Mitty

That's three votes for the Gingher duckbill. If I go with the duckbill I will probably get these, but I'm still undecided as to what exactly I need.

Mitty

Thanks for all the replies. I messed up on a couple of my responses and didn't include the original post, but it's too late to go back and edit them, but I think you can figure out who I was replying to.

I am definitely getting those Havel snips and just have to decide if I need a second pair of one of the other types or if that will do me. I don't have a lot of tools, but then when I decide to buy some I tend to go overboard (yes, I need to buy six different paintbrushes and three different paint rollers to paint a single wall). At least the scissors will last me all my life so it's not like I'm throwing things out. I really do appreciate all the advice!

Mitty

These sound great. It's all those little curves that are getting me.

Just for everyone's info, these are available from the manufacturer's site for the same price and free shipping. https://kaiscissors.com/kai-3120-4-1...work-scissors/
Just a personal preference of mine to go with the manufacturer if I can.

SewingSew

This is the brand that I use for traditional applique too--Karen Kay Buckley Perfect Scissors with serrated blades. They have blue handles. I think they are 6". One of the things that I like about them is that the handles have a lot of room for my fingers and thumb. They are very comfortable to use.

MadQuilter

I use the Karen Buckley scissors and love them. They have serrated edges and they are comfortable to hold.

zozee

Karen Kay Buckley for me. Very sharp which is good. Very sharp which is bad. It really depends what you're intending to cut. LOL

Rhonda K

Just a PS for the little squeezer snips...

Don't send them out to be sharpened. Mine were ruined. It might have been the serrated blades or the person doing them.

psquared52

Kay Buckley small red scissors with a slight curve. Large fingers holes, serrated edges and reasonable price make it my favorite appliqué scissors.

Peckish

IMO, the features to look for in applique scissors, or any sewing scissors for that matter, are A) a comfortable grip, and B) micro-serrated blades. The micro-serrations will grip the fabric and prevent them it from slipping while you cut.

So, having said that, I think your best bet is the Karen Kay Buckley scissors, or Kai. I have 7 pairs, all different sizes, of Kai scissors and they are awesome. Kai will sharpen them for free, also. You send the scissors to them along with $5 for return postage.

Years ago I picked up the funny-looking duck-billed scissors. The handles are metal, which hurt my hands after a few minutes, and I didn't like that larger blade, it was a blind spot for me.

mengler

I have to do a LOT Alf Applique-Esque trimming when doing in the hoop embroidery. I have the duck bill but find that double curved embroidery scissors work best for me. The fabric practically trims itself. I have several pairs but like the ginghers:

https://www.amazon.com/Gingher-Doubl...21192443&psc=1