Scissors and Cutting Tools
This category brings together our guides to scissors and cutting tools for sewing: tailor's shears for cutting fabric, Solingen scissors from Germany, small embroidery scissors and thread snips. The guides explain how to choose by length, weight and blade type, how to match the tool to the job, and how to keep it sharp for years.
If you are buying your first pair of fabric scissors, start with the guide to tailor's shears. If you already work with good scissors and want to look after them, you will find a guide to Solingen scissors, sharpness and sharpening, and if you are torn between thread snips and embroidery scissors, there is a guide that sorts the tools by task: at the sewing machine, at the overlocker, in embroidery and in appliqué.
The scissors are in the Scissors category, divided into tailor's shears and fabric scissors, Solingen scissors, embroidery scissors and thread snips. The catalog includes scissors from PRYM, Kretzer, D.PERES SOLINGEN and DMC. Schools and studios can get a volume-based price quote.
Tailor's Scissors: How to Choose by Cutting Length, Weight and Hand
How to choose tailor's scissors by cutting length and not just overall length, by weight, ring size and right or left hand, and which blade suits each type of fabric, with checks to do before buying.
Solingen Scissors: What Makes German Steel Special and How to Keep Them Sharp
When scissors may be labelled Solingen under German law, which steels and hardness are required, forged vs stamped, and how to keep them sharp: what not to cut, cleaning, oiling, storage and professional sharpening.
Thread Snipper or Embroidery Scissors: Which Suits Which Job
When to use a thread snipper, when straight or curved embroidery scissors, and when appliqué scissors: cutting at the sewing machine and overlocker, Hardanger, machine embroidery and appliqué.
Frequently asked questions
Which scissors brands are in the catalog?
The catalog includes scissors from PRYM, Kretzer and D.PERES SOLINGEN, as well as embroidery scissors from DMC. Every product page lists the length, blade type and recommended use.
Are there left-handed fabric scissors?
Yes. The catalog includes 21 cm left-handed PRYM Professional tailor's shears, as well as scissors with symmetrical handles that suit both right and left hands.
Why shouldn't you cut paper with fabric scissors?
Paper and cardboard dull the blade faster than fabric. That's why it's customary to keep a separate pair of scissors for pattern paper, and to reserve the fabric scissors for fabric only.
What is the difference between tailor's shears and embroidery scissors?
Tailor's shears are long and designed for cutting fabric along long lines. Embroidery scissors are small, with a fine tip, and designed for cutting threads and precise work close to the fabric.