Cutting

Whether you’re using a rotary cutter or scissors, make sure you have the right tool for the job.

Scissors

High-quality scissors are a must for any sewing endeavor.

Bent Dressmaker’s Shears: These scissors have extremely sharp 8" (20.3) blades that make long, smooth cuts along pattern lines. The 45° angle allows the lower blade to glide along the cutting table, adding stability and leverage as you cut.

Sewing Scissors: These smaller, lighter scissors have sharp pointed blades that are usually less than 6" (15.2cm) long. Use them to snip threads, trim seam allowances and clip curves.

Pinking Shears: Pinking shears have teeth that cut zigzag or scalloped edges to prevent fabric from raveling.

Embroidery Scissors: Embroidery scissors are designed to trim loose embroidery threads very close to the fabric.

Appliqué Scissors: The curved lower blade of these scissors is designed to protect the fabric surface when cutting appliqués.

Thread Snips: These small, spring-loaded scissors are very handy when constructing projects with many seams, such as quilts.

Swap out your rotary blades to create unique edges.

Rotary Cutting

Rotary fabric cutters, mats and rulers help you cut fabric smoothly, straightly and evenly. You’ll save time and energy using a rotary cutting system, especially when creating quilts and grading seams.

Rotary cutters are a definite must-have for cutting multiple fabric layers, precise measurements or decorative fabric edges. Don’t fret if you’re a lefty, as rotary cutters have different handle shapes designed for left- or right-handed use. Rotary cutters come in many sizes, but 18mm, 28mm, 45mm and 60mm are the most popular.

Always use a rotary cutting mat when using a rotary cutter. The mats are self-healing and blades won’t damage them. Most mats have grids that provide a guide for fabric placement; however, don’t use the grids as accurate measurements for cutting—that’s what rulers are for. Don’t leave your mat out in the heat, as it can warp the mat for good.

Rulers align the fabric and hold it firmly against the cutting mat for optimal accuracy. Most rotary rulers have 30°, 45° and 60° lines imprinted on them, so you can cut fabric at precise angles. Like rotary mats, keep your rulers in a safe place so they don’t get scratched.

6 ways to get the most out of your sewing scissors

1. Go to fabric or quilting stores–not a grocery or office supplies store–to purchase sewing scissors. Ask the salespeople or other customers for recommendations. Note which scissors the salespeople use to cut bolts of fabric.
2. When purchasing dressmaker’s shears, ask if you can take them for a test drive. Cut fabric scraps to make sure that the scissors fit comfortably in your hand.
3. If you’re left-handed, buy a pair of left-handed scissors. Most high-quality scissors manufacturers offer both left- and right-handed shears. Check online for more left-handed options.
4. Consider what fabrics you’ll be cutting. If you’ll be cutting lots of heavyweight fabrics, such as denim and leather, purchase heavier shears.
5. Save your scissors! Store them in a sheath to protect the tips. Never use fabric scissors to cut paper, wire or hair, as they will dull and ruin the blades. If necessary, keep them safely hidden in your sewing kit and write “Fabric Only” on the handle with a permanent marker.
6. Keep the scissor blades razor sharp for best results. Contact the scissors manufacturer to find out if they will sharpen them for you. Or invest in a sharpener or whetstone to sharpen them yourself.