Pattern Patter : scissors

Part 1 - Cutting Tools

by Mary Beth RetroMonkeys

We all have our favorites when it comes to our tools for sewing. Some of us (you) are organized, some, like me, can't ever find anything! Below is a summary of some tools, their uses, and how to care for them.

First - Sewing Shears - Protected from any uses other than fabric with threats of Mayhem!

Wow - the choices are almost endless! The type of cutting tools that you need will depend on what you are cutting as well as personal preference.

The Basic - Invest in a good pair of shears. If cared for properly, these will last a lifetime! Have them sharpened occasionally to keep them free of nicks.

Sewing Shears

9" Dura Shears Fabric Scissors by Havels Sewing

Pinking Shears

Pinking Shears by Gingher at Joann Fabrics

Pinking shears - I don't personally use them very much. I have a basic serger to deal with my seams and I mainly sew with cottons that don't tend to fray. I have used them when sewing with linens and loosely woven wool. Anytime the fabric has a tendency to fray, pinking shears are in order! They were widely used prior to zig-zag stitching becoming available as well as sergers being made available to the home sewist.

Thread Snips

Fiskars Soft Touch Titanium Nitride Scissors

Gingher Knife Edge Thread Nippers

I chose to purchase the Fiskars soft touch scissors. I find them to be really versatile. I use them as thread snips, to nip small "v's", to rip stitches, as embroidery scissors, etc... The choices are endless! You can get a small pair that hangs on a chain around your neck or a pocket sized pair. The prices vary greatly too.

Embroidery Scissors

Silver Embroidery Scissors 4"

Embroidery scissors are designed to snip close to the fabric. The blades are short and have very sharp points. The more precise the points and the fit, the better. The nicer ones can be pricey, like most scissors but again, it's worth it.

Rotary Cutters

Fiskars Rotary Cutter 45mm

I love rotary cutters! I have one hand that doesn't always do what it's told and for some reason that truly makes no sense, the rotary cutters are easier for me to control. I also love that they are so sharp that I don't have to use much pressure. The downside? The ongoing cost of the blades. Well I found a couple of ways to lessen that pain. First, a sharpener. I have one made by Dritz that works to make the blades last a bit longer. The other is - Harbor Freight Tools SOMETIMES carries packs of the blades labeled carpet cutting blades. A pack of 2 45 mm for $1.99!

Harbor Freight 45mm Blades Dritz Rotary Blade Sharpener

Olfa Gridded Cutting Mat

Rotary Mats

Think they are all the same? Wrong! There are two types - Self Healing and Hard Surface. Hard Surface the blade doesn't penetrate the mat, self healing the blade does penetrate the mat and the material "heals" by reclosing the cut.

Professional grade mats are 3 mm thick vs crafter mats at 2 mm. Look for a mat in the largest size that your space can accommodate. Make sure the markings on the mat are the measurements that you prefer.

To keep that mat working well, store it flat! The mat will appreciate it and so will you every time you use it. Keep it clean with a spritz of mild household cleaner or a cloth dampened with soapy water. Just give it a good swipe to remove any embedded threads and debris.

Organize it!