| If you're going to do any sewing, you need some | | | | cutting blades to rest flat on the table |
| scissors. In fact, even if you aren't doing any | | | | * Easy Grip Scissors: With larger handles for those |
| sewing, every household needs some scissors! | | | | having difficulty holding scissors |
| They're a useful tool, so it's important to have at | | | | * Embroidery Scissors: Used for cutting embroider |
| least one pair. | | | | threads |
| Scissors vs. Shears | | | | * Finishing Shears: Either as pinking or scalloping |
| First off, though people often use the name | | | | shears, used to cut ravel-resistant seams |
| interchangeably, scissors and shears aren't really | | | | * Heavy-duty Shears: For cutting leather, |
| the same thing and are meant to perform | | | | upholstery, drapery, etc. |
| different tasks. Shears are used for the heavier | | | | * Thread Snipping Scissors: For cutting loose |
| cutting jobs, whereas scissors are best used for | | | | threads off sewing |
| lighter cutting jobs such as trimming or clipping | | | | There are also shears made for left-handed |
| threads. | | | | people, household scissors (all-purpose, poultry |
| Shear Strength | | | | shears, etc.), paper scissors for children, |
| A pair of shears generally measures about 6 | | | | scrapbooking scissors, electric scissors and more. |
| inches or more in length. To hold the shears, there | | | | For just about any task, there's some kind of |
| is a small ring handle for the thumb, and a larger | | | | scissors or shears that will do the job. |
| one for inserting two or three fingers. Holding the | | | | Caring for Scissors and Shears |
| shears by placing your fingers through these rings | | | | The first and foremost rule of scissors: Scissors |
| gives better leverage to perform the heavier | | | | should ONLY be used to cut the materials for |
| tasks for which shears excel | | | | which they were designed. |
| Scissors Are Smaller | | | | Do not, I repeat, do NOT use shears meant for |
| Scissors range in length from 6 inches on down to | | | | cutting material for household tasks like cutting |
| 3 inches or even less. Besides being smaller than | | | | paper. Using scissors for something other than the |
| shears, the handle rings are of equal size | | | | materials they were intended to cut will dull the |
| Choosing Quality Scissors and Shears | | | | blades. |
| Most scissors are made of steel. There are two | | | | Scissors and shears should be kept dry and dust |
| main types of steel used for scissors. The first | | | | free, with an occasional oiling at the screw. |
| type, carbon steel, is used to make scissors with | | | | Keeping them in a safe place like a sewing box, or |
| the blade and the handle formed in one continuous | | | | with higher quality cutting instruments, the box |
| piece. This type of steel is very strong and stays | | | | they came in, will help protect the points. Also, |
| sharp. Scissors made from carbon steel are | | | | scissors should be stored in a closed position. |
| usually plated with nickel or chromium to prevent | | | | Setting down scissors in an open position is the |
| them from rusting. | | | | most common cause of dull blades. |
| The other type of steel scissors are those made | | | | High quality scissors and shears can be |
| from stainless steel. A plastic handle is usually | | | | re-conditioned by the manufacturers or other |
| fitted to the metal blade. These scissors aren't as | | | | companies providing that service. |
| sturdy and don't retain a sharp edge as long. | | | | Summing Up Scissors and Shears |
| They're also harder to re-sharpen. However, they | | | | For scissors to be used round the house, cheaper |
| are generally much cheaper. | | | | scissors work fine. If they become dull or broken, |
| Types of Scissors | | | | it's cheap to replace them. For cutting fabric and |
| There are many types of scissors available. Here's | | | | other sewing tasks, a good set of shears is a |
| a small sampling: | | | | wise investment. |
| * Applique Scissors: Offset for level cutting | | | | Take care of your scissors and shears, and they'll |
| * Bent Handle Dressmaker Shears: Allow the | | | | reward you with easy cutting for years to come. |