I use a pinking blade in my rotary cutter to do the same thing. Never owned a pair of the scissor type.

they work well to 'clip' the curve when turning a curved seam.... instead of clipping to the seam, pink the edge--allows the turned fabric to 'spread' out to lay flat.

can do the same with the rotary trimmer--but i feel more 'in control' with the shears.

I do use my pinking shears for cutting out circles and applique pieces that are curved. To me, it makes the seam lay flatter. I also use them to cut the edge of fabric when I wash it but I don't think anything ever keeps fabric from unraveling during the wash.

I use my pinking shears when working with circles. They allow the fabric to spread without clipping the seam allowances as we were taught to do, especially on applique or cathedral windows or orange peels that are sewn to a backing or muslin and then turned right-side-to.

One theory is that it's because the cut edge resembles the edges of pinks, the flower (dianthus).

Um, you darn socks?? :lol: I use my Sunday socks (the holy ones) for washing windows and cleaning. I have a mismatched pair that I wear frequently. One is green and the other is red. Green is for "Port" and worn on the left foot, and the red is for "Starboard" and worn on the right...........Just in case I ever get to go boating again. 8-)

It depends on the fabric for me. If I know it is going to ravel, I will pink the edges

Yes, I remember and YES they still sell them. I have my Gingher pair. And, when I remember to use them they are great. I bought mine about 2 years ago. :-D

I have a pair. I use them to make fabric wreaths at least that's what I call them. I pink the edges of 5 inch squares. I place a screw driver in the middle of the square and then punch the fabric into a straw wreath. Helps use up scraps of fabrics.

I use my pinking shears in quilting by trimming curves and then you don't have to clip the seam. Also cut my fabric edges before putting the fabric into the washing machine, a lot less strings that way.
Brenda