Keeping your sewing scissors in top condition is easy—all it takes is a few drops of oil, some cleaning, and a little knowledge of what to avoid. Keep reading for our tips on how to best maintain your sewing shears or scissors, with a handy downloadable guide for reference. Plus, check out WAWAK's selection of Sewing Scissors and Shears if you're looking for that new perfect pair.
WAWAK'S GUIDE TO SEWING SCISSOR CARE
1. SELECT THE CORRECT TOOL
To get the most out of your sewing scissors, start by choosing the right scissors for the job. Not all scissors are applicable for every project, and choosing scissors that are designed to handle the material you’re cutting is the easiest way to prevent damage. For example, Upholstery Shears are heavier-duty to cut through thick materials that standard Sewing Shears cannot. Stick to using fabric scissors for fabric and craft scissors for paper or craft materials, and make sure your scissors are the appropriate size and style for the task at hand.
2. GO EASY ON THE CUTS!
Never force a cut if you feel resistance! This can disturb the setting of the blades. If you cannot cut easily through the material you are trying to cut, it might be a sign that your scissors are dull or need repair, or that you’re using the wrong scissors for your material.
3. PREVENT FALLS
Avoid putting your scissors in a place where they could fall to the floor—dropping almost always damages the cutting edges. When not in use, store your scissors or shears in a safe place in their protective sheath or case.
4. CAREFUL OF THOSE PINS!
Watch out for pins while cutting! Take care in placing your pins to keep them out of the way of the cutting line—cutting over hard objects like pins will damage the cutting edges of your scissors’ blades.
5. KEEP 'EM CLEAN
Maintain the good feel and smooth cutting action of your scissors or shears by carefully wiping the inside surfaces of the blades free of accumulated fibers. Use a soft, dry cloth like a microfiber cloth and wipe the blades down after each use. If glue or other residue gets on your blades, be sure to clean it off as soon as possible—many sewers find that a small amount of solvent like rubbing alcohol helps to remove adhesives.
6. OCCASIONAL LUBE JOB
Occasionally place a drop or two of household oil (sewing machine oil will also work) at the pivot point of your scissors to keep your scissors cutting smoothly. It's a good idea to do this anytime you start to feel resistance in your scissors' cutting action. Apply a few drops, open and close the blade a few times to get it moving, and then wipe off any excess oil or cut through some scrap fabric to get the blades clean. You can also help prevent rust when storing your scissors for a while by applying a very light coating of oil to the blades and edges before storing. Then, wipe off any excess oil when it's time to use them again.
7. REMEMBER: NO PAPER!
Do not use your fabric scissors or shears for cutting paper, as it can dull the blades more quickly. Use a separate pair of craft scissors for paper patterns, crafts, or other non-fabric materials.
8. AVOID WATER
Keeping your scissors or shears dry is super important to help prevent rust. If you need to clean your scissors, don't put them in the dishwasher. Instead, clean them by hand with a dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth and dry them thoroughly. If possible, also try to avoid storing your scissors in a humid place.
GRAPHICAL GUIDE TO SEWING SCISSOR CARE
Now you're an expert on caring for your sewing scissors! Download our handy scissor care guide below for whenever you need a refresher on the steps above. And don't forget to check WAWAK's huge selection of Sewing Scissors and Shears next time you need a new trusty pair of blades!
Save this handy guide for our quick tips on caring for your sewing scissors.
