![\"Studio](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.davina.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Cutting-Arsenal-1.jpg?resize=350%2C697&ssl=1\" "\\"Studio")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In the next few posts, I’m going to take you through some of the tools I simply cannot do without! \u00a0I’m starting with cutting tools, as my students often ask, “what kind of scissors should I buy?” \u00a0Below is my list of my favorites.<\/p>\n
The difference between scissors and shears is the length of the blade. \u00a0Scissors is a\u00a0generic term that relates to the style of cutting tool, with two blades, that are connected by a fulcrum point. \u00a0Shears are a subset of scissors and generally have blades that are 7″ or longer. In the image to the right, the three pair of shears are at the top, and my three favorite\u00a0pairs of scissors are at the bottom. \u00a0There is also a lone pair of snips, third from the bottom.<\/p>\n
For ease of discussion, I’m going to start at the bottom with my smallest tools and work upwards toward my largest. \u00a0Although I do own a variety of brands, I find that I gravitate towards Gingher\u00a0as a matter of personal taste. Gingher is a German brand of scissors, shears, snips and all manner of cutting tools. I started using Gingher shears when I was in fashion school and I can attest to their longevity.\u00a0 <\/span>They have survived the making of thousands of garments and and as they wear out, I’m replacing them with the same styles.<\/p>\n Decorative Embroidery Scissors<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0(Image: Bottom) 5-inch Craft Scissors<\/em><\/strong> (Image: Fourth from Bottom) 6\u201d Duck Billed Applique Scissors\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(Image: Second from the Bottom) 4.5 Inch knife edge thread nippers<\/strong><\/em> (Image: Third from Bottom) 8-Inch – Knife Edge Dressmaker\u2019s Shears<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Image: Top Center) 10-inch – Bent Handled Trimmers<\/em><\/strong> (Image: Top Right) Kai 8\u201d Dressmaking Shears<\/em><\/strong> (Image: Top Left) But you may ask, “Where do I begin?” \u00a0And I really think a seamstress could get by with one pair of 7″ – 8″ bent handled fabric shears. \u00a0They are useful for cut fabric, trimming garments, and clipping threads. \u00a0You might find these shears a bit unwieldy in tight locations, but you can get the job done. \u00a0When you are ready to buy a second pair, pick a good quality small pair of craft or embroidery scissors.<\/p>\n Tools will be with you through the construction of many garments, so invest in the best quality you can afford. If you think you might like a particular style of scissors or shears, pick up an affordable pair and try it out. \u00a0If it becomes an essential tool in your kit, then upgrade to better quality.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the tools that I find myself picking up when I\u2019m doing a lot of bead embroidery, or disassembling costumes are a pair of gold-handled \u201cstork\u201d shaped embroidery scissors.\u00a0 <\/span>These scissors can get into tiny places that my regular scissors just can\u2019t reach.\u00a0 <\/span>A length of ribbon through both handles allows me to put these around my neck to have at hand immediately no matter which work-station I\u2019m using. I buy affordable versions of these scissors because I have been known to give them away to folks who admire them at costuming events.\u00a0http:\/\/amzn.to\/2wmtrBD<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhen I purchased these scissors, they went by the name of “Tailor’s Points.” These sturdy, handy pointed scissors are my favorite for precision pattern cutting, trimming in small places and general clean-up work, especially when working on tailored garments.\u00a0 <\/span>http:\/\/amzn.to\/2vcxB0u<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\nThese are the best scissors for trimming seam allowances and when making beaded appliqu\u00e9 on lace and net. Although these are not my most used scissors, I do use them often!\u00a0http:\/\/amzn.to\/2hPoEFZ<\/a><\/p>\nThread Cutting Snips<\/h2>\n
\nOne of the ways that I can keep my sewing productivity high is to use a pair of thread snips. \u00a0Although they may seem unessential, I find a good pair of snips will speed up the time spent machine sewing. \u00a0I can pick them up without having to wind my fingers through any holes. \u00a0Just squeeze to snip your thread. \u00a0If you think about how many times you pick up and set down a pair of scissors, you will see the value of a pair of snips. http:\/\/amzn.to\/2vcFtiC<\/a><\/p>\nFabric Cutting Shears<\/h2>\n
\nThe workhorse in my collection, this is my second pair in a 30-year costuming career. I find I use these on the daily for cutting fabric and patterns.\u00a0 <\/span>Useful, dependable, with great longevity.\u00a0http:\/\/amzn.to\/2wmVam0<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>When I need something big and beefy for cutting out thick brocades, upholstery fabric, and heavy weight buckram, these are the shears I reach for.\u00a0http:\/\/amzn.to\/2vf9mgo<\/a><\/p>\n
\nLightweight, yet super-sharp from a Japanese company that also makes high-grade kitchen utensils.\u00a0 <\/span>When I saw that the manufacturer of my favorite Santoku knife also made sewing shears, I had to have a pair. Sewing shears – http:\/\/amzn.to\/2fn5giF <\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>Santuko knife – http:\/\/amzn.to\/2uzmye7<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\nTips for Building Your Cutting Arsenal<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.davina.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Cutting-Arsenal-1.jpg?fit=75%2C150&ssl=1\")
<\/a>