Hi Everyone, just wondering if buying the applique scissors is worth the cost or not. For $28.00 dollars, I am not sure if I would use them or what I would use them on. Your advice is appreciated!

I do a lot of appliqueing...I wouldn't pay that much!!! BUT, I have a pair of really tiny scissors, with fine points that I use. I applique using the freezer paper method. I trace the pattern on freezer paper, iron it onto the fabric, cut the fabric out adding 1/4" seam allowance and then turn the fabric's 1/4" under and sew. Those tiny scissors are useful for cutting into the seam line on the curves.....I don't tend to "overcut" like I do with large scissors. But for $28.00!!!! Nope - I wouldn't pay that much! My scissor cost me $3.00!!

I use manicure scissors for those little, precise cuts! I think the applique scissors I have seen are also called "duck billed" and they are used for cutting away fabric when you are doing "cut away" applique. You sew multiple layers of fabric and cut away different layers to get at the specific fabrics in certain areas. They keep you from cutting into the layers below the one you are trying to cut. clear as mud, huh??? Not sure which kind you are talking about for sure.

In my experience, the nicer the tools
the nicer the work!! :D :D :D

I have a little pair of nice sharp scissors I bought at the flea market. Cost me $2.00 There was a guy there selling all sorts of scissors and stuff. Saw these little babys and figured for $2, why not? I've had them for about 10 years and they are still as sharp as ever and the guy still sells them for $2. lol
I've seen applique scissors at Walmart for about $10...that's not a bad price.

I don't agree with the saying...the nicer the tools, the nicer the work. You can have the not nicest tools and still have nice work...example.....cheap Singer Sewing machine vs Pfaff or Viking. Yes, the Pfaff and Viking are much nicer, but are you going to get better work out of them? Maybe on some stitches, but you can still put out some awesome work on that cheap little Singer.

Here are some Gingher applique scissors on sale for $18.59 http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...PRODID=prd5522 and if you use this code EDG193 when you checkout youll get 10% off. Its good for 10% off your total purchase, includes regular and sale priced items.

I use nail scissors (are they what you call manicure scissors?) the curve is great for cutting curves and fiddly bits. I think they cost a couple of dollars of your money! LOL

I use small manicure scissors, I wouldn´t (couldn´t ) pay that much for a pair of scissors.

Your work will be just as nice with cheaper scissors, just make sure they are sharp.

Elle

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the answers, I just think I will start with the manicure scissors, (considering I already have several pair that I don't use). I will check out Joann's website that was suggested too. Right now, I would rather keep my cost down, $2 and $3.00 is more in my range. I don't really need them, but I thought they were cool.

Ive always used manicure scissors...they are tiny, sharp, curved and best of all cheap! Then I bought a nice pair of Ginghers applique scissors and I have to say...I love them!

I have a pair that are fly tying scissors. Really sharp point and cheaper than what you mentioned. I'd say look around and save the extra $$ for more fabric :lol:

Loves2Quilt has posted a site that shows a completely different pair of scissors to all tlhe little fine pairs of scissore most people are referring to. I have a pair of the type with a large, semi circle on one blade, (as in Loves2Quilt's post). It is ideal if you do raw edge applique. You can sew on the patch, then trim really close to the stitching with the scissors, without any fear of cutting the background fabric. This is the only thing I can think of that they would be useful for, but the do the job very well.

Terri, I'm so glad my laptop isn't in my sewing room where my Vikings could get wind of your post :lol: :lol: :lol: They'd rebel, and it would get mighty ugly mighty quickly 'round here!!! ROTF!

I have to agree with SulaBug in this particular case, for one specific reason. My mother is still using the same pair of Gingher Dressmaker Shears she has had since before I was born - 45 years now. I've got a couple of pairs of the needlework scissors here I wouldn't trade for anything - because they just work well, each and every time. Over the long haul, I think some good tools are well worth the money, and scissors just happens to be one of them. I saved up for mine, and I'm sure glad I did - JMHO :wink:

I never thought about using manicure scissors for that either, I will give it a try. :) Since I am still trying to build my stash, I am trying to make sure whatever I purchase is worth it. Rather than buy something I wasted my money on, I would buy fabric.

I like the duck billed applique sissors, but I got mine some years ago with the purchase of my embrodiery machine. Got several in fact. I would not spend that much for sissors. But, I worked in a Viking Gallery store and used my discount to make purchases like that. A 40% or 50% coupon from Joann's would come in handy for such a purchase.

I have Duvo applique scissors. They have one blade slightly wider and rounded at the point. These are great for paper cut away. After ruining two blocks by cutting the backgound, it was cheaper to buy applique scissors.

Phyllis in MO

I use curved scissors for all trimming, etc. You can get close to the fabric when trimming without cutting too much. When I use larger scissors, I occasionally nip something I shouldn't. I bought expensive ones at Michaels, using a 40% off coupon. Never pay full price when you don't have to!

I try to buy the best quality i can afford..i wait patiently until they have a 20% off sale (we dont have big sales like you do in America) and then buy one item that i have been really wanting and that seems to work for me. I also ask hubby to buy what I really want for my birthday etc... :D

The best scissors made are Famore scissors. Not many people know this brand but once you use them you are hooked. I have several pairs of expensive Gingher scissors and the new Clover scissors. I used the Gingher scissors last week to cut poster board! I must say it was the easiest time of cutting of paper I've ever had.
The Famore are the ones the family knows not to touch. :D Famore has every type scissor too and so not expensive! They have a booth at every major quilt show.

http://famorecutlery.com/quilting.aspx

no

I have stuck with Fiskars scissors over the years, mostly because they are easily available. BUT wouldn't it be nice if the manufacturers offered a sharpening service? As it is, as they gradually dull, they get relegated to paper cutting, and I have to buy a new pair. I always mark the new ones with a loop of ribbon, but I have now got to the stage that I have at least 6 pairs of larger, and 6 of smaller ones all for paper cutting! It's getting ridiculous around here!

it has been several years since I bought my applique scissors but I went to a ranch store and bought bandage scissors and they even have one blunt end so no danger of ever cutting the fabric they are very sharp and work great at that time I paid around 5.00 dollars for them you could also check some veterinary supply store just a thought
Dodie

I spent more than $28 on my Dovos (I think - but maybe it was $28.00), and I'm glad I made that investment. I love those scissors. They've helped me out in some really tight spots!!!! But - I bought them as a birthday gift to myself. Yeah, sad, huh??? Gotta buy my own good scissors. LOL!!!

I wouldn't take anything for my Ginghers!!!

I have tried all brands , and none measure up to them.

No one touches my Ginghers, and the whole family know this!! LOL

I keep them in a special box!

bandage scissors, that is a great idea!!! Thanks

Here's my scoop on this idea....if you want'm...go get'm!:)I am a secret scissor collector! I believe in having many of them...all different and all over my house so no matter what...I have a pair at hand!LOL I have a favorite pair that have a super sharp point that I use for any and all handwork..due to the fact it even rips seams better then my seam ripper!LOL I think there are many great scissors out in the world just waiting for us! And, I'd say, if you can see these scissors in person, hold them to the light and open and close them to make sure they they work clear w/o any snags or adjustments....and, if the tips have a great point...the amount of money is perfect!:)I believe if it works for you....it is worth every penny! Skeat

i use this type of semi circle scissor for trapunto its the ideal scissor for that type of work.

Do you have Joann's or Michael's Crafts nearby? They have great coupons. I bought some at a scrapbooking store for $5 and they are great for cutting tiny pieces.

I got a pair for $10 on sale and it is great because not only for applique but also when I'm sewing crafty things and need to be extra careful in eaze tight seams.

DeeDum,
I have appliques scissors and to me they are worth their weight in gold. I love them. They make an extremely clean up of all those stray threads you didn't catch in your stitching. They really are worth the money you would invest in them. I don't use them often, have had them for 10 years, but I have them when I need them.
Chris
aka busiacam

I have a Viking Designer I USB Emb Machine & the package came with a pair or the 3 3/4th inch curved tip scissors. My son broke them cutting a tennis ball (urrrrrrrrr), so I ordered 2 pairs off a site on eBay made in Pakistan. They were $3.95 plus S&H. They are great & I've used mine over last two years for trimming around applique and areas where the thread needs to be cut very close. It's great when taking out stitching (my little booboo's), so I vote for having a pair around.

I do a lot of appliqueing and mine are Fiskars. I use them a lot and paid $35.00 for them. Yhey are worth every penny I paid. I have about a half dozen or so "cheap" ones and they couldn't cut hot butter. Good quality scissors will stay sharp forever.

Duckbill applique scissors
 

[QUOTE=amma;430995]I use manicure scissors for those little, precise cuts! I think the applique scissors I have seen are also called "duck billed" and they are used for cutting away fabric when you are doing "cut away" applique. You sew multiple layers of fabric and cut away different layers to get at the specific fabrics in certain areas. They keep you from cutting into the layers below the one you are trying to cut. clear as mud, huh??? Not sure which kind you are talking about for sure.[/QUOTE

I could sure use a size smaller than 6" duckbill. Does anyone know of any smaller, like maybe 4" with a smaller duckbill? I am doing some applique on T-shirts and need to get closer to the stitching to trim away than the 6" will let me.

If you feel comfortable spending $28 for applique scissors. then do it. It is alot of money, maybe shop on Ebay or the internet for a better price. It is my experience that when I "get something I like for the best price", it helps me justify the expense.

I bought one pair for 22 and then another small pair with sharp points that curve up slightly. They make trimming applique and embroidery so much easier because I can get closer which is really important; to get close without cutting stitches. To be honest I use them more in embroiderying or doing a combination of both on the machine. When I was doing hand applique I just used small sharp scissors. I can't see spending a fortune. I don't know how much I spent for my small ones but I know it was under 10.