Learn about different kinds of scissors and cutting tools you need for sewing, from Rotary Cutters, Pinking Shears, Seam Rippers, Snips, Industrial Scissors, and more.
When I first started sewing, I had no idea there were different kinds of scissors depending on what type of sewing project I was working on at the time.
For the most part though, I think there is a lot of misinformation floating around out there about what cutting tool you should use.
I’ve been sewing for over 30 years, both professionally, and for myself, and with my experience, I say you can use whatever cutting tool that makes you feel comfortable.
Some sewers like to make you feel like you are under experienced if you use the wrong tool, but that is simply not the case.
For example, if I want to use a Rottery Cutter for everything I sew, that is up to me.
Does it mean my sewing project won’t be as good as yours because I didn’t use the right cutting tool? No it doesn’t. That’s absolutely absurd.
Anyone that brags about knowing and following some kind of rulebook for using the proper cutting tools when sewing, doesn’t have a lot of experience under their belt. And if they do, perhaps they are caught up with the how-to part of sewing and not the actual doing.
Sewing is supposed to be fun, and for me, that means there are no rules, only the ones I make up in my head. If I want to use the so-called right scissors for a project I will. If I want to be a rebel and use Pinking Shears to cut everything out simply because I like the look of it, well then, that is entirely up to me.
ME!
It’s kind of like house cleaning. I clean a certain way. My husband cleans his own way. I get the house clean, but I don’t do it his way. Sometimes he gets mad because I didn’t do it his way, but the house is still clean.
Sewing is like that, but I am in complete charge of my project from beginning to end. There is no way I am going to let someone tell me how to cut, or sew. I want to do it my way, and more importantly, I want to have fun while I do it.
So, my sewing friends, HAVE FUN!
Know about the different kinds of scissors and cutting tools, but don’t obsess over them. Use what you want and understand what you need.
The rest is up to you!
Dressmakers Shears
Dressmaking Shears are simply a pair of scissors that have a long pointy blade on them. they are generally longer than 6″ and usually have a flat bottom with one larger handle.
They have a flat bottom so you can glide the scissors along the table to cut out pattern pieces easier. Also, the handle is made with one larger side so that you can put more fingers in it to press harder for thick fabric cutting.
I have used many different types of scissors to cut out all different types of fabric, and you know what. They all do the same thing. Yes! I’m probably going to turn some sewers off by making this statement, but if it does the job, just use it.
And don’t let the term scissors or shears intimidate you. Yes, shears are generally bigger, longer, blades. And scissors are shorter for small craft projects. But you know what, it’s just a name.
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet. And so it is for your choice of cutting tool. It doesn’t matter what you call it. Just sew!
I have found one thing that really influences my cutting experience though, and that is the weight of the scissors. You know you have a good quality cutting tool when it is heavy. You get what you pay for when it comes to that.
You don’t want your scissors falling apart, or cutting poorly because you bought it for a few bucks. You want it to cut well and stay in place when you cut your pattern pieces out.
So, invest in some good shears when you’re starting out, and they will last a lifetime. Mine have! Just make sure you treat them well. Give them a spot of oil in the joint where the screw is. Don’t leave them outside. Don’t let your kids or husband borrow them to cut through wire.
Take care of them.
And last but not least, get them sharpened periodically by a professional!
Pinking Shears
Pinking means, scalloped, or zigzag edges.
There is a type of cutting tool called Pinking Shears, specifically designed to stop your fabric from fraying. Sometimes you have no zigzag stitch on your sewing machine and you don’t want your ends to fray. You can just use a pair of Pinking Shears.
You can finish your seams quite nicely this way.
If you’re sewing something like felt or other non-fray material, pinking the edges looks amazing, especially for crafts.
As with any cutting utensil, you must maintain them well so they last for a long time. Sure you can use Pinking Shears for paper projects as well, or even bristle board, but if you do, just be prepared to get them sharpened regularly.
I know some people who would only allow Pinking Shears to be used on fabric. I can tell you my kids have used mine for almost every purpose under the sun, and I’ve never had them go dull.
So, once again, use what works for you, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Remember, sewing is supposed to be fun, so don’t get caught up in the terms and the uses of the tools you use to create your project.
Just sew!
Tailor Scissors
Oh me, oh my! What on earth are Tailor Scissors?
Can you sew a suit without them? Of course you can, but you might have an easier time if you use Tailor Scissor.
They are simply scissor that are thick and heavy duty with bent handles. The bent handles are so you can glide along the table when you cut out the fabric.
They are generally shorter blades, but durable. I’ve also seen them with longer blades.
They have thick heavy blades so you can cut through leather, or suit jacket material.
I like the pointy heavy ones because they can clip through thick fabric.
But really, how do Tailor Scissors differ from Dressmaker Shears? Frankly they don’t. From my experience, they are one in the same, except for personal preference. If you find more use for the short blade version, then go for it.
It’s all up to you.
Nobody else has YOUR hands. You use what feels the most comfortable for the project you are creating. If that means you need some heavy duty short blade scissors, then use them, but don’t get caught up in the term.
Think of the project and what it needs to get the job done. If you are clipping around the shoulder of a leather jacket, then use a pointy short bladed Tailor Scissors. If you are cutting out leather pattern pieces on a large table, then use a pair of heavy duty Dressmaker Shears with a 7″blade.
Once again, it’s all up to you.
Crafting Scissors
Crafting Scissors can be small or large depending on the project. They are generally what we call ‘all purpose’ scissor because they can be used for anything from first grade school projects to cutting out felt squares.
Some Craft Scissors have pointy tips, but many do not. Take for example, small hand scissors used in an elementary classroom. They should be blunt for safety reasons.
Common sense says to use the type of scissors that best serves the purpose, and if Crafting Scissors are what you need, then use them.
Just remember to have fun!
Embroidery Scissors
Embroidery Scissor are very small, often curved scissors, so that you can get into cramped places with them.
Some people like the duck billed ends when clipping appliques, but I don’t like them. I like pointy ends so I can see what I’m doing.
I once clipped all around an entire lace applique on the bottom of my daughter’s wedding gown. I had to shorten it by removing the applique, shortening the length, and then sewing it all back on.
I found short pointy scissors to be my best friend.
Small Snips
Small Snips are kind of the same as Embroidery Scissors, except some of these cutting tools come as actual clips. They fit into the palm of your hand and actually look like half scissors.
They are most useful in quilting and applique work, as well as general sewing when needing to clip threads from your project.
Once again, short blade, pointy ends, and lightweight design are the characteristics.
As I’ve said before, find what works for you and just go for it. If you don’t have a pair of small snips, then use what you have and don’t worry about it.
Industrial Scissors
When it comes to doing heavy duty sewing like upholstery, you need Industrial Scissors.
You won’t always recognize them for being Industrial Scissors because the name isn’t the same every place you go.
As long as they are heavy and have a long blade, generally longer than 7 inches, then you have your Industrial Scissors. Mine are 10 inches long and I love them.
I’ve upholstered several things in my lifetime like a hide-a-bed, and a couple rocker recliners, and I’ve always used my 10 inch steel blade scissors. They have to be heavy duty to cut through the upholstery fabric.
You don’t want to get half way through your project and your scissors tank.
So, invest in a heavy duty scissors, or shears. Whatever you want to call them. Just make sure they have one handle bigger than the other, and the blade is long and thick and heavy.
You’ll be good to go!
Left Handed Scissors
This is a conundrum!
For all those sewers, including my daughter, that are left handed, it ain’t easy to find cutting utensils that are made for left handed people.
But they are out there. You just have to look for them.
I will post some at the end of this article for you.
Rotary Cutters
Okay, can I just say I love these.
Before I started quilting, I had never used a Rotary Cutter, now I use it for just about everything. There are Ergonomic Rotary Cutters as well, for those who need to flip the blade to the other side if they’re left handed.
How cool is that!
If you’re going to use a Rotary Cutter, make sure you buy a large enough cutting mat. I have a big one, but still I wish it was ever bigger.
A whole table would do.
Some people design their own cutting tables, and glue several mats right to the surface permanently. I wish I could find cutting mats by the meter or something. Wouldn’t that be nice!
Regardless of how big your cutting mat is, just be sure to proceed with caution. A Rotary Cutter is very sharp. I’ve seen it slice a finger.
Especially around children, you need to make sure the protective cover is always on. Even for myself, when I set it aside and then come back to it, I forget I didn’t put the protective blade guard on it. I have cut myself several times.
Don’t do that.
Take care with whatever cutting tool you use, and save a finger.
Seam Ripper
Something I would never do without is my Seam Ripper. I have two or three kicking around and for some reason, every time I need it, I can’t find it.
Keep it in a safe place. Someplace you remember. They are small and sometimes transparent, depending on the brand you get.
I use my seam ripper to open up button holes, pick apart thread, poke things through, you name it. It’s a multi-purpose sewing tool you shouldn’t do without.
X-ACTO Knife
You wouldn’t think an X-ACTO Knife would be something you’d use when you sew but you might be surprised what it can do.
Recently I made a template for quilt squares. I used an X-ACTO knife to cut it out.
You may need an X-ACTO knife for everything from upholstery, cutting cording, embellishments, or anything thick that a scissors cannot go through.
Try it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as I mentioned before, your choice of cutting tools is up to you. When you sew, it is YOUR project, and what you use depends on a lot of things.
Do you have big hands or small hands? Are you left handed or right handed?
Are you old or young? You may have restrictions with arthritis, or perhaps you have dexterity issues.
Everyone is different, and to say that you MUST use a certain cutting tool for a certain project is ludicrous.
The different types of scissors and cutting tools are just a guide to help you choose the right one for YOU. It helps to know what the different kinds are for, so you can make a decision for yourself.
Just remember, the bottom line is to have fun. Enjoy your project whatever it is, and use whatever cutting tool you want.
You are not a skilled sewer because you use the ‘so called’ right scissors, and you are not an un-skilled sewer because you use the ‘so called’ wrong scissors for your project.
It’s whatever YOU prefer!
Resources
The following resources can be found on Amazon and other online stores.
Disclosure: Crunchy Menopause is a review site that receives compensation from ShareASale, Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, eBay, and other affiliate networks whose products I review. The opinions are my own. That means if you purchase something through one of my affiliate links, I get a small commission.
Fiskars Left Handed Rotary Cutter
Seam Ripper and Thread Remover Kit
Double Sided Rotary Cutting Mat
Lightweight All Purpose Scissors
