Cutting Tools
8 Part 1: Getting Started
Good-quality cutting tools are key to successful sewing, so buy the best shears
and scissors you can afford and keep them sharp. That way, you’ll avoid the frustra-
tion of dull blades and wasted fabric!
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1. Tiny 4-inch (10 cm) embroidery snips or scissors have a
very fine, super-sharp point that’s perfect for trimming thread
close to the fabric.
2. Fabric shears are what you’ll use to cut large pieces of
fabric. A pair of high-quality shears that can be sharpened
can last a lifetime. However, be sure you only cut fabric with
them; using them to cut paper or other materials can dull
the blades!
3. Paper scissors or old shears can be used to cut paper, pat-
terns, tape, and fusible products. They can’t be used on fabric
because the blades aren’t sharp enough to result in a smooth,
clean cut.
4. Pinking shears are used to trim seams to keep edges from
raveling. It’s good to have them on hand, but if you don’t, you
can finish your edges with some of the techniques taught in
this book.
5. A seam ripper is used to remove stitching. The name is a bit
misleading, because there isn’t any ripping happening at all—it
merely involves sliding the hook under the stitches and letting
the small blade at the base cut through the thread. No matter
how accomplished you might be at sewing, you’ll have to take
out a seam at some point, so this tool is a must.
6. A rotary cutter with a self-healing cutting mat is used
to cut through many layers of fabric. You can get it in several
sizes (the rotary cutter pictured is on the small side). It has a
very sharp blade, so always use it with extreme caution.
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