How to Choose the Right Sewing Scissors: A Complete Guide

If you're new to sewing, the number of different scissors and cutting tools available can be a little confusing. Fabric scissors, dressmaking shears, pinking shears, embroidery scissors, craft scissors, thread snips... do you really need all of them?

The good news is that you don't need a huge collection of scissors to get started. However, choosing the right pair for the job can make sewing easier and help you achieve cleaner, more accurate results.

In this guide, we'll explain the different types of sewing scissors, what they're designed for, what size you should choose and which ones are worth having in your sewing kit.

Why Are Sewing Scissors Different From Ordinary Scissors?

It might be tempting to use whatever scissors you already have around the house, but fabric behaves very differently from paper and other materials.

Good-quality sewing scissors are designed to cut fabric cleanly without unnecessarily pulling, dragging or distorting it. Sharp, accurately aligned blades can make a surprisingly big difference when cutting out sewing projects.

It's also important to keep your main fabric scissors reserved for fabric.

Cutting paper, cardboard or packaging materials can dull scissors more quickly than cutting fabric. This is one reason many sewists keep a separate pair of general-purpose scissors for jobs around the house or craft room.

Fabric Scissors and Dressmaking Shears

Fabric scissors and dressmaking shears are probably the most important scissors for a sewing room.

They have larger blades designed to cut fabric efficiently, with longer blades allowing you to cut further with each movement. This can be particularly useful when cutting large pattern pieces or fabric lengths.

What Are Dressmaking Scissors Used For?

Dressmaking scissors are ideal for:

• Cutting fabric from sewing patterns
• Cutting cotton and quilting fabrics
• Cutting dressmaking fabrics
• Trimming seams and seam allowances
• Cutting larger fabric pieces
• General fabric cutting

For many sewists, a good pair of fabric scissors is the first pair worth investing in.

Scissors or Shears?

The terms scissors and shears are often used interchangeably, particularly when shopping for sewing supplies.

Traditionally, shears have one larger finger hole and one smaller finger hole, allowing them to be held comfortably while cutting. However, you'll see both terms used for fabric-cutting tools.

Don't worry too much about the terminology. The important thing is choosing a pair designed for the type of cutting you're doing.

Pinking Shears

Pinking shears are instantly recognisable by their distinctive zigzag blades.

Rather than cutting a straight edge, they create a zigzag finish along the fabric. This can help reduce fraying on suitable woven fabrics and can also be used to create a decorative edge.

What Are Pinking Shears Used For?

Pinking shears can be useful for:

• Finishing raw fabric edges
• Helping to reduce fraying
• Creating decorative fabric edges
• Certain sewing and craft projects
• Creating a zigzag edge on suitable fabrics

Pinking shears aren't a replacement for your main fabric scissors. They're a specialist tool that can be extremely useful when you need them.

If you're interested in adding a pair to your sewing kit, see our Kleiber Pinking Shears 235mm in the Scissors & Snips collection.

Embroidery and Precision Scissors

Embroidery scissors are much smaller than dressmaking scissors and are designed for precision cutting.

Their compact blades make them particularly useful when you need to get close to your work without accidentally cutting something else.

They're useful for:

• Embroidery
• Appliqué
• Trimming small threads
• Precision trimming
• Cutting close to seams
• Hand sewing
• Detailed needlework

A small pair of embroidery scissors can be one of the most useful tools in your sewing box if you do embroidery, appliqué or other detailed work.

The Kleiber Top Line Embroidery Scissors 115mm are a compact option for these types of tasks.

Craft Scissors

Craft scissors are designed for a variety of creative projects and are useful when you need something more versatile than specialist embroidery scissors.

A compact pair can be particularly useful for:

• Smaller craft projects
• Haberdashery
• Cutting small fabric pieces
• Paper and suitable craft materials
• General sewing and crafting

The Kleiber Top Line Craft Scissors 140mm are a handy size for smaller sewing and craft projects.

Handicraft and Multi-Purpose Scissors

If you want an everyday pair of scissors that can handle a variety of jobs, handicraft and multi-purpose scissors can be a useful choice.

A medium-sized pair provides more cutting capacity than small precision scissors while remaining easy to handle.

For example, the Kleiber Top Line Handicraft Scissors 160mm are an all-round option for general sewing, crafting and haberdashery.

For larger general-purpose cutting tasks, the Kleiber Top Line Multi Purpose Scissors 210mm provide a longer cutting edge and greater cutting capacity.

Remember that multi-purpose scissors aren't necessarily a substitute for specialist fabric scissors. If you're cutting large amounts of fabric for dressmaking, dedicated fabric or dressmaking scissors are generally the better choice.

Thread Snips

Thread snips are another small but incredibly useful sewing tool.

Unlike conventional scissors, they're designed primarily for quickly cutting threads rather than cutting fabric.

This makes them particularly useful when:

• Finishing seams
• Trimming loose threads
• Sewing at a machine
• Quilting
• Hand sewing
• Working on detailed projects

Because they're quick to operate, thread snips can be particularly convenient when you're sewing at a machine and need to trim threads repeatedly.

They're also inexpensive and take up very little space, making them an easy addition to almost any sewing kit.

Left-Handed Sewing Scissors

If you're left-handed, choosing scissors designed specifically for left-handed use can make cutting much more comfortable.

Conventional scissors are generally designed around a right-handed grip. When used with the left hand, the blade arrangement can make it harder to see the cutting line and may affect how the blades meet the material.

Dedicated left-handed scissors are designed with the blade orientation suited to left-handed cutting.

The Kleiber Left Line Multi Purpose Left Handed Scissors 210mm are designed specifically for left-handed users and are suitable for fabric, sewing, crafting and general cutting tasks.

If you're left-handed, look for scissors specifically described as left-handed rather than assuming any pair will work equally well.

What Size Sewing Scissors Should You Choose?

There isn't one perfect size of sewing scissors for every project.

As a general rule, larger scissors with longer blades can make cutting large pieces of fabric quicker, while smaller scissors provide greater control for detailed work.

Here's a useful guide:

These are general guidelines rather than strict rules. The best size depends on what you make, the fabrics you work with and what feels comfortable in your hand.

Kleiber Scissors: Which Range Is Right for You?

We stock several Kleiber scissors ranges, each offering different options for sewing and craft work.

Top Line
The Kleiber Top Line range includes practical scissors in several sizes, from compact embroidery scissors through to larger multi-purpose scissors. They're a useful choice for everyday sewing and crafting.

Professional Titanium
The Kleiber Professional Titanium range includes titanium-coated stainless steel blades and soft-touch handles, available in four sizes: 135mm (92138), 175mm (92139), 205mm (92140) and 230mm (92141). The range is suitable for precision work, everyday sewing and fabric cutting.

Premium Line Carbon
The Kleiber Premium Line Carbon Dressmaking Scissors are designed specifically for dressmaking and fabric cutting. The carbon steel construction and generous size make them a more specialised option for sewists who regularly cut fabric and pattern pieces.

Left Line
The Kleiber Left Line range includes scissors designed specifically for left-handed users, making them a useful option for sewists and crafters who prefer a dedicated left-handed cutting tool.

Scissors Sets
If you're building a sewing kit from scratch, a scissors set can be a convenient way to get several different sizes and styles in one purchase. The Kleiber 4-Piece Soft Touch Scissors Set includes sewing, craft, household and dressmaker scissors.

Which Sewing Scissors Do You Actually Need?

If you're just starting out, you don't need to buy every type of scissors available.

A basic sewing kit could start with:

As your sewing develops, you can add specialist scissors based on the projects you enjoy making.

For example, an embroiderer may find a small pair of embroidery scissors particularly useful, while someone who mainly makes clothes may benefit more from investing in a quality pair of larger dressmaking scissors.

A Simple Sewing Scissors Starter Kit

If you're putting together your first sewing kit, we'd suggest starting with three cutting tools:

1. Good Fabric Scissors

Your main pair for cutting fabric and pattern pieces.

Choose a size that feels comfortable and provides enough cutting capacity for the projects you make.

2. Thread Snips

For quickly trimming threads and small loose ends.

They're especially useful when sewing at a machine and can save you reaching for your larger scissors every few minutes.

3. Small Precision Scissors

Useful for embroidery, appliqué, trimming and detailed work.

From there, you can add pinking shears, craft scissors, larger dressmaking scissors or other specialist cutting tools as your projects require them.

Fabric Scissors vs Rotary Cutters

Scissors aren't the only way to cut fabric.

Rotary cutters are particularly popular with quilters because they can make very accurate straight cuts, especially when used with a cutting mat and ruler.

Scissors Are Particularly Useful For:

• Dressmaking
• Cutting around paper patterns
• Curves
• Detailed shapes
• Smaller pieces
• General sewing

Rotary Cutters Are Particularly Useful For:

• Quilting
• Long straight cuts
• Strips
• Squares
• Cutting multiple layers
• Patchwork

Many experienced sewists use both.

You don't necessarily have to choose between scissors and a rotary cutter — they complement each other. A rotary cutter can be excellent for accurate straight cuts, while scissors are often more convenient for curves, pattern pieces and detailed shapes.

How Do You Keep Sewing Scissors Sharp?

Even the best sewing scissors will eventually need sharpening.

There are several things you can do to extend their useful life.

Keep Them for Their Intended Purpose

Your fabric scissors should be used for fabric.

Keep another pair of scissors nearby for paper, packaging and other household jobs.

Store Them Safely

Avoid leaving sharp scissors loose in a sewing bag where they can become damaged or knock against other tools.

A protective cover or case can help protect both the blades and your fingers.

Keep the Blades Clean

Fabric fibres, lint and adhesive residue can build up around the blades over time.

A gentle clean can help keep them working properly.

Have Good-Quality Scissors Professionally Sharpened

When a good pair of fabric scissors eventually becomes blunt, replacing them isn't always necessary.

Professional sharpening can restore the cutting edge and extend the life of a quality pair.

Can You Sharpen Sewing Scissors Yourself?

You can find various DIY sharpening methods online, but it's worth being cautious with good-quality fabric scissors.

Poor sharpening can change the blade edge or affect the alignment.

If you've invested in a quality pair of sewing shears, professional sharpening is often the safer option.

What Should You Look For When Buying Sewing Scissors?

When choosing fabric or sewing scissors, consider:

Sharpness – The blades should cut cleanly rather than chew, push or drag the fabric.

Comfort – You'll often be using them for extended periods, so the handle should feel comfortable in your hand.

Blade length – Longer blades can make cutting large pieces quicker, while shorter blades can provide more control for detailed work.

Quality – A well-made pair of scissors can last for many years if properly looked after.

Your sewing style – A quilter may have different requirements from someone who mainly makes clothes or does embroidery.

Handedness – If you're left-handed, consider scissors specifically designed for left-handed use.

One Pair of Scissors Doesn't Have to Do Everything

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is expecting a single pair of scissors to handle every job.

Just as you wouldn't use a rotary cutter for every type of cutting, different scissors have different strengths.

A good pair of fabric scissors for your main cutting, a small pair for precision work and thread snips for finishing will cover a surprisingly large amount of everyday sewing.

As your sewing develops, you can add specialist scissors when you actually need them rather than buying everything at once.

And once you've found a pair you really like, look after them. Keeping them clean, protected and properly maintained can help them remain part of your sewing kit for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Normal Scissors to Cut Fabric?

You can, but scissors designed specifically for fabric will generally give you better results. They're designed to cut fabric cleanly and accurately.

For your main fabric cutting, it's worth keeping a dedicated pair of fabric scissors and using general-purpose scissors for other materials.

Should Fabric Scissors Be Used on Paper?

It's best not to.

Paper can dull fabric scissors, so keep a separate pair for paper, packaging and other non-fabric jobs.

Are Pinking Shears Necessary for Sewing?

No. Pinking shears are useful for particular jobs, especially creating zigzag edges and helping to reduce fraying, but they're not essential for every sewing project.

Are Thread Snips Worth Buying?

Yes.

They're inexpensive, take up very little space and are extremely convenient for trimming threads, particularly when sewing at a machine.

What Are the Best Scissors for Beginners?

Start with a good-quality pair of fabric scissors or dressmaking shears.

Add thread snips and a small pair of precision scissors as your sewing develops. If you regularly work with particular fabrics or techniques, you can then add specialist scissors such as pinking shears.

What Size Sewing Scissors Are Best?

There's no single best size.

For large fabric pieces and dressmaking, longer-bladed scissors can make cutting more efficient. Smaller scissors are generally easier to control for detailed work, embroidery and trimming.

Choose a size that suits both your projects and what feels comfortable in your hand.

Should Left-Handed Sewists Use Left-Handed Scissors?

If you're left-handed, dedicated left-handed scissors can provide better visibility and a more natural cutting action than conventional right-handed scissors.

Look for scissors specifically designed for left-handed use.

How Often Should Sewing Scissors Be Sharpened?

There's no fixed schedule.

It depends on how frequently you use them and what you cut. If your scissors start struggling to cut fabric cleanly, it may be time to have them sharpened.

Find the Right Cutting Tools for Your Sewing Projects

At The Yorkshire Sewing Guy, we stock a range of sewing and cutting tools from trusted brands, including fabric scissors, dressmaking scissors, embroidery scissors, pinking shears, craft scissors, left-handed scissors and thread snips.

Whether you're putting together your first sewing kit or looking to upgrade your existing tools, choosing the right scissors for the job can make sewing more enjoyable and your cutting more accurate.

Explore our Scissors & Snips collection to find the right cutting tools for your next project.