A good pair of scissors will last you a long time. It’s worth taking the extra few minutes to know what scissors are right for your dressmaking needs. There is no point investing in scissors that will lose their edge quickly, waste fabric or cause injury.

Different scissors have different uses but here are five things to consider when choosing which scissors to buy:

1 –      Knife-edge vs non-knife-edge scissors

Knife-edge scissors have a blade sharpened on one side and can cut through multiple layers at once much more easily than other scissors. They’re best suited for cutting out pattern pieces because they allow you to get the job done quicker with less risk of mistakes. Non-knife edge shears are best for cutting out smaller pieces of fabric, such as darts and curves, because they can more easily make the small movements needed for these cuts.

2 –      Size matters

Usually scissors come in three sizes: 6-1/4″ (16 cm) is a good all-purpose size, 7-1/2″ (19 cm) is ideal for cutting larger pieces, and 9″ (23 cm) scissors are used by quilters. If you’re an avid seamstress then scissors around 10-1/2 inches (26 cm) long will allow you to reach seams with ease. The longer scissors give you extra leverage when it comes to cutting thick fabric or other hard materials like interfacing and leather.

3 –      There are scissors for your hands and scissors for machine work

Hand scissors have flexible handles that can be used to get into tight spots. They’re best suited for detailed handwork like trimming threads, cutting out tiny sections of fabric or close lining hems. Machine scissors are stiffer and come with a curved blade so they don’t bend when you cut thick layers. These scissors also feature nonslip grips so that the scissors stay in your hand even if your fingers are wet or slippery. Machine scissors will hold up well on their own but they can also be used with a rotary cutter.

4 –      Comfort is key

In the past, dressmakers often had to sit hunched over their scissors all day. The scissors of today are much more ergonomic, with nonslip handles and finger rests that allow for better hand positioning. Look for scissors with rubber-tipped handles or grips so your scissors won’t slip out of your hands and cut your fingers when you’re working at a fast pace. Scissors with non-slip grips will also stay in your hand even if they’re wet from sweat or cutting fabric on a hot summer day.

5 –      Quality matters

Good scissors have strong blades and smooth action to get the job done right, while poor scissors can be frustrating to work with, causing ragged edges and uneven cuts. Before buying scissors it’s a good idea to test them out to make sure they’re up to par.

if you are selling craft supplies contact our office and we will show you the new and best scissors available:

www.o-s-mtrading.com

info@o-s-mtrading.com

if you want scissors for your own use I would recommend one of these two: