We’ve all been there — when your kid, grandkid, husband, etc. pick up your sewing scissors and begin to cut paper! Oh, the horrors!!! That got me thinking, I know we all guard our sewing scissors with our life (and will threaten the lives of others), but what really makes them so “special”?
Are they worth it?
YES! Investing in a quality pair or event set of sewing scissors is TOTALLY worth it! You’ll save yourself so much grief and frustration — fighting with those thread tails, not getting a close cut on your applique, mis-shaping the fabric as it pulls instead of cuts — UGH.
Give it up. Go to your closest B-Sew Inn (or shop online) and yourself a nice pair. Then, guard them with your life. Just like that Kitchen Aid mixer you got years ago, if you take care of them, they’ll last forever.
Scissors or Shears?
Common question: Am I a total player if I own both scissors and shears? Not at all. You’re smart. Scissors and shears have some major differences that make them both essential for your sewing toolkit.
When we’re talking about fabric, shears are your main squeeze. They’re generally longer (7-inch blades or greater), and have one small handle for your thumb, with a longer handle for multiple fingers, giving you more control over your cut. Notice the distinct angle of the handles on shears? It makes it easier to cut fabric on a flat surface. When it comes to quilting, shears have your back.
Scissors are still really useful and important, but they’re more like the man on the side. Keep ‘em around, and use ‘em when they’re useful.
Difference in sewing scissor brands
There are several different sewing scissor brands. They all have the use and purpose and are not all bad.
For example, Fiskars is great if you’re looking for well-rounded options. They have it all. My recommendation — the more you spend, the better quality you’re going to get.
Gingher gives you less options, but that also means less crippling indecisiveness as you’re trying to figure out which pair to buy! Gingher is known for its classy, all-metal scissors and shears with silver or gold handles (they’re putting a ring on it.)
Another high-quality brand is Kai, a Japanese-made scissor and shear line made with stainless steel and vanadium. What’s vanadium, you ask? It’s Kai’s special ingredient that makes them extra strong, and adds an air of mystery.
Just go for it
Still not sure which brand is right for you? Check them out in person. The great thing about buying from a family owned business is that we get to make the rules. Stop by your local B-Sew Inn and try out the sewing scissors.
You need to feel them, test the weight in your hand. Open and shut them a few times to see how the finger holes fit. Are they easy to open? Do you really have to squeeze them to get them closed? These are things you should test out before dropping your wad on a pair of quality sewing scissors.
So, what makes them so special? The fact that you carefully selected them; formed a relationship with them; use them to make things you love.
I’m not going to lie, having a quality pair of sewing scissors is a necessity. It’s also an addiction. Once you find a brand or pair, you just gotta have more!