The Scissors I Actually Use After 20 Years of Sewing
Hi there sewing friends !
When I first started sewing at age nine, I had no idea how much joy—and how many scissors—this craft would bring into my life. Now, two decades later, my sewing toolbox is brimming with cutting tools, each with its own purpose, quirks, and history.
Some scissors have been with me since day one. Others I’ve picked up along the way as I discovered new techniques, fabrics, and projects. And while I’ve definitely accumulated more than I need (I counted fourteen pairs recently), I use each of them in different ways. So today, I want to share the scissors I actually use, how I use them, and what I recommend if you’re just starting out or looking to expand your sewing toolkit.
Fabric Scissors: The Tools That Started It All
My very first pair of fabric scissors was from Clover. I still use them to this day. What made them so unique—and what I still love about them—is that only one of the blades is sharp. The other has tiny little teeth that help grip slippery fabric as you cut. If you’ve ever tried to cut satin or silk with a regular pair of scissors, you’ll know exactly why this is a game changer.
For beginners, I don’t recommend spending a fortune on scissors. You can absolutely find a great pair for $20–$45. And if they last you 20 years, like mine have, that’s a dollar a year. Not bad at all.
Skipping the toile—and how it almost worked
I used a gorgeous cotton drill I had picked up months ago. It’s a beautiful chartreuse that matches my wardrobe and home perfectly. I actually had a vision for this skirt and knew the moment I remembered this fabric—it was the one.
Now, I had made this pattern before, so I figured I could wing it. And you know what? It turned out okay. But there were so many things that would have been smoother if I’d done a toile. From fabric amounts to pocket placements, here’s where it started to unravel a bit.
The Case for Paper Scissors
If you’re new to sewing, here’s a golden rule: never use your fabric scissors on paper. It dulls the blades faster than you’d think.
I’ve had the same pair of paper scissors since university. I used to wrap ribbon around the handles so they wouldn’t get mixed up with the communal tools in class. These days, I like to label my scissors with colour-coded tape: pink for paper, blue for fabric, red for pinking shears.
I’ve also got a beautiful pair of LDH paper scissors that I adore—though I do wish they were just a little longer for those big, sweeping cuts through paper patterns. They're sharp enough that I’ve occasionally used them on fabric in a pinch (shhh).
Snips, Pinking Shears, and Decorative Blades
Some tools fall into the “niche but nice” category. Snips are a must in my book—perfect for trimming threads or cutting small curves. My Clover snips have a very sharp tip, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on how focused I am. Let’s just say I’ve accidentally cut through my stitch line more than once.
Pinking shears are another tool I rarely use, but I do like having them on hand. They’re great for finishing seam allowances if you don’t have an overlocker, or for decorative details like bunting. My current favourites are from LDH—smooth, sturdy, and just beautiful to use.
And then there are my scalloped edge scissors, which I’ve only just tried for the first time. They cut the fabric with a wavy edge that feels like something out of a sea-themed sewing dream. I haven’t used them for a full project yet, but they’ve already inspired a few ideas.
Shears That Make Cutting Feel Like a Ritual
My 12-inch LDH shears are, without a doubt, the most luxurious sewing tool I own. They’re heavy, precise, and genuinely make cutting feel like an event. I use them for long, straight cuts—think wool coats, pant legs, or big skirt panels. The weight helps apply just the right amount of pressure, and they glide through thick fabrics like butter.
For everyday sewing, I switch to my lighter 9-inch shears. They’re still sharp and strong, but easier on my wrist when I’m doing lots of trimming or cutting around curves. I also use these to chop up scrap fabric for stuffing—like for my Waste-Free Whale projects.
Rotary Cutters: For When Precision Matters
There are certain fabrics—silks, chiffons, textured satins—that I would never cut with scissors. For those, I always reach for my rotary cutter. Because the fabric stays flat, there’s no shifting along the grainline. You get a cleaner, more accurate cut, which is especially important when working with delicate or drapey materials.
I have a few different rotary cutters for different uses: one for fabric, one for paper, and one that lives in my embroidery kit. They do require a self-healing cutting mat, but once you have the right setup, they’re a dream to use.
My Embroidery Scissors (Tiny but Mighty)
And finally, my little embroidery scissors. The blades are tiny, sharp, and perfect for cutting one or two threads at a time. They’re not something I’d risk taking on a plane (even if technically allowed), simply because I’d be devastated to lose them.
Final Thoughts: The Tools That Inspire Us
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that good tools don’t just help you sew better—they help you enjoy sewing more. The right pair of scissors can make you want to sit down, slow down, and create something just for you. And sometimes, it’s that small joy—the click of perfect shears, the clean edge of a rotary blade—that reminds you why you fell in love with sewing in the first place.
Whether you’re just beginning your sewing journey or deep into your handmade wardrobe, I hope this gives you a little insight into the tools that have shaped mine. And if you’re looking for a place to start, I always say this: get one good pair of fabric scissors, label your paper scissors, and build from there.