Scissors? from a Newbie
 

I need your opinions on scissors. I use a rotary cutter most of the time but there are other times when scissors are needed. I bought a pair at JoAnn's when I first started collecting the supplies I needed but they are not very sharp and don't seem to do what I want to do when I use them. I'm thinking of buying a better pair but which ones? Do any of you have a favorite?

There are many many choices!! You can spend upwards of a few hundred dollars on various types of scissors, or you can spend $20 for a pair that may do the job.

Bring some scrap fabric to the store with you to cut up!!!

First .. make sure they are comfortable to your hand and well balanced. Some folks prefer a light weight scissor, some prefer a heavier scissor ... try them both and see what you are most comfortable with.

Next ... how do they cut? Was it comfortable, easy, is it a nice clean edge? Suggest when you do test cuts you bring the fabric to a table just like you would cut at home - don't try to hold the fabric in the air and cut while still standing in front of the scissor display. It's not a good test of hwo you'll be using the product.

Last ... is the price right for you??

Finally ... once you have a pair of fabic scissors DO NOT use them for anything else!!! NO PAPER!! Don't even think about snipping just that one little price tag plastic thingey!! Don't cut hair with them either. Fabric only. If you use them properly, keep them dry, oil them (sewing machine oil is great) once every now and then, and keep them clean ... you may not have to sharpen them too often and they should last you a very long time.

Oh. Two brands that are pretty well respected are Fiskars and Kai. Don't disregard others though, buy what your hand likes best. The most expensive scissors that feel like crap in your hand are not worth it.

If you don't want to spend too much, Fiskars are usually decent . . . but it's a good idea to write "FABRIC ONLY!" on them.

I have finally learned that the most expensive product isn't always 'the best' - or not the best for what I want/need.

By the same reasoning, the least expensive product isn't always 'the worst.'

Also, if you are able to test the scissor before purchasing it, make sure that the scissor cuts well even to the tip. Some seem to 'catch' on the very end

Kind of hard to test, though, when the product is packaged in that hard plastic.

Excellent instructions from DogHouseMom. That being said, I like Ginghers lightweight scissors from JoAnn's. If you are right handed, then Gingher's dressmaker ones would be fine. I've had my lightweight black plastic handled ones for at least 20 years and they are still sharp. Until recently, I was a dedicated apparel sewer, so they have had heavy use.

Fiskars just don't hold an edge for me. I save those for fleece - do not cut fleece with your good scissors.

Or better yet, make them replace them!!

I'm a Gingher Girl myself. I have 2 pair of dressmaker shears, 2 embroidery scissors, 3 thread snips, and a pinking shears. You can always send them to Gingher (for the price of shipping) and they will sharpen and service them, but I've never needed to do this. Watch for sales at JoAnns.

Personally I think Fiskars are just barely above dollar store scissors. I let my hubby use them for whatever he wants to use them for. You can get Ginghers at JoAnn's with a 50% off coupon. That makes them more affordable. If you take care of them they'll last the rest of your life. The other type of scissor I use most is the micro serrated edge scissors. I have two sizes of the Elan brand but I don't think they're real easy to find. I have lots and lots of other scissors but the Ginghers and Elans are the ones I use the most.

I did not know this. Thanks for the tip.

All my sewing room scissors are old Ginghers, with the exception of a pair of ancient WISS pinking shears, and some Fiskars micro-tip titanium scissors. I keep one Fiskars next to my sewing machine, and one by my cutting table and ironing board to pull up and snip random threads. I really like their "spring-assist" design.