There are many different types of scissors you can use for sewing. Scissors are what you use for cutting out your fabric, snipping threads, and more. And it doesn’t matter if you’re hand sewing or if you’re using a sewing machine. Scissors are a important tool.
You can get scissors that have a short or long blade. Different shapes of handles and in different colors. With all the different types of scissors out there, you’re sure to find the best sewing scissors for all your sewing project.
A lot of seamstresses a few different scissors next to their sewing machine. That’s because different scissors can be used for different purposes.
But, don’t worry if you don’t have to have ten different types of sewing scissors to stitch up something great. You pretty much just need a good pair of fabric shears and a pair of embroidery scissors.
In this post I’ll show you a few different types of scissors, so you’ll find the best scissors.
Save this post of later on your Pinterest Here.
Fabric Shears
Fabric shears or fabric scissors are the type of scissors you use for cutting out your fabric The sharp blades are made for cutting thick fabrics or really any kind of fabric. You can get these scissors with either a curved handle or a straight handle.
They’re also called dressmaker shears and tailor’s shears. You can find all kinds of different brands of dressmaker’s shears online. With fabric shears you can get different lengths of blades.
You can get longer blades or a pair with a shorter blade. Usually, you can get a pair of dressmaking shears that has what.
If you get a good pair, they’re made to last for years. And you can resharpen the blades to make them last even longer. And you can get ones with soft-grip handles or ones with metal handles.
Embroidery Scissors
Yes, you can use embroidery scissors for sewing, not just for embroidery work. I use my for mostly cutting the threads. But, you can use them for other things.
A pair of embroidery scissors is sharp like other scissors, but they’re smaller. So, I use them for the smaller details. Like, when I’m making doll clothes, because they have a bunch of smaller details. I use a pair of embroidery scissors.
I like to use my small scissors for clipping the curves and corners on the doll clothes I’m making.
Buttonhole Scissors
Buttonhole scissors are used for buttonholes. And they’re great so you don’t stretch or damage the stitching.
They’re smaller scissors, usually 4.5 inches long. So, they’re the perfect size for your sewing kit.
And because they’re smaller, that makes them great for notching curves and cutting corners.
But, to make great buttonholes you don’t have to use a pair of buttonhole scissors. I like to use a seam ripper to open all my buttonholes.
With whichever cutting tool you use to open your buttonholes. Just, make sure not to cut to far, so you don’t cut your stitches.
Pinking Shears
Pinking shears are used for finishing seams. They cut a zigzag pattern when you’re trimming seams, to help prevent fraying.
While most scissors have sharp tips, pinking shears have a blunt end. And they usually have a bent handle.
You can also finish seams by sewing the zigzag stitch on the edge of the seam or by using a serger. But, the pinking shears maybe the best choice for you, if your sewing machine doesn’t have a good zigzag stitch or you don’t have a serger.
Thread Snips
I know you’re probably thinking that thread snips don’t look like any of the other pairs of scissors you seen before. Because they don’t handles, so you just grab the sides and squeeze.
These are also used in embroidery to cut the threads. That’s what you use them for in sewing.
Because they don’t have handles, to me that makes them great for trimming the threads closer to the fabric.
Paper Scissors
What do paper scissors have to do with sewing? Well, since you don’t want to use your good pair of scissors to cut out your pattern. You’ll need a pair of paper scissors.
This is just my opinion, but to me you don’t need a super expensive pair of scissors for paper. Because, you just need to use them for cutting out your paper pattern.
Paper scissors have plastic handles most of the time. And you can get a pack of paper scissors to save money.
Applique Scissors
With applique scissors one of the blades have a duckbill shape, they’re also called duckbill scissors or pelican scissors.
You use them for trimming the applique fabric after you’ve sewn it down, before stitching the raw edges.
These scissors help you to cut closer to the seam without cutting the fabric underneath. Because the wide bottom blade helps to push the fabric away for cleaner cutting.
Rotary Cutter
Rotary cutters are great for getting a clean cut on your fabric. You can use them for cutting multiple layers of fabric, without lifting the fabric off the mat.
I like to use my rotary cutter for cutting out my quilt fabric. Because if you use a rotary cutter with a acrylic ruler, you can get really straight lines.
To me a rotary cutter is one of the most important tools for making a quilt. And it’s faster to cut your fabric using a rotary cutter than using regular scissors.
So, with all these different kinds of scissors, you can find right pair for all your different projects. Whether you need a pair of sharp scissors for your fabric, or scissors for applique.
Scissor Questions
Can you use your sewing scissors to cut paper? You can use them for that. But, cutting paper really dulls your scissors faster. So, if you have a good quality pair of scissors for fabric, it’s a good idea not to use them for paper. And most good quality scissors have stainless steel blades.
What’s the difference between scissor and shears? There are a couple of different things between them. One is the design of the handles, shears will usually have a bent handle. And scissors have a straight handle. And shear blades are longer than scissor blades. Shears are stronger and have different sizes of finger holes, but they’re more expensive. So, scissors are more budget friendly.
Is there left-handed scissors? Yes, left-handed people can get left handed scissors. The difference between left and right handed scissors is the way the blades come together. With regular (right handed) scissors the blade on the right side goes up, and the blade on the left goes down. And with left handed scissors the blade on the left side goes up and the blade on the right side goes down. Right-handed scissors are more common, so if you’re left handed you may have to look a little harder for a pair of scissors.
What should I look for in sewing scissors? I look for a pair of good quality scissors. That has a sharp blade, and will stay sharp for a long time. And I like shears that have a bent handle. I really don’t have a preferred length of scissor I like, but they have different sizes of scissors to choose from.
Can you sharpen your sewing scissors? Yes, you can sharpen your fabric scissors. I’ve never tried to sharpen my scissors, but I’ve heard that you can cut foil or sandpaper with the scissors to sharpen them. I think it depends on how dull or damaged your scissors are. If the scissors are too dull or damaged, you may be better off buying a new pair of sharp scissors.
Check out my other sewing posts
- Tips and Tricks for Sewing Doll Clothes for Beginners
- The Best Thread to Buy for a Brother Sewing Machine
- What are The Best Needle Threaders for Hand Sewing
- How to Change a Sewing Machine Needle Like a Pro
- What’s Better to use Sewing Clips or Sewing Pins
- What are The 5 Best Sewing Clips to use for Sewing
