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11 Kinds Of Scissors For Sewing And When To Use Them

  • Writer: WAWAK Sewing Supplies
    WAWAK Sewing Supplies
  • 23 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Cutting fabric for your sewing project can be a project in itself—one that may require special tools for particular tasks and materials. Like thread, needles or elastic, scissors come in various styles and sizes suited to different projects and fabric types, and choosing the right ones can make your work easier and yield more professional results. Read on to learn more about various kinds of sewing scissors and when to use them. Shop sewing scissors at WAWAK to find your new fabric-cutting favorites.

Three pairs of silver Gingher sewing scissors—embroidery scissors, dressmaking shears, and sewing scissors—on a wooden background.
Learn more about the different types of scissors for sewing, crafting and more.

11 KINDS OF SCISSORS FOR SEWING, CRAFTING AND MORE


Ideal for cutting a variety of materials, all-purpose scissors are suitable for everything from silk to denim. If you like to work with various fabrics or are looking for a general pair of sewing scissors when you're just starting out, these versatile, durable scissors are a great choice.


With their characteristic "duckbill", appliqué scissors are ideal for making precise, delicate cuts. They feature a large, round blade that protects the surface of your work, allowing you to cut very closely to an area without damaging it. They're an excellent option for appliqué, embroidery, trimming seams and other precise cuts.


Thread snips are spring-loaded, meaning they spring back open after each cut for a super quick and easy cutting action. They're great to have on hand for making small cuts while you work, such as trimming threads or cutting pattern notches.


Stainless steel thread snips on a wooden table next to beige and gray spools of thread.

In general, it's best to use fabric scissors exclusively for cutting fabric to keep them as sharp as possible. So, if you're getting crafty with other materials, we recommend a pair of craft scissors! Whether you're cutting paper, cardboard, felt, yarn or something else, these short, durable scissors are perfect for all kinds of crafts and hobbies.


Dressmaking scissors, also known as dressmaker's shears, are long, heavy scissors used for cutting long swaths of fabric, thick materials or multiple layers at once. They feature a long blade (usually 7-10" in length), asymmetrical handles (where one handle is larger for a more comfortable grip), and sometimes a bent design that allows the blades to rest against the table as they glide through materials.


These small, sharp scissors feature a short blade (usually 3-5" in length), perfect for making small cuts. Most often used for embroidery, they're ideal for snipping embroidery threads and making small, precise cuts, such as trimming excess fabric on an embroidery hoop or opening buttonholes.


Metal embroidery scissors and a spool of yellow thread on a white background.

Available in a variety of styles, sewing scissors feature sharp, medium-length blades and are designed to glide through fabrics. Choose from straight, bent, serrated, left-handed, lightweight and many other styles of sewing scissors to find the perfect pair for your projects.


Great for mixed media, household use and general fabric cutting, this category includes a wide variety of durable scissors suitable for a range of applications.


Featuring saw-toothed blades with a jagged edge, these scissors make zigzag cuts to help prevent excessive fraying. They're excellent for tightly-woven fabrics like cotton broadcloth or flannel. They can also be used to create a decorative zigzag edge for crafting or appliqué.


hands cutting white woven fabric with pinking shears over a green cutting mat.

Choose from a variety of scissors suited for various quilting tasks, including long, sharp scissors for cutting through thick fabric layers or shorter scissors for piecing and applique.


Featuring extra-long, heavy-duty blades (usually 10-12"in length), these robust shears glide through dense, heavy materials like upholstery fabric, drapery and even carpeting.


Whichever kind of sewing scissors is best for your project, find a high-quality pair at WAWAK. With over 24,000 sewing supplies in stock, we have the reliable scissors you need, ready to ship when you need them!





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