Is there a trick to cutting with pinking shears? I have an old one from my mom and a new one and I have a lot of trouble cutting with either!

I never cared for them! Thankfully I don't see any reason to use them now. And if I do, there's always the rotary blade that gives the pinked edge!

I have always had a hard time cutting even with a new pair.

I can relate, get yourself a rotary one, soooooo much eaiser.

Unless they are VERY sharp they do not cut well. Old ones may need sharpening and new ones that really are sharp are very, very expensive.

I love mine... I freq use them... Quality is everything concerning pinking sheers......
I use mine when I am sewing fashion items or fabric that might easily ravel.

Slow and steady pressure, I found to be best.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

not more than 2 layers of fabric- one layer if it is a thick fabric-
i love my pinking shears- they cut great- but you need to get the hang of it-
they are good for cutting the edges of fabrics that are (stringy-fraying) they will keep that from happening.

The best pinking shears I've ever used are the $10 (approx) ones at Hobby Lobby. Others are too stiff or too large and heavy for my small hands.

I make latch hook rugs using fabric. I hand cut every bit of fabric (tons and tons). The Hobby Lobby pinking shears last and cut beautifully.

Cut one layer of fabric at a time. I have also found that if the fabric has a soft hand, like flannel, it's hard to cut. Crisper, starched fabric is easier.

This is my experience too. I do have one pair that does cut felt well, but only one layer at a time.

Pat

Mine are made by "Singer" and I have had them for years! I love them and they still cut really well but don't use them that often any more.

The scissors probably just need sharpening. You can only cut 1-2 layers of fabric with pinking shears.

Make sure you have either right or left handed shears- I got some lefties once and it's impossible for a rightie to use them.
Cheryl

I like mine, but they are very sharp. When I bought them I made sure I got a good pair even though they were quite pricey.

As far as I'm concerned pinking shears are useless. Sorry I can't help you.