Using and Caring for Pinking Shears

Pinking shears can be a wonderful addition to any well-stocked sewing kit. These specialty scissors have zigzag blades that cut fabric in the same pattern as the blades. Because pinking shears are more expensive than traditional scissors, it is important to care for them properly to get the most use out of them as possible.

Pinking shears are typically used on fabric to decrease the amount of fraying from cut edges. On fabrics that don't tend to fray cutting the edges with pinking shears can be all that is needed for a seam finish which helps to keep the seams less bulky and flatter than with traditional seam finishes. They also can provide an easy way to finish no-sew projects like table runners or placemats since on the right types of fabric the edges won't require hemming if they are cut with pinking shears.

Pinking shears are also popular for cutting paper with decorative edges for crafts and scrapbooking. If you plan to cut both paper and fabric with your shears you should invest in two pairs - one that you use specifically for fabric and another pair that you use for cutting paper. Paper quickly dulls the blades of pinking shears and can ruin them for cutting fabric. You may want to consider investing in a high quality pair of shears for cutting fabric and a lower quality pair for cutting paper.

It is also a good idea to store your good quality pinking shears in a sewing box or some other designated area so that other family members don't use them for craft projects and inadvertently dull the blades.

When cutting fabric the pinking shears should cut easily without a lot of effort. If you are cutting multiple layers of fabric and find that it is difficult to cut through all the layers consider cutting one layer at a time instead. This will help to extend the life of your blades and keep your pinking shears in better shape over time.

If the blades become dull consider taking your pinking shears to a fabric store or professional to be sharpened. Usually the cost of having the blades sharpened is less than the cost of replacing the shears. Although it won't work miracles you can also try sharpening the blades on your own using tinfoil. Take a large sheet of tinfoil and fold it several times until it is a few layers thick. Then, using the full length of the blade, make several cuts with your shears into the tinfoil. In many cases this will help to slightly sharpen the blades and give you more cutting power.

Invest in high quality pinking shears if you plan to use them often or if you plan to cut heavy fabrics. Although the initial upfront investment will be higher it can be worth it both for the different types and weights of fabrics that you will be able to cut and for longer life of the shears.