Dressmaking Shears

Definition and Overview

Dressmaking shears are scissors used to cut garment fabric, interfacing, and similar materials. They generally have longer blades than paper scissors and are shaped to make it easier to cut fabric. The large handles are used to guide the scissors, and the basic method is to cut continuously along the cutting line.

When cutting, place the textile flat on the work table without lifting it, and cut from the blade tip to the base. If the textile is cut while lifted, the grain can become distorted or the cutting line can shift, so a stable placement is important for accurate cutting along the pattern.

How to Use

After fixing the pattern to the textile and marking it, begin cutting little by little from outside the cutting line. Cutting by repeatedly snipping only with the blade tip can easily make the cut edge wavy, so open and close the blades widely within a comfortable range and move in one direction.

When cutting thick textile or layered textile, do not apply excessive force to the blade tip; divide the material into a manageable number of layers. For thin textile, slippery textile, and stretchy knits, do not pull the textile, and use weights or pins as needed to keep it from shifting.

• Use dressmaking shears only for fabric; do not cut paper, cardboard, or metal items.
• Carry them with the blades closed, and face the handles toward the other person when passing them over.
• During use, do not point the blade tip toward your body or fingers, and do not place your hand under the textile.

Types and How to Choose

Dressmaking shears vary in blade length, weight, blade shape, and handle grip comfort. For cutting large areas, a longer blade is convenient, while a size that is easy to handle is better for fine curves and small hardware.

When choosing, check not only the thickness of the textile you handle most often and the amount of work, but also whether it suits your dominant hand. Cutting thick materials or multiple layers requires cutting power and rigidity, but for long periods of use, it is also important that they are not too heavy and do not strain the fingers or palm.

Dressmaking shears and thread snips have different applications. Thread snips are small tools for cutting thread ends during sewing, while dressmaking shears are used for cutting large pieces of textile.

Care and Safety Notes

After use, wipe off lint and moisture on the blades with a dry, soft cloth, and store them with the blades closed. Leaving moisture or dirt can lead to rust and reduced sharpness, so avoid humid places and inspect the moving parts of the blades as needed.

Forcing dull scissors can damage the textile or cause your hand to slip. If you notice nicks in the blade, poor alignment, or a significant loss of sharpness, consider having a specialist sharpen or adjust them according to the intended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should paper not be cut with dressmaking shears?

Paper may contain ingredients other than fibers, which can be one factor that harms the sharpness of blades prepared for fabric. If sharpness decreases, the edges of the fabric are more likely to fray or thin textile may be pulled out of shape, so dressmaking shears are managed separately for fabric only.

What size of dressmaking shears should I choose?

If you often cut large textile in straight lines, a longer blade tends to make the work easier. On the other hand, for apparel accessories and hardware with many curves, a size that is easy to handle is more suitable. Choose while also considering hand size, dominant hand, and the thickness of the textile you handle.

What should I pay attention to when cutting thick textile with dressmaking shears?

Do not stack the textile too much by force; adjust the number of layers to match the cutting capacity of the scissors. It is important to cut stably with the textile left on the table, without concentrating force only on the blade tip. If it is difficult to cut, do not compensate with force; also check the sharpness and blade condition.