Thread Snips
Thread snips are small scissors used to finely trim thread ends and excess thread from the start and end of stitching without easily damaging the fabric.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
Thread snips are small scissors used to cut thread ends in sewing processes and when hand sewing. Their tips make it easy to get close to the seam, so they are better suited to fine work than ordinary scissors. In sewing factories, they are also used for thread trimming and finishing before inspection.
A typical design closes the blades by hand pressure and opens them again with spring force when the hand is relaxed. However, regardless of shape, some people use the term small scissors for small scissors in general, and usage of the names varies by workplace.
How to Use
When cutting thread, do not press the blade tips strongly against the seam or fabric surface; instead, place only the thread you want to cut between the blades and cut it. Cutting close to the base of the seam lets you trim the thread end short, but to avoid cutting the sewing thread itself, check the position little by little as you work.
During sewing, it is important to keep them within easy reach of your dominant hand and not to cut while pulling the thread. In particular, thin fabrics, brushed materials, and knits let the blade tips enter the textile or stitches easily, so identify the target to cut by lifting the seam, for example.
- Cut the upper thread and lower thread that appear at the start and end of machine stitching
- Cut the thread chain from an overlock machine to the needed length
- Tidy the thread ends after attaching buttons or hand hemming
- Remove any unnecessary thread left during inspection
Types and Selection
Thread snips include spring-open squeeze scissors as well as small scissors with finger holes. Squeeze scissors are easy to open and close repeatedly with one hand, so they are often used in sewing work. Finger-hole types feel more like ordinary scissors and are chosen when you want to cut by targeting fine details.
When selecting them, check the fineness of the blade tip, blade length, ease of opening and closing, and how comfortably they fit in the hand. If the main purpose is trimming thread close to the seam, a fine tip is useful. On the other hand, if you frequently cut thick thread or multiple threads, prioritize blade rigidity and sharpness.
Dressmaker's shears are a tool for cutting textile, and their purpose is different from thread snips. Using thread snips to cut textile can damage the blades, while continuing to cut only thread with dressmaker's shears makes fine operation difficult, so choose the tool according to the task.
Care and Safety Notes
After use, remove thread lint and dust from the blades with a dry cloth or similar and store them away from moisture. If dirt builds up in the blade joint, opening, closing, and cutting performance will be affected, so inspect the condition rather than forcing them to cut. If you use oil for cutting tools, apply only a very small amount and wipe it off so it does not transfer to textile or products.
The blade tips are sharp and can chip or cause injury if dropped from a table or if they contact other tools. When not in use, do not point the tips at people and store them in a case or similar. Even when placing them on a worktable, it is safer to choose a fixed location so they do not get buried under cloth or thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can thread snips and dressmaker's shears be used for both purposes?
In principle, no; they should be used for their respective purposes. Thread snips are tools for cutting thread ends finely and are not suitable for cutting textile. Cutting textile can dull the edge or damage the blade tips. Use dressmaker's shears for cutting.
Are squeeze scissors and small scissors the same thing?
Squeeze scissors is a term often used for scissors that are held and used without putting fingers through holes, with the blades opening by spring force. Small scissors may refer to small scissors in general. For that reason, some workplaces treat the two as synonyms, but strictly speaking the range of meaning may differ.
What should I do if the cutting performance of thread snips gets worse?
First remove any thread lint or dirt tangled on the blades, and check for nicks, warping, and the condition of the spring. If the problem does not improve, consider consulting a specialist who handles blade sharpening. Forcing them to cut thick cords or paper can make the condition worse.
