Good scissors for sewing work are the key to calm your nervous system when creating any product.
Hello everyone!
The right scissors, which can easily cut fabric, are the most important tool for us. Therefore, it is with them that we begin our acquaintance with various sewing devices.
The choice of scissors must be approached responsibly. This is not just a household item that has “two ends, two rings, and studs in the middle.” Scissors for cutting and sewing are a very serious technical tool.
But the real responsibility is truly required of you after you purchase the instrument. Why is that? Now you'll find out.
What to look for when choosing scissors for cutting fabric
The right choice will greatly simplify the cutting of fabric; the edges will always be smooth. Professional seamstresses have several tools in their arsenal.
This design provides maximum convenience when processing fabric; the material does not rise from the surface, the hand is always within the cutting plane.
Which ones are better
The best ones are those made of stainless steel. They have a long service life and there is no need for frequent sharpening. Cutting thick materials requires less force, and the cut is always smooth. When choosing, you should pay attention to the handles, especially the material they are made of.
Plastic ones are often eliminated, so preference should be given to products from quality brands with rubberized parts.
Which tailor's scissors are better?
Once you've seen the top models of 2021, choosing which tailor's scissors are best is greatly simplified. Vyborexperta.ru does not give specific recommendations, but after comparing the pros and cons, it notes several leaders in the review:
- Fiskars 25cm 1005151 is a classic universal-use model, the sharpening of which can cope with fine and coarse materials;
- Hemline 25.4 cm B5367 - all-metal construction with durable coating, precise cut, comfortable grip;
- Sewparts SP-300 is a one-piece body made of durable metal, cutting blade over the entire area from tip to base with smooth running.
Which scissors to choose depends on your personal requirements and needs. Typically, experienced craftsmen use several tools at once, and manufacturers are constantly introducing new interesting solutions.
Varieties
There are several varieties. The choice depends on preferences and frequency of use.
Universal
Universal ones are distinguished by a recognizable handle shape and laser sharpening of the blades. The bottom ring is sized to accommodate 4 fingers, making cutting heavy materials easier.
They are very comfortable and your fingers don’t get tired after long periods of work.
Hot (heated)
Hot ones are used for cutting synthetics and textiles; they should not be used when processing thin materials (organza, crepe satin, mako satin). The main advantage of hot cutting is the absence of fringe; the cuts are neatly melted.
The absence of the need to process the edges of the material is considered an additional advantage.
Electrical
Electric cutters are used for cutting various materials, including knitwear and polysatin. They are ideal for cutting several layers at the same time. The main advantages are considered to be high speed and safety. Battery operated. At what temperature to wash cotton items and whether they shrink after washing, find out here.
Curly (embossed, zigzag)
Cutting like this will help avoid crumbling cuts. The main feature is the zigzag shape of the blades, which leaves a wavy edge on the fabric. In this case, there is no need to use an overlocker, which helps speed up the work.
The thickness of the blade is greater than that of conventional scissors, which makes cutting somewhat difficult. Can also be used to give an original look to a product.
Rating of tailor's scissors
When compiling the top, the editors of VyborExpert considered only proven and reliable manufacturers. Consultations with several master tailors with over 15 years of experience helped determine the criteria for selecting nominees. The list included the following items:
- Case materials, handles;
- Design features;
- Sharpness of sharpening of cutting blades;
- Dimensions, weight;
- Smooth ride;
- Protective coating against slipping, abrasion and corrosion.
The result of the comparative analysis was a top list of 6 positions. Careful monitoring of customer and user reviews identified the advantages and disadvantages of all nominees.
Rating of the best manufacturers
Before purchasing, it is recommended to consult with a specialist, he will help you make your choice. There is also a special rating that you should also familiarize yourself with.
Schmetz20 cm 82020
The main feature is the curved shape, the small ring is directed upward. This ensures ease of cutting on a straight surface. There is no need to lift the material, since the blades move and part of the tool is located above the plane. High quality stainless steel is used in production. The bottom ring fits 3 fingers, which allows you to apply little effort when cutting fabric. The design ensures easy processing of fabric; the blade easily penetrates under the material. Great for cutting thick fabrics.
The price is approximately 1000 rubles.
Kretzer Finny 72024
Works well with a variety of fabrics, incl. with fur and leather. Sharp blades cut perfectly, thread crumbling on the cut is eliminated. Plastic handles are easy to use and there is no fatigue even after several hours of use. Rubberized inserts prevent slipping. Remains sharp even after several years of use. Read about curtains for the kitchen with a balcony door in this article.
The cost reaches 2 thousand rubles.
Gamma G-301
Russian-made scissors are specially designed for work in the studio or at home. The length is 25 cm, the weight of the tool is felt when cutting. The inner ring prevents chafing and slipping of the blades. Ideal for cutting thick sofa covers and various fabrics, they are easily used when cutting jeans and coats. The blades fit together perfectly, are suitable for small cuts, and do not dangle. The tool remains sharp even after several years.
The cost is 300 rubles.
Aurora 23 cm AU 905-95
Scissors with a ball at the end of the blade are also included in the rating of the best. The ball protects against puncture in an unnecessary place. Suitable for working with delicate items (crane cap, cupro), it does not damage the material. Length 23cm suitable for long cuts. Blades 3 mm thick provide the necessary quality of the seam and resistance to deformation. When carrying out the work, minimal effort is required on the part of the seamstress; plastic pads ensure optimal distribution of the load between the fingers. Find out which foam rubber is best to use on a sofa at this link.
The approximate cost is 400 rubles.
Why do we need scissors in sewing?
- cut fabric (leather, fur, insulation, cushioning materials, knitwear);
- cut out patterns (from paper, cardboard, oilcloth, etc.);
- for small jobs (cut threads, rip out irregular seams (wow, the most unpleasant task!), make small cuts, notches, etc.).
Based on this purpose, we will determine the minimum number of scissors we need: 3 pairs, i.e. pieces. Let's look at what they should be.
For cutting
These are the most important and largest scissors. Buy them at specialized sewing stores. The most stringent requirements are imposed on such scissors. When purchasing, saving is not appropriate.
Signs of good tailor's scissors:
- Long straight stainless steel blades.
- Asymmetrical (i.e. unequal) handles.
- The blades are held together with a secure screw rather than a rivet.
- The handles are located at an angle to the cutting surface.
- Comfortable to hold in hand.
Here are my fabric cutting scissors:
The curvature of the handles allows you to smoothly cut fabric without lifting it from the table surface.
Important: these scissors must be hidden so that no one but you can accidentally use them. Use them exclusively for cutting fabric and nothing else. Do not use them to cut paper, rope, polyethylene, etc., otherwise the blades may become dull!
Protect these scissors from falls, impacts, and do not drop them on the floor! It is advisable to store them in a case or simply in a quiet, safe place where no one and nothing can damage them.
And here’s one more point: when cutting fabric, if you previously pinned it with pins, be extremely careful not to run into a pin with scissors - this can cause flaws and nicks on the blades.
A few words about the material of the handles. In modern scissors, it is mostly plastic, which is very comfortable for the hands and does not weigh down the tool. I remember once I had to do a lot of cutting with massive scissors made entirely of chrome-plated steel - my hands hurt, I wrapped bandages with cotton wool around the handles - it was terrible!
For patterns
The main material for patterns is paper of various structures and thicknesses. Let you have your own specific scissors for this purpose. They should not be too small: a convenient blade length is 8 cm, counting from the screw.
Since cutting paper requires much less effort than cutting fabric, these scissors can have the same ring handles without bending. Here I have a tool like the one in the photo.
You can choose the most suitable option for yourself. These scissors can even be purchased at a regular hardware store.
For small jobs
These are the smallest scissors. Manicure ones are quite suitable - with thin pointed tips. It is important that they are sharp and fit well at the very ends - for ease of unraveling machine stitching and small cuts in the fabric.
You can also use scissors with curved tips for these purposes, whatever is more convenient for you.
To quickly trim threads, there are small cutters-nippers that operate by simple compression, without classic handles. But I have them lying around idle - an unusual thing for me.
How to properly care and store
Compliance with the following recommendations will help extend the service life:
- Be sure to use strictly for their intended purpose - they are intended for unraveling fabric. It is not recommended to use them even for processing paper. They should be stored away from children and other family members. If you need to frequently cut metallized threads and zippers, you should purchase a second pair.
- There are also certain requirements for the storage location; it must be dry. It is recommended to store together with sewing accessories, but separately from other tools.
- The blades should always be clean and should be wiped with a dry cloth after each use. Regularly lubricating the screw with machine oil will help prevent the blade from rusting and becoming dull.
- If it is necessary to cut several layers, their number should be reduced. To cut multiple layers of fabric at the same time, it is recommended to use cutters.
- Self-sharpening is prohibited. There are specialists for these purposes. When cutting, the entire blade, including the ends, must be involved, only in this case the tool is considered sharpened.
It is recommended to use different scissors for cutting different types of fabrics.
The best scissors for needlework
Needlewomen need special scissors. Which ones depend on what exactly you have to do. For example, tailor's scissors are designed for cutting fabric, and miniature embroidery scissors are convenient for cutting thin threads.
Prym Tailor's scissors Professional 25cm
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
These large tailor's scissors are convenient for cutting any fabric. Soft handles allow you to hold the tool comfortably and not get tired during long work. When cutting the fabric, the blades do not pull or chew the fabric, so its edges do not fray. The sharp tips of the blades allow you to make cuts of any length.
Advantages:
- Perfect and precise cut;
- A light weight;
- Safety;
- Ease of use;
- Non-slip handles.
Flaws:
- No case.
The blades of this model retain their sharpness for about 5 years. These scissors are preferred by professional seamstresses and tailors.
Sewline with cap 13.5 C
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
The model is good for embroidery, sewing, quilling and other small works, but can also be used for cutting fabric. The sharpness of the blades is the same along the entire length of the blade. The tool can be used by both left- and right-handed people. It does not rust and remains sharp for a long time thanks to the high-quality metal alloy.
Advantages:
- Good spiciness;
- Protective cap;
- Multifunctionality;
- Durability;
- Molded handles.
Flaws:
- Requires periodic lubrication.
The Japanese manufacturer has made sure that the tool is convenient to use, but it will still need some care.
How to sharpen fabric scissors at home
Sharpening yourself is not recommended; it is best to contact a specialist. If this is not possible, it is recommended to read the rules and watch videos on the Internet. This will help avoid mistakes. Sharpening should be done at the angle at which the blades were made. An important role is played by maintaining the angle, most often it is 45 or 60 degrees. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in damage and the scissors will become unusable. This material will tell you about cushions for garden furniture.
A stone with small grains, a sharpener or a file are used as a sharpening tool.
Properties and characteristics of fabric scissors
Of course, first of all, the scissors must be sharp, only then will you get an even cut. Professional scissors should have slightly angled handles that are comfortable for both right and left hands, and straight blades. This is necessary so that the fabric does not ride up when cutting.
The material from which the cutting element is made is necessarily stainless metal, then they will last a long time even after several sharpenings. Also, tailoring scissors should be light in weight. Plastic handles are lightweight, but metal handles are more durable.
A tailor needs to have several sewing scissors
By and large, each type of fabric requires its own type and size of scissors, with different blade lengths and widths. It is very inconvenient to cut fabrics and trim threads on an overlocker with huge cutting scissors. A good seamstress should definitely have 4 or 5 different types of scissors on hand. But most often, medium-sized universal scissors are used.
Small and very sharp scissors are suitable for cutting threads, sometimes you can even use nail scissors for this. If you do embroidery, it is convenient to use scissors with thin, long blades. Zigzag scissors are good at cutting drape fabrics, leather, suede and are indispensable for needlework and decorative work. For cutting fur and leather, not scissors are used, but special knives. It is undesirable to cut skin with scissors, much less fur hair. If you cut a fur skin with scissors, then when joining the parts this seam will be very noticeable.
The reason for poorly cutting scissors may be the fastening screw.
Sometimes the cause of poorly cutting scissors is a small thing, like a loose screw securing the blades. This sometimes happens with scissors, so keep an eye on the condition of this connection. Not often, and carefully, you can even lubricate this unit. Just a “half drop” of oil so that the oil does not leave a stain on the fabric during cutting.
Some models of tailor's scissors have a rivet instead of a screw. Such scissors cannot be disassembled and cannot be “pulled up”. However, the need to “tighten” this fastening may arise, since a gap may appear between the blades and even well-sharpened scissors will still cut poorly. Ask a mechanic to “tighten” this rivet. He rivets it slightly with a hammer. You cannot do this on your own. Scissors can easily be damaged, the blades will be difficult to move apart, and you will not be able to use them.
If you are seriously interested in tailoring and, moreover, make money from it, then it is better to buy expensive, but high-quality scissors. And it’s better to buy not just one, but several scissors of different sizes.