Collection: Scissors

Most sewists need three pairs: 8 to 10 inch dressmaker's shears for cutting fabric, small embroidery scissors or thread snips for trimming threads, and a separate pair of general-purpose scissors for paper and pattern tissue. Add pinking shears to finish raw edges, and a rotary cutter with a cutting mat if you quilt.

Shears have blades 6 inches or longer and two different handles: a small finger loop and a larger one for the whole hand. Scissors are shorter, with two matching loops. Dressmaker's shears often have an angled handle so the fabric lies flat on the table while you cut. This gives longer, cleaner and more accurate cuts.

Paper contains fibers and fillers that wear down a sharp edge quickly. Dull blades chew and fray fabric instead of cutting it cleanly, which makes seams less accurate. Keep one pair of shears for fabric only, mark it, and use an inexpensive pair for paper patterns, tape and packaging.

Wipe the blades after use, store them closed in a dry place, and avoid dropping them, since a hard impact can misalign the blades. Never cut over pins. When the scissors start to snag, fold or chew fabric, have them professionally sharpened or replace them.

Pinking shears have zigzag blades that cut a notched edge. They finish raw seam allowances on woven fabric and reduce fraying, and they give felt and craft projects a decorative edge. They are not a substitute for a serger or zigzag stitch on fabrics that fray heavily.