Which Scissors?
 

Howdy y'all :c)

I've been working on my first appliqué quilt and having a lot of fun with it! But after ironing the fusible onto the back of the fabrics and pinning my pattern pieces to it, I was concerned about how to cut them out. Since the backing of the fusible is still on at this point, which scissors do y'all use? Do you use your good scissors for cutting fabric, or do you use old scissors since you're cutting through paper? Any opinions?

Donna

I recently read about a professional - can't remember who - who keeps a third pair of good quality scissors just for this purpose. Sort of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears - good, better, and best.

I use scissors for paper when cutting anything other than fabric. I also have my scissors labeled fabric or paper.

Scissors not made for multiple layers of fabric will not cut or last long cutting layers, even two layers of fabric. Check to be sure the package says made for cutting multi layers of fabric or paper.

I use the Karen Kay Buckley scissors with the serrated edge for all my applique cutting.

I have two pairs of serrated edge scissors I use for cutting appliques out. If you use scissors that don't cut fabric well you'll have lots more edge frays.

I love those - I think Olfa makes some but I really love (although they are expensive) the Karen Buckley scissors

Thanks so much for the replies y'all! I did a google search for the Karen Buckley scissors and found that they're at least $8.00 cheaper on Amazon than anywhere else. I've found Amazon to be cheaper on a LOT of supplies than even the original source usually is!

The Karen Buckley scissors are probably made by somebody else and they just put her brand on them. I have the Elan scissors and they're not expensive and are just as nice. I have another slightly larger size but I don't remember what brand they are and I think they're packed and in storage so I can't go look.

I have two pair of very sharp fiskars one long and a very small very sharp for getting in small areas and fussy cutting. I keep them only for applique and fussy cutting.

Thank you so much, great info!

I recommend the serrated blade scissors because the serration "grabs" the fabric and pulls it into the blade. Smooth blade scissors actually push the fabric ahead of them, which causes the fabric to fray. Karen Kay Buckley isn't the only one who markets serrated blade scissors. Check out www.havelssewing.com and www.kaiscissors.com. I don't have any Havel scissors, but the Kai scissors are wonderful.