Tips for Keeping Your Sewing Scissors Sharp

Tips for Keeping Your Sewing Scissors Sharp

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When it comes to sewing, the second most important relied on item (after your Janome Sewing Machine and Overlocker, of course), is a good sharp pair of Sewing Scissors (or Shears). But too often, when we go to use our pair of scissors, we find them dull, dinged, and unable to cut through a single layer of material. When dull or damaged, these useful tools can turn the simply act of cutting out the pieces needed for sewing the next project into a long and frustrating process that can damage our fabric and fatigue our hands. While cutting with less-than-ideal shears is probably an act that every sewist has some experience with, there are several ways to ensure that the “burden of the blunt” does not continue to plague your sewing time.

Tip 1 - Store your Sewing Scissors in a Secure Spot

While a majority of sewists already store their shears in with their sewing supplies which can prevent them from dropping on the floor or having something hit and damage them, there is one more part to having a “secure spot”. This is ensuring that everyone in the household know that these Scissors are not for cutting cardboard, or even someone’s fishing wire. By letting everyone know that your sewing scissors are only to be used for sewing, you will find that your sewing stop becoming blunt overnight for “no reason”.

Tip 2 - Have a Pair of Scissors for Each Type of Fabric/Thickness

When possible, having a dedicated pair of scissors for general use and for sewing is ideal. This way, there will be no temptation to use the incorrect pair of shears for whatever project is happening in the household. Additionally, if you are often sewing both heavy and light materials (like leather and silk, or denim and satin), getting a set for each weight class of material can be indispensable. The benefit of buying a dedicated pair of shears for each fabric thickness is that you can get a pair with the appropriate knife edge for the material it will cut. This will ensure that the shears can cut the material easily and will stay sharp for longer.

Tip 3 - Be Careful around Pins​

Too often have we had our attention diverted for a moment only to hear the crunch of accidently cutting (or trying to cut) a pin; leaving a dint in the blade. While no one intentionally cuts through a pin, there are a few tricks that sewists deploy to prevent this from happening. The next time that you are cutting out a pin piece of material, try swapping the standard pins for a glass-head or berry pin. With a colourful larger head size, these pins are no so easy to miss. Similarly, sewing and wonder clips offer a great hold while standing out.

Tip 4 - Get Your Scissors Sharpened When Needed

If your shears are not cutting like they did, they generally can be resharpened. This service is generally available at your local knife sharpener and sewing machine store (and if you are in the Brisbane area, we can sharpen your scissors for you).

Tip 4 - Clean and Oil Your Shears Regularly

Lint, adhesives and dust can build up in your scissors and dull the blades and clog the pivot screw area, making it more difficult to use. So, every month (or after a heavy use), it is recommended to carefully wipe the blades with a clear cloth. Once clean, then place a drop of oil where the blade pivot and wipe away the excess. This will lubricant the shears for their next use and extend their life.

Now you are set to be sharp!