Today, I want to talk to you about the best sewing scissors.
Why is it so important to choose a good pair of scissors to cut fabric, and which brand is the best for you?
We’ll also be talking about the different types of fabric scissors you need (Yes, you need more than one).
You’ll find out the great thing that is cutting fabric flawlessly and without damage at all.
No more running around the house trying to find whatever scissors that have been cutting all the other weird things there are there.

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase using one of the links in this article, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you (To know more about this, click here.)
Have you seen those sewing memes where the sewist threatens the life of those who use their fabric scissors to cut anything else than fabric??
There is a reason for that!
Fabric scissors and cutting tools are some of the most valuable tools for us.
There is no way to get a nice project without them.
Cutting your patterns perfectly can be the difference between a good quality finish and a scrappy one.
To get good quality projects, you don’t only need pretty sewing tools, you need good quality tools.
And for sewing, you gotta have the best scissors to cut your precious, precious fabrics.
Let’s start by knowing the different types of scissors you need for sewing.
And at the end, I will tell you which brand is the best rated for each type of these.
Different Types of Sewing Scissors:
1. Dressmaker’s Fabric Shears
Dressmaker’s shears have long, sharp and straight edges. They are ideal for cutting fabrics smoothly and quickly.
The handles are aligned to the blades, so the fabric stays flat when you cut it.
If you are going to choose only one pair of scissors, these should be the ones. The handles are molded so they can be used for both the left and right hands.
2. Serrated Scissors
These scissors have very fine and serrated blades, and they are wonderful for cutting sheer fabrics.
Also, they are super lightweight, so they are easy to handle.
Satin, chiffon, and silk can be cut very easily with this pair of scissors.
The handles are usually made of plastic with one of them shaped for the thumb.
3. Paper Scissors
Yes, these are the ones you will use only to cut paper.
Here is the thing. If you try cutting fabric with your paper scissors, you are only going to get them both ruined.
As well as your fabric.
So the best thing is to have a pair of paper-only scissors. They need to have long blades so you can cut through your patterns easily.
4. Pinking Sheers.
Another must-have for your sewing tools.
Pinking sheers have notched blades that cut the fabric’s edge in a zig-zag shape.
This prevents the fabric edges from fraying, which works wonders if you are in a hurry or if you don’t own a serger to finish the edges of your projects.
5. Thread Snippers
Small, sharp, and lightweight. This pair of little scissors will help you to quickly get rid of the remaining threads.
You can also use them to undo your stitches, as their blades are very pointy and sharp.
Another thing you can use them for is to make notches or make small cuts in your seam allowances.
They are very good to have in hand for a quick cut. So make sure you get a good pair and a good place to save them!
What is the best brand of Sewing Scissors?
The top 3 brands to buy scissors from is Mr. Pen the lead, followed by Gingher and Fiskars.
I won’t recommend you get your tools following the top brand names only.
You have to take your time and choose what characteristics of that tool you actually need.
And, of course, an additional step I always take when I am about to invest in something expensive but worth it. Read the reviews.
Then you will know why fabric scissors are so expensive because they are worth it.
How do I choose my Sewing Scissors length and shape?
There are a lot of different styles and lengths of sewing scissors out there.
Are you wondering what size of fabric scissors should you get? Then consider this.
If you work with large pieces of fabric and make garments, you will need longer blades to facilitate your work. In this case, 9” to 10” long blade scissors should do.
On the other hand, if you work mostly with small projects such as pillows or crafts, then a 5” pair will be the best for you.
They are easier to handle and can be cut into smaller areas for smaller projects.

You also need to consider the size of your hands and if you have any special issues such as arthritis.
Then, you can look for lightweight and easy-to-grab handles.
Finally, not all scissors are meant for the use of both hands. If you are left-handed, be sure to check for that feature in the scissors’ description.
But usually, you’ll be able to tell by the way the handles are shaped if they don’t have any inclined handles and instead are round. You are good to go.
The Best Sewing Scissors by Brand and Type.
These are the best-rated and recommended sewing scissors by seamstresses.
1. Dressmaking Scissors by Mr. Pen.
Mr. Pen’s scissors lead all the reviews and choices for sewing. These pair of scissors are meant to last.
They have super sharp blades and are meant for heavy-duty. So you can confidently cut anything (fabric!) from silk to denim to leather.
The two top choices from Mr. Pen’s store are the 9.5” stainless steel sewing scissors with an ergonomic soft-grip handle for both left and right-handed.
The second one is your classic dressmaking all stainless steel scissors. They are 8” in length and also have very sharp blades. You can cut through multiple layers of fabric at a time.
2. Serrated Scissors by Fiskars.
Fiskars scissors provide clean cuts through multiple layers, and my favorite part is a lifetime warranty.
They are 9” in length and have ergonomic plastic handles. You can use them for cotton, silk, oilcloth, vinyl, and more.
Another cool thing is that they come with a protective case to keep the blades safe.
3. Paper Scissors by Amazon.
Believe it or not, these multipurpose scissors sold by Amazon have a full 5 stars from over 23 thousand buyers. And that’s only the ones that wrote down their review.
They come in a pack of 3.
Which is perfect for designing them for different types of materials besides paper, such as felt or vinyl.
4. Pinking Sheers by JISTL.
This is the pair of pinking sheers I have. Honestly, the first thing I saw about them was the price, which is super low for a good pair of pinking scissors.
But the next thing was how well recommended they are. I went through most of the comments and saw how happy the clients were with this product.
The soft-grip handle was also a plus, as this kind of scissors tends to be very heavy. So it makes the job of cutting easier and more comfortable.
5. Thread Snippers by Singer.
4.5” of pure cuteness and actually good quality tool. These Snippers are the way to go for a quick and comfortable cut.
They have super sharp stainless steel blades and rubber grip handles for comfort.
You know… for those seam-ripping hours…
They have a full 5 stars rate with more than 8 thousand reviews. Best part? They actually have a very decent price.
How to take care of your Best Fabric Scissors.

Before I tell you what to do to take care of your new brand expensive pair of scissors, I would like to tell you what not to do with them first.
You are not going to invest your well-earned dollars only to ruin your scissors with a non-worthy amateur hack.
Yes, I have done it. That’s the reason why I am telling you this.
First of all, do not, I repeat, do not cut anything else but fabric with your fabric scissors.
Cutting anything else at all will make them dull and can actually cause a lot of damage to your fabric.
Secondly, do not try to sharpen your scissors with aluminum foil.
Yes, I get it. That hack is everywhere. And it might work with some scissors.
But you can not be certain it will. I have ruined more than one pair doing this.
Because it is a homemade hack that doesn’t guarantee results, so if you start noticing dulling in your scissors, get a scissor sharpener or go to a professional to do the job.
What to do to Take care of your Scissors:
- Keep your scissors covered to prevent damage from natural conditions or in case of dropping them.
- Put 2 to 3 drops of oil on the screw every other day to keep a good performance.
- Use a brush to clean up the threads and dirt from your scissors.
- Another good tip I read is to avoid pins! Use pattern weights instead to be safe.
I hope this list was useful to get your first or your best pair of sewing scissors. Let me know which brand you prefer and which are your favorite scissors these days. Write me in the comments below so I can know!
Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media!!
Psst…Is this article helpful to you?? Please support us so we can keep making awesome tutorials for you by buying us a cup of coffee here. We will be forever grateful!








Pikning shears are the best! Best purchase ever.
Thank you so much for this very valuable information as well as all of the indepth explanations. I asked at a few of my fabric stores but they were reluctant to recommend one brand over another or suggest which scissor was best for cutting the fabrics I purchase. Much appreciated!
I am very glad this guide helped you, I hope now you can choose your scissors easily. Thank you for leaving your comment!
I use Kai 7230 9″ Professional Sheers, they are extremely sharp, lightweight, & cut very well.
I love them. I have only bought the one pair, but can’t wait to invest in more of the same brand.
I would love to try those scissors, where did you got’em?
Thank you!!! Kai scissors are THE best!!!! I’m wondering why they are not at the top of the list!!! I have 9-10”, 8”, and 5” and I LOVE them!!! I also have Kai embroidery scissors instead of thread snips. I also have Gingher duckbill scissors -a birthday gift! And I have a pair of paper scissors, and older pinking shears. Seems like I’m all set. Have been sewing forever!!!!!! Thanks for a place to express my opinions. 👍🏻☺️🧵
Thank you so much for taking the time to express your opinions. They are so important for me to read. I will definitely buy and try Kai scissors! If they are the best they HAVE to be on the list!
I was a Gingher scissors until I tried a pair of 10″ Mundail scissors, which I love. I then tried a pair of Kai, 9″ serrated scissors, which I cannot figure out how I sewed for 40 years without them.
I also had bought a pair of 8″ Kai scissors
years ago, ( not realizing they were Kai) for $19.00. That was in 2010, and they are as sharp today as they were the day I bought them.
Would $19.00 was a lot back then? I have never tried Kai scissors for sewing but I am definitely trying them now!
Me too
Have you tried Kai scissors??? I have 9” blade, 8” blades, and 5” blade. I would NOT use any other brand. They are always sharp! 9” for heavy fabric ie Melton cloth, fleece; 8” for regular fabrics; 5” for trimming seams….they are perfect for that!! Kai scissors are expensive but I ask for gift cards and use those to purchase. Thx for hearing me!!! Kindly, Evelyn
Second comment about it! So I definitely going to try them and include my review here.