Sew News Magazine--Scissors and Shears

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Specialty Cutters

There are some cutting instruments designed for specific tasks that are worth the investment. These aren't must-haves, but they'll give you a professional edge (no pun intended).

Micro-serrated Shears: Cutting beautiful rayon or silk fabric doesn't need to be a battle. The tiny teeth-like grippers on the lower blade hold fabric and keep it from slipping. Use micro-serrated shears for any fabric including knits, or for multiple layers. Sharpening isn't recommended because it files off the serrated teeth.

Pinking Shears: Historically, sewers "pinked" seam edges to prevent woven fabrics from raveling. This isn't as common today, but pinking shears are good for reducing bulk in finished seams on nonwovens like knits and fleece, and cutting decorative edges. Pinking shears' cutting motion is stiffer than regular shears.

Appliqué Scissors: One blade of this scissor has an extended "bill" which lifts the fabric piece to be cut. This lets you trim clean and close without nicking the fabric underneath. These scissors are nice for working with laces, and regular or reverse appliqué. Also use them to grade seams or trim quilt batting.

Thread Nippers: Tie a ribbon through the nipper finger hole and hang them around your neck. Snip off stray threads while sewing for a tidy finished project.

Buttonhole Scissors: An adjusting screw can determine the buttonhole cut size. The fabric in front of the buttonhole gets bunched safely out of the way while only part of the blade makes the small (1/2" to 1 1/4") cut.

Electric Scissors: These lightweight, comfortable cutters are good for multiple layers, chenille projects and cutting patterns. They're not designed for detail work, but can cut many different fabric types, including suede and leather. Electric scissors are faster and easier on hands that tire easily or have difficulty with regular scissors. Practice will give you the same control as with manual scissors.

Sharp Advice

Can scissors be sharpened at home?
Give them a touch-up sharpening using a good quality, hand-held sharpening stone when they feel dull. Then take the scissors in for a professional sharpening once or twice a year.
What shouldn't I cut with my scissors or shears?
Never cut wire, staples, pins or needles. One of the worst things to cut is cardboard; it dulls blades and can throw the scissors out of alignment.
Can pinking shears be sharpened?
Good quality pinking shears can be sharpened depending on the depth and angle of the "teeth." Shears made of soft, low quality metal don't sharpen successfully. For better cutting, have a professional sharpener adjust the blade angle for specific fabrics such as leather, suede, fake fur, heavy denim, upholstery fabric, fleece, intricate lace or wedding gown fabric. Bring a fabric sample along with you.

Take care of your scissors and they'll be reliable and make working and creating much more enjoyable and productive.

Scissor & Shear Care

Manufacturers agree on the important steps to keep your cutting tools working smoothly and lasting a long time.

Scissors and shears are not "multi-tasking" tools. Use fabric cutters for fabric, not for paper, plastic or metal. Cutting over pins will chew up the blades and destroy their alignment.

Dropping scissors can knock the blades out of alignment, break off tips and nick cutting edges. Store scissors in a safe place after each use to avoid accidents.

Gently wipe off the blades with a soft fabric scrap after each use to prevent lint and tiny particles from building up on the blades and clogging the screw-assembly pivot area. Scissors can be washed with soap and water if they're thoroughly dried and oiled.

A drop of oil makes a big difference. Several times a year place a drop of sewing machine oil at the screw assembly between the blades. This reduces friction so cutting feels smoother. After oiling, wipe off the blades and make a few cuts on scrap fabric to remove any excess oil.

Keep scissors in a safe, cool and dry place. In high-humidity areas, regularly wipe the blades with a light coating of oil to prevent rust or corrosion.

Buying Tips

Check for comfort when holding scissors, when opening and closing the blades, and when cutting over a period of time.

Check the tips and blades. Cut a piece of fabric with the tip and along the blade, looking for a clean-cut edge.

Try cutting single and multiple layers. Test several often-used fabrics.

Cut into corners. Stitch a square corner on fabric, then cut diagonally into the corner looking for a neat cut close to the pivot point.

Check the tension. When opening and closing the blades, they shouldn't feel too loose or too tight.

Buy name brands. Look for a name you know and trust.

Is there a manufacturer's warranty? Trustworthy manufacturers will back up their products.

Sharp Enough?

Here's a good at-home test for sharpness.

Draw a five-point star about the size of a dime on sheer fabric.

Start in the center and cut to the points.

If the star edges are clean, the scissors are sharp enough. If the edges are jagged, it's time for sharpening.

Credits

Nancy Zieman, host of public television's Sewing With Nancy®, invites your questions and ideas. Write to her at Sew News, 741 Corporate Circle, Ste. A, Golden, CO 80401. Sewing With Nancy® is sponsored in part by Sew News.

Gingher and Dritz scissors for photography were supplied by Nancy's Notions, (800) 833-0690, www.nancysnotions.com.


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