5+ Best Sewing Scissors In 2023 [& Full Care Guide]

What Makes A Good Pair Of Fabric Scissors?

At the top of every sewing enthusiast's must-have list are the perfect pair of fabric scissors. Sharp, precise, and comfortable to use, these essential tools are crucial for creating flawless garments and projects. But that begs the question: What makes a good pair of sewing scissors?

Type And Quality Of Steel

The best quality fabric scissors typically use high-carbon stainless steel, which is a type of steel that combines the durability and sharpness of high-carbon steel with the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. This type of steel can maintain a sharp edge for a long time and resist rust and corrosion, making it ideal for scissors that are frequently exposed to moisture and fabric fibers. Some examples of high-quality steels used in fabric scissors include Japanese VG-10 steel, German X50CrMoV15 steel, and American 440C steel. The specific type of steel used can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the scissors.

Low-quality scissors are often made with low-cost, low-quality steel that is not as durable or sharp as the high-quality steel used in better scissors. Some common types of steel used in low-quality scissors include 420 stainless steel, 440A stainless steel, and 3Cr13 stainless steel. These types of steel are not as hard, corrosion-resistant, or wear-resistant as high-quality steel, and they are often used in budget or mass-produced scissors. While low-quality scissors may be less expensive, they may not perform as well or last as long as higher-quality scissors made with better steel.

Shape And Fit Of Handle

1. Plastic handles: Scissors with plastic handles are lightweight and affordable. They often have a textured grip to prevent slipping and can come in a variety of colors.
2. Rubber handles: Scissors with rubber handles offer a comfortable, non-slip grip that can reduce hand fatigue during extended use. They may be more expensive than plastic-handled scissors.
3. Metal handles: Scissors with metal handles can be durable and long-lasting, with a sturdy feel that some users prefer. They may be heavier than plastic or rubber-handled scissors and may require more maintenance to keep them in good condition.
4. Offset handles: Scissors with offset handles have a design that angles the handles away from the blades, which can provide a more natural hand position and reduce hand fatigue.
5. Comfort grip handles: Scissors with comfort grip handles have a soft, cushioned grip that can provide added comfort and reduce hand strain. They may be more expensive than scissors with standard handles.

Blade Shape And Tension

The blade shape affects the way the scissors cut through fabric. Straight blades are ideal for cutting through straight lines or small details, while curved blades are better for cutting curves and complex shapes. Serrated blades are useful for cutting through tough or slippery fabrics, but they may not produce as clean a cut as straight or curved blades.

Blade tension is the tightness of the pivot screw that holds the blades together. If the tension is too loose, the blades will not cut properly and can cause fabric to be pulled or frayed. If the tension is too tight, the scissors can be difficult to open and close, causing hand fatigue. The ideal blade tension will depend on the thickness and type of fabric being cut. Scissors with adjustable blade tension allow for customized tension to suit different fabrics and cutting tasks.

Best Sewing Scissors 2023

Using the categories outlined above, here are my favorite sewing scissors for 2023. I've been working with the top three pairs for decades now and feel very good about recommending them. I will be adding to this list as I experiment with more, including different types of fabric scissors as not all projects can be completed with my favorite dressmaker's shears.

Gingher 8″Dessmaker's Shears

The pair I have today was given to me by my favorite design teacher the amazing Italian/New Yorker Jo Terranova way back when I was going to fashion school. To me, these will always be the first scissors I think of for sewing. Fortunately, they are both affordable and long-lasting and in my opinion, make for a great investment in your sewing journey. I also happen to like simple metal, offset handles. To me they are the most comfortable to work with (though I do understand why some people would like a little more grip) and maintain.

Kai 5210 8“ Dressmaking Shears

I have used Kai scissors since 1996. I first bought a pair at a Japanese fabric store in Sydney. I still have them and I have never had to sharpen them. I cut both paper and fabric with it. I like that they are lightweight and versatile with a nice neutral grip and blade profile. I use them for everything aside from big sessions of fabric cutting.

Fiskars 9″ Crafts 8190 Fabric Shears

While not the prettiest the Fiskars branded fabric sheers are effective, affordable, and well-proven. I think they are great for a beginner's first pair of sewing scissors as they'll do a good job but you won't feel bad about replacing them for something a level up as you get more advanced. The handle design is usually the biggest question when it comes to this line, some people really enjoy it and some do not. Again, thankfully they are quite affordable, and even if you won't love them forever a sewist still needs several backup pairs of scissors to stay on track.

Mundial 10″ Heavy Duty Bent Trimmers

I put this pair of heavy-duty 10″ industrial shears for those who like a bigger and more robust option. Given its size I don't recommend a 10″ pair to be the only scissors you have (as you can have some problems maneuvering them, especially if you are a smaller person like me). However, the size and weight really become useful when you are cutting large lengths of fabric for a big project, or something like curtains or upholstery.

Wiss 10″ Bent Handle Industrial Shears

This pair has a similar idea to the one above, being a longer heavy-duty pair of scissors. The main difference here is the profile of the blades being symmetrical (therefore being more general purpose where the flat edge is made specifically for running over long cuts), and the blade tension adjuster being simpler to handle with just a screwdriver.

Nogent 18.5cm Dressmaker Scissors

I have two pairs one bought in 1995 in Paris at Ultramod, which is the oldest haberdashery in Paris still open today, and the other given as part of a Haute Couture course at Ecole Lesage. Unfortunately, I couldn't find an official seller on Amazon, but BOHIN France does ship internationally (though it is expensive). While I do use these scissors all the time I really think its worth the shipping if you live in the US unless you have some particular attachment to French tools. You can check out the Nogent scissors catalog here.

How To Care For Fabric Scissors

First and foremost, it is important to use your fabric scissors only for cutting fabrics. Cutting paper, plastic, or any other material can quickly dull the blades and reduce their effectiveness. To prevent accidents or mix-ups, label your fabric scissors clearly and store them separately from your other cutting tools. By reserving your scissors exclusively for fabrics, you will extend their life and ensure clean, precise cuts every time.

After each use, it is essential to clean your fabric scissors to remove any lint, dust, or residue that may have accumulated during cutting. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the blades and the pivot area, ensuring that all debris is removed. If you encounter stubborn stains or sticky residue, use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean the blades, followed by a thorough drying. It is crucial to keep your fabric scissors dry, as moisture can lead to rust and corrosion, which will negatively impact their performance.

Over time, even the best fabric scissors will lose some of their sharpness. Regular sharpening is necessary to maintain their cutting efficiency. You can either sharpen your scissors at home using a sharpening stone or have them professionally sharpened by a specialist. When using a sharpening stone, hold the blade at a 20-30 degree angle and gently slide it along the stone's surface, following the original bevel. Repeat this process several times on both blades, then test the scissors on a scrap of fabric to ensure a clean cut. Remember that sharpening should be done with caution, as over-sharpening can damage the blades.

There is also another, easier, at-home method to sharpen sewing scissors that we've written about here.

In time, the blades of your fabric scissors may become loose, leading to less accurate cuts and potential strain on your hands. To ensure your scissors remain in top condition, it's important to check and adjust the tension periodically. Most fabric scissors have a central pivot screw that holds the two blades together. This screw can be adjusted to change the tension between the blades. To test the tension, hold your scissors by one handle and let the other handle hang open. Gently bounce the scissors on your palm a few times. If the blades remain slightly open, the tension is correct. If the blades close completely or open too wide, you'll need to adjust the pivot screw. Be cautious not to over-tighten the screw, as this can damage the scissors or make them difficult to use.

---

If You'd Like To Support Our Site

If you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of free sewing patterns and projects, please consider buying us a coffee.  We'd really, really appreciate it.