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From: dandice
Date: 02-16-2006, 12:35 PM (1 of 15)
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I have been using my Gingher 8in dressmaker sheers, but they are SO heavy. My hand is killing me, once I am done cutting the patterns out. Any recomendations for different scissors for cutting patterns? |
User: dandice
Member since: 02-15-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-16-2006, 01:00 PM (2 of 15)
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Hi dandice and welcome to Sew Whats New. Try a smaller pair, perhaps a 6" shear or Fiskars with the Softouch handles. I have used these for years with no problem. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-16-2006, 01:05 PM (3 of 15)
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For cutting out patterns I use those cheap ones you can get in the check out lane at many stores. Normally they cost $1. Thye are lightweight and the price is right so I don't worry about ruining good scissors cutting paper.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-16-2006, 01:45 PM (4 of 15)
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I use a rotary cutter to cut fabric. Much easier on the hands and, because you don't lift the fabric at all, more accurate. I have two and use the one with the oldest blade if I am just cutting the pattern paper. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-16-2006, 04:40 PM (5 of 15)
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Back in the dark ages, when I was in school and took Home Ec, our teacher instructed us to just cut the pieces apart roughly and pin to the fabric and do the cutting (pattern and fabric) all at once..I still do it that way..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 02-16-2006, 04:49 PM (6 of 15)
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I also use my rotary cutters as much as possible to cut. I do rough cut my patterns with scissors that I keep in my sewing room especially for cutting paper before I do my fabric layout and cutting. I use small scissors to cut around tight corners, etc. in the patterns and use my rotary cutters for all the straight cutting. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: westozmum
Date: 02-17-2006, 08:04 AM (7 of 15)
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I also cut out my paper patterns with a cheap pair of scissors. They are only used for cutting paper. I have dressmakers shears with the soft grip just for cutting out fabrics......hope this helps
Westozmum aka Laura from the Land Down Under
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User: westozmum
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 41 
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From: paroper
Date: 02-17-2006, 11:31 AM (8 of 15)
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I love the Gingher scissors. Are you properly using them? They should fit your hand (right or left) properly. The large section is for your fingers, the small for your thumb. The slant should be larger toward your hand to match the physical build of your hand. The tip is sloped to allow you to cut close to the table to ensure a good cut. The tip should ride on the table, not in the air. The weight of the scissors should be on the tip of your scissors and the table, not on your hand, arm and shoulder. The longer the blade of the scissors, the easier they will cut, BUT the longer the blade, the heavier the scissors. Certainly going to a 6 inch scissor will lighten the phyisical weight of the scissors, but the harder you will have to mash the scissors together to cut. This is not a big thing in most sewing, but you may want to keep your heavier scissors on hand for heavy weight fabrics. Many people use the Fischar scissors. They don't last as long for me. I have scissors that I've used almost 30 years that are just as good as they day they were bought. I usually keep Fischars on hand for fabrics that would be rough on my Ginghers like metalics, sequins, etc. When the Fischars get old, they make great paper scissors! 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: bridesmom
Date: 02-17-2006, 05:11 PM (9 of 15)
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I mostly use my rotary cutter and bought a 2nd cheaper one that uses the same Olfa blades and when I am done with a blade, I put it into the 2nd cutter and use it for patterns or paper or stabilizer, works great for wrapping paper too
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: guppie
Date: 02-17-2006, 05:49 PM (10 of 15)
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For paper cutting, most scissors/shears will work. If you're cutting the pattern WITH the fabric, try KAI shears. They are very lightweight, hold an edge well and are a joy to use. Three sewing professionals who taught at last year's American Sewing Expo in Novi, MI recommended these. I bought the 10" pair and just love them!
Cathy
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User: guppie
Member since: 12-29-2004 Total posts: 43 
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From: dandice
Date: 02-17-2006, 11:59 PM (11 of 15)
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Thanks everyone for the great information. I like the idea of using a roatery cutter..would have never thought about that. Thanks also for the tip on roughly cutting out pattern. I have been spending so much time trying to cut it perfectly. Does anyone know what the following kind of "curved" scissors would be used for? Linky (http://www.havelssewing.com/7crfasc.html) These look like they are much more bent then my gingher dressmaker shears. |
User: dandice
Member since: 02-15-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-18-2006, 01:09 AM (12 of 15)
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It is just another version of the bent handle (offset) standard dressmaker scissors. On the bent handle version, the side of the scissor is offset so that it will ride along the table closer. This would basically do the same, might ride closer, not sure, I haven't seen or used them in person. It looks like you could hold them further off the table than the bent handle scissors because the angle wouldn't be as critical. Havel makes a lot of specialty scissors, particularly embroidery scissors.
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: mommydionne
Date: 02-18-2006, 09:39 AM (13 of 15)
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I have a pair of fiskers soft touch, regular shears make my hands ache, I've had mine for almost 10yrs now without problems.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-20-2006, 11:03 AM (14 of 15)
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My Fiskars Spring Loaded or whatever you call them are 13 years old now and still as sharp as ever.. I bought them before DGS's first birthday and he will be 14 on March 1.. I remember because I made him 4 outfits for his first birthday.. T-shirts and shorts.. That was the first time I could cut all that out in one day and not cripple my hand for a week.. I also bought the mini size and used them for my rag denim quilt I made.. I now have added a 3rd pair.. The purple handle ones are for general household purposes and they can be used by anyone in my home.. But they know not to touch my gray ones (large and small) unless they are cutting fabric..I bought that Fiskars sharpener for my regular Fiskars, got it home, then read "do not use for left-handed shears" so I gave that to my DIL. She says it works well..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: blackie
Date: 02-20-2006, 08:49 PM (15 of 15)
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Back in the dark ages, when I was in school and took Home Ec, our teacher instructed us to just cut the pieces apart roughly and pin to the fabric and do the cutting (pattern and fabric) all at once..I still do it that way.. That is a great idea, for those who cut out with scissors. I cut everything with rotary. Much smoother cutting lines and yes, no lifting of the pattern. I didn't start doing curves, though - I started using rotary equipment as a quilter. I have the gingher 9" and love them - but as I said, I don't use them to cut patterns out at all. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
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