Is there a way to make cutting with pinking shears easier?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 862
Is there a way to make cutting with pinking shears easier?
I have two little wall quilts I want to make (Appliquilt). My pinking shears are second hand, but still relatively sharp. Is there a way to prepare the fabric to make it easier to cut? Would just starching improve this? I have arthritis in my hand, making it somewhat more difficult, but just can't see buying a new pair of pinking shears when I've only used the ones I have once or twice in 15 years. Thanks!
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
My shears are not the sharpest due to age but I find if I stack 2 cottons together they work better and starch definitely helps to get a clean cut edge. I also find that they work better cutting about 1/4 inch from the edge and not right along the edge. If I try to pink right along an edge, it tends to leave thread pieces.
#3
I have my grandmother's pinking shears and they will cut fabric but it was slow going. I got a new pair stuck in my Christmas stocking a few years ago. I never opened the package thinking they would be the same as my old pair. I couldn't find my pinking shears for a fast cut so I opened the new package. What a difference! The new pinking shears cut through the fabric in one cut and each pink a sharp edge, no fraying at all. And the new pair was much lighter in weight. I retired my grandmother's pair as decoration. I'll use the new ones.
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Southfield, Michigan
Posts: 286
You know they also make pinking blades for rotary cutters. That might be easier than trying to maneuver pinking shears on small pieces. You could give it a try on some scraps & see which works better/easier for you, especially with your arthritis.
#5
Great idea!! Those blades make it so much easier, and it really gives it a nice edge! Now to keep them from my daughter who scrap books!!
#7
I've used the pinking blades in my rotary cutter. The pinking blades for papercrafting are cheaper than the ones made for fabric too. The ones I got were both made by Fiskars & I couldn't tell the difference. A clerk at Joann Fabrics actually told me this.
#8
I bought an Olfa pinking blade and, quite frankly, it didn't do very well. I have a pr of pinking shears, but they are hard to cut a straight line with. JoAnns was out of the Fiskers blades, but I think I will try them instead and see if they are sharper than the Olfa. I like to trim my fabric before pre-washing.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Garland, Texas
Posts: 1,388
Pinking Shears
Being left handed has always made buying scissors a pain in the rear. I do not currently have any pinking shears becasue my last pair I got a thrift store or yard sale and they were utterly useless.
I did not realize there were blades for my rotary cutter, I will have to look at Hobby Lobby and Hancock now to see about getting some. Thanks for the great suggestion!!
I did not realize there were blades for my rotary cutter, I will have to look at Hobby Lobby and Hancock now to see about getting some. Thanks for the great suggestion!!
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05-19-2019 12:34 PM