "The Everything Sewing Book". 2004. F&W Publications, Inc. Avon, MA, USA.