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From: Cant-sew-a-lick
Date: 11-12-2005, 09:09 PM (1 of 11)
I just cut out a dog coat pattern using my DH's shaving scissors  . He  readily suggested that I buy some decent scissors - quickly. What types and brands do you recommend for cutting patterns (tissue paper), cloth, heavy fabrics,and will I ever need pinking shears? Fire away ladies! He's Buying! 
My dogs need clothes!
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User: Cant-sew-a-lick
Member since: 11-07-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: MissKittyDillon
Date: 11-12-2005, 09:21 PM (2 of 11)
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There is no specific brand to buy, but keep in mind good scissors are not cheap. My favorite ones are spring loaded Fiskars. I love them and paid dearly for them(around $25, I think). But well worth it. Just remember to use those scissors for fabric only. Make sure your family knows to keeps hands off. If you use them for other things it will dull the blades.
Marci
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User: MissKittyDillon
Member since: 09-28-2005 Total posts: 33 
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From: Hogmami
Date: 11-12-2005, 09:52 PM (3 of 11)
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I feel scissors is a personal thing. I use the spring loaded Fiskars too because I have hand problems. But before I got those I went to Joanns and tryed lots of scissors. The ones with the thumb holes just didn't fit my thumbs so they were comfortable. When I had hand therphy, they suggested the spring loaded. So all I can say, is try different ones in the stores and see what works for you. Also, only use them for fabric.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: debsews
Date: 11-12-2005, 10:38 PM (4 of 11)
| I've had several pairs and finally settled on the spring loaded Fiskars. But the first pair didn't cut to the very end of the blade and the second pair does. They say Razor Edged on the package. I have some other scissors I think would be good if they were professionally sharpened. But everyone is different. If you have a friend who sews try hers out and see if you like them. Everyone is different. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 11-13-2005, 02:49 AM (5 of 11)
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I also agree with the Fiskars!!
DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-13-2005, 02:55 AM (6 of 11)
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Go to a store that sells them and try them out in your hand. There are so many now a days you have your pick. As everyone else has said the ones you use for material are only for that. Buy a pair for cutting out your patterns, and one for snipping threads.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: paroper
Date: 11-13-2005, 05:30 AM (7 of 11)
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Regardless of the brand, be sure that you use a bent handle scissor. The package will probably say something about Dressmaker Scissors. The reason that they are bent is so that they will ride along the table as you sew. They should have a large side and a small side of the handle and they will bend toward the large side. The handles are often sloped so that they line up with the proper position of your hand as you cut. Like a tennis racket, the scissors should fit your hand. Most scissors come as right or left handed. Be sure that you get the one to fit your cutting hand. (Some of the padded handle scissors are sloped on both sides). I prefer Gingher and an occasional Mundal Scissor (I used to buy Marks but I think that Mundal bought Marks). They hold their sharpness well. If my family stays away from them (automatic death sentance at our house), they'll go several years without sharpening...although very sharp scissors are my favorite. When I am doing big projects, I don't have time to stop and have scissors sharpened. Since pinking shears are NOT used to cut fabric out, but used after the garment is sewn (if they are properly used), you probably won't have that many uses for them. Many pinking shears are hard to open and close so be sure and test them. If they are so hard to use that you have to close them slow, they will chew the fabric and you will be tired when you finish. I finally found a pair of pinking shears that I could handle well....and I've had several expensive brands. I think it is Fiscars. I happened to get them on a half price sale notions sale at Hancocks. There are so many good machine finishes that it is very rare that I use the pinking shears and I've done a lot of sewing over the years. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Sancin
Date: 11-13-2005, 10:02 PM (8 of 11)
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I can't comment on the best brand of scissors, but agree with trying them out and agree they should be dressmakers shears. A good pair of scissors may make the difference between if you ever start your planned projects or not. I have had all sorts, which tells the story that you do need to replace scissors every now and then and one pair will not last your sewing life, cheap or expensive. It seems to me, that no matter how sharp they seem to start with there is no way to know (other than reputation) which ones will stay sharp and for how long. For awhile I was buying quite cheap imported scissors and when they lost their edge they were reassigned to another part of the house or to cut patterns only, thus I have good scissors in every room for anyone to use for whatever. I currently have a pair that I like because they are light and sharp. I don't know what brand they are, Japanese, I believe, but were purchased at a fabric store on sale and were expensive. I have another 'good' pair that have been sharpened. The person who sharpened them said that they will have to be sharpened several times to develop an "....?" that will last longer. As this person is not one of my favourite repair people, I don't know whether to believe him or not.  I was given a pair of upholstery scissors many years ago by a relative that was 'in the business'. They have remained very sharp and are great for heavy material, but are almost too heavy for me to use as the joints in my hand are degenerating. I tend to use a large rotary cutter for thick material and need to replace the blade frequently. I agree with Paroper regarding pinking shears. I have my grandmother's pinking shears which are sharp but can't recall the last time I used them. I glad I got them for free. Good Luck in your decision making. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-14-2005, 12:51 PM (9 of 11)
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Back in the dark ages when I took Home Ec, the Teacher said 3 best scissors were Gingher, Joy, and Wiss.. I don't think Joy and Wiss are still around.. (they may be).. To me, Gingher and Mundial are both quality, and hold their cutting edge very well. I use Fiscars Dressmaker Shears and the spring action ones.. Everyone in my family knows not to touch them for anything except fabric.. I also have Fiscar Pinking shears.. All pinking shears I have ever seen are heavy.. Because of hand problems, I use the spring action ones most all the time now..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: paroper
Date: 11-14-2005, 12:59 PM (10 of 11)
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I think the last pair of pinking sheers I purchased were Fiscar. I like them because they are light weight and I can close them easily without fatigue. I liked Marks (which I think is now Mundal) and Gingher. I like the way the scissors are made at the hinge on the Gingher scissors. I also have a pair of Heinkel. I don't often find those anymore. I don't know if they still make them or not. They don't maintain their sharpness as well but they are lighter...if I didn't have another pair, I'd probably have to sharpen those about every year. I also have a pair of Marks serated scissors. They are very nice and maintain their sharpness well, but when they dull it is hard to find a competant sharpener to handle them without ruining them. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 11-14-2005, 06:43 PM (11 of 11)
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They sell the Fiskers at Michaels & JoAnns and you can use the coupon to purchase them! That means at least 40% off the regular price! That helps alot!! mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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