The Best Fabric Scissors
Neither amateur home tailors nor professional costumiers could get far in their work without a trusty pair of fabric scissors. While it might be tempting to grab a multipurpose pair of household scissors for the job, those dull blades could leave your carefully selected fabric covered in rough, frayed edges. Instead, if you choose a tool built for the job, you'll enjoy the silky smooth cutting action of razor-sharp blades and are sure to see a difference in the quality of your results. We've gathered a selection of our favorite fabric scissors below, and we can assure you that only the very best made the cut.
What to Look For
As we searched for the best fabric scissors available, we had three key questions in mind: Are the scissors sharp enough to cut through tough fabrics like denim? Are the blades durable and rust-resistant? Are the handles comfortable for hands of all sizes? These criteria helped us shape our roundup of the best fabric scissors on the market. Our favorite pick was the pair of premium dressmaker’s shears from Gingher. These vintage-inspired scissors are mighty high in quality, and their hardy construction is sure to last years if it’s properly cared for. If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful option for group work, check out the colorful bundle of 25 from Niutop. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites.
Gingher Knife Edge Dressmaker’s Shears
Tried and tested
With these scissors’ distinctive stainless steel finish and familiar form, you’d be forgiven for mistaking them for a vintage pair. In fact, the classic appearance here is deliberate and carefully derived from centuries of tailoring tradition. The raised handle design grants unparalleled ease and precision to tabletop fabric cuts, and you won’t find blades much sharper than the premium forged steel on offer here.
Pros:
- The eight-inch blade is sharpened right to the tip, resulting in a sharp point that you won’t find on most modern fabric scissors.
- These blades arrive incredibly sharp, making them ideal for cutting through thick fabrics or multiple layers of material.
- These scissors come with a handy nylon sheath to protect the blades and preserve sharpness between uses.
Cons:
- The steel handles don’t offer the added comfort of contemporary padded handles.
iBayam Multipurpose Ultra Sharp Shears, 3-Pack
Everyday use
This brightly colored three-pack is an ideal choice for cross-purpose use in the home. The super sharp blades will make quick work of most common fabrics, as well as a range of household materials such as cardboard, tape, and paper. And thanks to the straight-handle design, you can expect the finest tactile accuracy as you cut away.
Pros:
- Thanks to the different-colored handles, you could color-code each pair to a different task.
- The handles are padded with a soft synthetic comfort grip on the inside, so they’re more comfortable to use than most fabric scissors.
- We appreciate that these are suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users.
Cons:
- The opening action can sometimes be a little stiff.
Niutop Multipurpose Craft Scissors, 25-Pack
The more the merrier
This gargantuan multipack offers more bang for your buck than virtually any other bundle we investigated. Thanks to the 25 pairs included in this pack, you’ll have enough scissors for a small-scale industrial operation. Each pair is equipped with precision-engineered stainless steel blades that are up to three times as sharp as average household scissors.
Pros:
- Each blade is coated with a corrosion-resistant finish to preserve the steel and prevent rust.
- This colorful selection could be the perfect choice for group work or children’s craft projects.
Cons:
- These scissors feel less sturdy than pricier options.
Livingo Premium Taylor Scissors
Scale to match
If you’re working with the largest fabrics you’ll need the right tools for the job. These substantial scissors from Livingo come with the choice of 8.5- or 9.5-inch blades, giving you a touch of extra length to help you work faster during larger jobs. These forging-press stainless steel blades are tougher than most, too. With the help of their titanium-coated edges, you’ll be able to cut through sheets like butter.
Pros:
- Despite their size, these scissors are lightweight and comfortable in the hand.
- The titanium coating gives these blades superb rust resistance.
Cons:
- The action can be rather tight, making them tricky to operate for some.
Snavida Fabric Scissors
All the trimmings
Whether or not you’re just getting started with home tailoring, most jobs will require a few more tools than just a pair of fabric scissors. This cute bundle comes loaded with a bunch of useful accessories that will find a welcome home in the sewing kits of amateurs and professionals alike. Alongside these handsome nine-inch stainless steel scissors, you’ll get two smaller pairs of scissors for precision work, a seam ripper, and a measuring tape.
Pros:
- This kit comes packed away in a box for safekeeping. It’s a great gift idea as a result.
- These high-carbon steel blades are sharper than most. They’ll give most stainless steel scissors a run for their money, especially on tougher fabrics like denim.
Cons:
- The smaller scissors in this set aren’t as durable as the nine-inch pair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sharpen my fabric scissors at home?
Even the sharpest blades will begin to get blunt after prolonged use. If you have a much-loved pair of scissors that don’t cut like they used to, you can sharpen them yourself at home using a sharpening stone. Some manufacturers, like Gingher, provide a mail-in sharpening service if you don’t fancy taking on the job yourself.
Do specific fabrics require different scissors?
The fabric scissors we reviewed are well suited for a wide range of the most common fabrics. While you won’t have a problem cutting most fabrics with these scissors, for large-scale jobs you might want to consider a larger and sturdier pair. Cutting thick or multiple sheets can put pressure on cheaper pairs leading to failure or breakage during use.
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