Necessary Scissors

by Serena Smith

One of the best choices for sewing is an 8" knife edge, bent dressmaker shear. I love Gingher scissors; they last forever, stay sharp and are easy to sharpen when needed. The length is excellent for smooth cutting along pattern lines or long clean fabric cuts. Extremely sharp blades make cutting easier no matter what the fabric weight or how many layers. A bend of about 45 degrees at the pivot point lets the entire lower blade glide along the cutting table. This adds stability and allows the fabric to lie flatter when cutting; with straight shears, the fabric will pull up and out of position.

For versatility, shears need a partner. 5" Gingher tailors point scissors are ideal for trimming and precision cutting around curves or in small places. They’re also heavy duty enough for cutting multiple fabric layers. The sharp points are fine enough for lace, cutwork, applique`, tailoring and hand needlework.

I have to admit I have several pairs of these scissors. I keep one by my machine for clipping threads and cutting little snips of fabric if needed. I keep one pair in with my handwork, so it is always there when I need it. I keep another pair with my take-to-class supplies. No, I wouldn't HAVE to own three pair, but it sure is nice to have a pair right where I need them and not wonder where I set them down the last time I used them! :)

Machine embroiderers should own at least one pair of curved embroidery scissors. The curve is very important, allowing you to get your scissor blades close to the stitching for clipping threads. The tips should cut flush with the fabric. Havel's Snip-Eze scissors are a definite must!

I must say I have more than one pair of these also! They are right and left hand compatible, easy to quickly pick up and sharp to nip those threads close to your design. I'm lost if I do any machine embroidery without these. They also work great for hand applique or embroidery to clip your thread tails close to the fabric.