Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best scissors for cutting fabric?
- A: The best choice for cutting fabric is a pair of tailoring shears with long, sharp blades and often a bent (offset) handle, which lets you cut with the scissors resting flat on the table without lifting the fabric. For everyday home sewing, a length of about 20-25 cm is usually enough. Quality steel blades cut cleanly and precisely, even through several layers at once.
Q: What is the difference between tailoring shears and ordinary scissors?
- A: Tailoring shears have longer, sharper blades and often a bent handle, so they cut fabric cleanly and accurately even through multiple layers. Ordinary office scissors have shorter blades and tend to tear fabric rather than cut it, leaving ragged edges and fraying. That's why it's worth keeping a dedicated pair of tailoring shears just for sewing.
Q: What are pinking shears and what are they used for?
- A: Pinking shears, also called zigzag scissors, have serrated, tooth-shaped blades that cut fabric edges into a zigzag pattern. This kind of edge frays less, which is why they're used to finish raw edges on fabrics prone to unraveling. They're especially handy when you don't want to overlock an edge, and they're also great for decorative cutting.
Q: Why shouldn't tailoring shears be used on paper?
- A: Paper is abrasive to blades and dulls them quickly, so tailoring shears should be used on fabric only. Once dull, scissors tend to tear fabric instead of cutting it cleanly, and precision suffers. Keep a separate pair of scissors for paper and sewing patterns, and reserve your tailoring shears for fabric alone.
Q: How do you care for tailoring shears to keep them sharp?
- A: Use the scissors on fabric only, wipe them dry with a cloth after use, and keep them away from moisture to prevent rusting. It's a good idea to occasionally oil the center screw with a drop of oil to keep the cutting action smooth. The blades can be professionally sharpened when needed; pinking shears require special sharpening and are usually best left to a professional.
Q: Which scissors are best for heavy fabrics like denim or softshell?
- A: For thick, sturdy materials like denim, softshell, or fur fabric, choose heavier-duty tailoring shears with strong blades and a longer cutting edge that can handle several layers at once. Look for models made with quality steel and a comfortable handle, since cutting thick fabric takes more effort. For precise detail work, smaller scissors with shorter tips are the better choice.
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