Fabric Shears Test: The best scissors in all price ranges & what to look for when buying

How do scissors actually work?

First, let's take a look at how scissors work. Scissors consist of two blades attached at both ends of the handle. The blades form an angle and are pressed together by squeezing the handles. This action creates leverage that acts on the material you place between the two blades. The cut material is severed without material loss.

To achieve the best cutting result, it is important that the angle of the blades is correct and that the blades are sharp. The angle of the blades depends on the respective model and can be adjusted. Normal scissors typically have an angle of about 30°.

However, some special scissors have different angles for different requirements. For professional use, there are specially hardened scissors with extra-sharp blades that can last for several years. If you only sew occasionally, a high-quality standard pair of scissors will suffice.

What are the parts of scissors called?

Scissors have been used to cut fabric, leather, and other materials since the Bronze Age. Initially, they consisted of a single piece of metal, both blades of which were pressed together to cut.

Because scissors have been manufactured in widely different times and cultures, their individual parts have different names. In my graphic, I show you the most common ones; further below, you will get an overview of other terms.

• Handle: also "eye," "ring"
• Blade: also "cutting blade" or "branch"
• Cutting edge: also called "bevel"
• Joint: also called "pivot," "fulcrum," or "joint area"
• Scissor action: also called "travel"
• Screw: also called "rivet," "nail," or "lock"
• Lever: also called "shank" or "blade arm"

Why the right scissors are important

What types of scissors are there?

Aside from size, scissors naturally also differ in their function. This tells you what requirements you can place on the scissors. It’s clear that you can't cut fabric with small embroidery scissors. And with coarse pinking shears, it's also hard to cut fine threads close to the fabric...
The most important types of scissors are:

All-purpose scissors: These scissors are suitable for general sewing work and can cut both fabric and thread. However, they usually don't have special functions and are therefore less suitable for precise work.

My tip: You can keep a pair of inexpensive all-purpose scissors handy to shorten zippers and cut firm materials like faux leather, cork, or SnapPap, for which your fabric scissors would be too valuable.

Fabric scissors: Fabric scissors are longer than all-purpose scissors and are therefore better suited for cutting fabric. To measure seam allowances directly while cutting, you can fix a magnetic seam guide^* to the scissor blade.

Craft scissors: They are a sort of middle ground between fabric scissors and thread nippers. They are nice and handy, have a narrow blade, and are perfect for precise work such as cutting wool, embroidery thread, or even threads. They are often a good substitute for thread nippers.

Thread nippers & thread snips: The little sister of the craft scissors – small, sharp, pointed, and perfect for cutting threads close to the fabric.

You can also use these little helpers to rip open seams.

Pinking shears: are equipped with a wide, serrated blade that allows you to cut fabric in a zigzag line. They are suitable for finishing and trimming seam allowances.

Appliqué scissors (duckbill scissors): They have one narrow and one wide, semi-circular blade and are specifically developed to work flat close to the fabric without cutting into the fabric itself. This is very advantageous, for example, when appliquéing fabrics.

Scissors with long vs. short blades: When is which one correct?

Better to have short scissors or long scissors – that is the question many ask themselves before buying scissors. I have looked at which features the different scissor lengths bring with them.

Short scissors have the advantage of being easy to handle and compact. They are particularly well suited for precision work where every detail counts. This type of scissor is very suitable for cutting fine fabric or difficult patterns.

Long scissors, on the other hand, offer greater reach and more flexibility when cutting. They are ideal for larger cuts or for cutting wider fabrics. Because they are longer and clumsier to handle, they can, however, be more strenuous than short scissors.

Depending on the type of work you are doing, you have to decide which model is best suited for you. If you work a lot with fine fabrics, you may need smaller scissors, whereas longer scissors are better suited for wider fabrics.

It is also advisable to have different sizes in your cupboard so you can respond to various requirements. Remember: A good pair of scissors is indispensable!

General information about scissors

The right pair of scissors for your sewing project is a very personal decision. There are many different types and sizes of scissors, so it can be difficult to choose the right one. Here are some factors you should consider when you want to buy a new pair of scissors:

1. Area of application: What will you use the new scissors for? In which area will you use them most frequently? This is an important aspect because it influences which type of scissors you should buy. For example, if you like sewing with denim often, you should treat yourself to professional scissors with thick blades. If you enjoy working with viscose, silk, or other "slippery" materials, scissors with technical serration or micro-serration are perfect, as this prevents the fabric from slipping out of the cutting path so easily.

2. Material: Which material is the best choice for you? There are different materials for scissors, each with different properties. For example, there are stainless steel or steel scissors. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to think about what you like best and what fits your project best.

3. Size: Which size is right for you? Many manufacturers offer similar scissors in different sizes. Size plays an important role in choosing the right scissors, as it influences how accurately and precisely the scissors work. And how well they fit the anatomy of your hand.
Large or precision scissors are ideal for demanding or delicate sewing work; however, they may be heavier or feel more strenuous to work with than small ones. Smaller scissors, on the other hand, can be more suitable for everyday or rough sewing work, but have less leverage than large ones.

The right pair of scissors for your sewing project depends on the type of material you are using – but the look of the scissors can also be decisive. After all, you should also like your new scissors. For most sewing projects, you will certainly get by just fine with normal standard scissors, but for more demanding fabrics or sewing projects, special scissors are definitely worth considering.

If you are unsure which scissors are right for you, take a look at these tips too:

1. Pay attention to the thickness of the blade: It indicates how thick the material can be that can be cut with the scissors. The thicker the blade, the thicker the material can be. If you want or need to work with thin materials, you can easily choose scissors with thin blades.

2. Pay attention to the length of the blade: It tells you how far the scissors can penetrate into the material. The longer the blade, the deeper it can penetrate into the material and the longer the distance it can cut. Longer scissors often have better leverage than short ones.

3. Pay attention to the angle of the blade: The angle of the blade indicates how much it is bent and therefore how much force is required to use it. A straight blade is easier to handle than a bent one and requires less force for cutting materials. Many tailor's scissors are angled at the bottom so that you can guide the scissors over the surface while cutting.

4. Pay attention to the manufacturing of the scissors: The manufacturing of the scissors indicates where they were made and whether they consist of metal or plastic. Stainless steel scissors are often more durable than steel ones. Carbon steel scissors are often very sharp, but have to be resharpened from time to time because carbon steel is softer than stainless steel.
If you buy your scissors in a store rather than online, you should try them out and see if they cut smoothly. Well-made scissors cut effortlessly along the entire length of their blades without scraping noises. Particularly loud noises when cutting can indicate burrs and unevenness on the blades. So, if you have the opportunity to try out your intended scissors on-site, test them both on fabric and by opening and closing the blades a few times. Listen carefully to how the scissors sound. Do they scrape and creak? Then you should keep looking... :)

5. Pay attention to the manufacturing method: Stamped scissors have different properties than scissors that have been forged from a block of metal.

What is better: forged or stamped scissors?

Perhaps you have already noticed in the product description of scissors that there is talk of forged or stamped. This refers to different manufacturing techniques that can be quite relevant for your purchasing decision.

Often, as is the case with many scissors in this test, the manufacturing method is not explicitly stated. You can assume: If a pair of scissors is forged, it will be stated. And you can also tell by the price.

Forged scissors

They are formed from a single piece of metal through repeated heating, cooling, and hammering. This is a very traditional manufacturing technique that requires a great deal of know-how and time. This is naturally reflected in the price of the scissors.

Advantages of forged scissors

• are generally well thought-out and balanced
• feel heavier in the hand than stamped scissors
• can be sharpened well
• can last a lifetime

Disadvantages of forged scissors

• are more expensive than stamped scissors
• are often perceived as louder when cutting
• are often perceived as very heavy when working
• require attention through sharpening and oiling
• can behave more rigidly when cutting than stamped ones
• the cutting process is often perceived as more strenuous than with stamped scissors

Stamped scissors

They are stamped from a sheet of metal using a hydraulic press and then shaped, ground, and fitted with handles in several work steps. Often, stamped scissors, such as those from PAUL, have technical serration. This makes the blades very sharp, prevents the fabric from slipping in the cutting path, and ensures that the scissors do not need to be resharpened.

Advantages of stamped scissors

• are often cheaper than forged models
• are often softer and smoother in handling
• (usually) do not need to be resharpened
• are often perceived as quieter
• are often more flexible than forged scissors
• are usually perceived as lighter than forged scissors

Disadvantages of stamped scissors

• sometimes they are not as well-balanced as forged scissors
• are often not quite as durable as forged examples

Which scissors should I buy now: Forged or stamped?

If you are someone who gets tired wrists or fingers quickly when cutting, you should take a look at stamped scissors. They are often much smoother than their forged counterparts.

Are you into traditional craftsmanship and want a pair of scissors for life? Then forged scissors are a safe bet.

What is the difference between fabric scissors and tailor's scissors?

Fabric scissors have a straight shape, which means the fabric must be lifted slightly when cutting. They can cut corners precisely. Professional tailor's scissors have an angled shape that makes working comfortable. You can hold them with a straight wrist while simultaneously guiding the blade effortlessly over the surface.

Fabric scissors (top) have a straight shape, which means the fabric must be lifted slightly when cutting. They can cut corners precisely.

Professional tailor's scissors (bottom) have an angled shape that makes working comfortable. You can hold them with a straight wrist while simultaneously guiding the blade effortlessly over the surface.

Tailor's scissors often have a heavier quality and longer blades than fabric scissors. But of course, tailor's scissors are also fabric scissors. ;)

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The code is valid for all non-discounted products and for purchase values from 40 euros.
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Fabric scissors

Fabric scissors are also unique in their design. They usually consist of two high-quality steel blades that are ground to a special angle at the tip. This allows the user to make precise and clean cuts. There are many different sizes and shapes of fabric scissors, depending on the type of fabric you want to cut. Fabric scissors have a long service life and are very robust.

A high-quality pair of scissors can, if well-maintained, be in constant use and still accompany you for a lifetime. If you regularly maintain your scissors by sharpening and oiling them, they can last for many years. Fabric scissors are easy to handle and are usually designed to be very ergonomic.

The handles are designed so that you can work comfortably and the blade is smooth. This means that you can make several cuts comfortably without overstraining your hand.

The handle is often coated with soft plastic or other soft materials so that you do not cut yourself on a sharp edge or get injured. This prevents pressure marks on the fingers. In addition, the blade is usually shaped and beveled so that you only need to exert little force when cutting.

Handicraft, thread & embroidery scissors

Paper scissors and craft scissors

Paper scissors and craft scissors are two different types of scissors, both of which can be used for different purposes. Paper scissors are mainly used for cutting paper and other soft materials, while craft scissors are frequently used for cutting textiles such as felt, cork, or other hard materials.

Paper scissors are available in different sizes and designs, so you can find exactly the right one for your needs. They are also available in different price categories, so you can choose the scissors that fit your budget here as well.
Craft scissors are available in similar designs and sizes to paper scissors, but they are usually built to be somewhat stronger and more robust. This is necessary because these scissors frequently work with hard materials like felt or plastic. So, if you often cut hard materials, craft scissors might be the better choice for you.

The right scissors for your sewing project: How to choose the best scissors

Choosing the right scissors for your sewing project can be a difficult decision. It is important that you make the right choice so that your scissors are truly perfectly adapted to your needs. Here are some tips on how to choose the right scissors for your sewing project:

1. Consider what type of materials you want to process. There are special scissors that are suitable for fabrics, leather, and plastics. Of course, you can also use standard scissors, but it is better to choose special scissors for your preferred materials to get the best possible cutting result. If you buy the scissors in a fabric store, you can ask if you can test your new scissors on different materials.

2. Consider what function your new scissors should fulfill. There are different types of scissors with different properties and functions, so it is important to know what you are aiming for when working. For example, there are scissors with different blade grips or blade designs, as well as different handles and grip types. Working with leather requires thicker, stronger blades than working with chiffon or organza.

3. Feel free to select and try out different brands and models. Many manufacturers offer a variety of scissors - from budget models to high-end products - so it should be no problem to find something that really suits you and that also meets your requirements. By all means, try to try out several models and check their weight and balance as well as the quality of the cutting blade before making a final decision.

4. Pay attention to quality features such as blade sharpness, handle durability, and stability of the screw connections. These features are particularly important for high-quality models or with frequent use. Be sure to also test whether the scissors can be opened and closed quietly and with little effort. This gives you information about whether the blades are well-made and sharpened.

5. But also think about your budget: When buying new scissors, the price-performance ratio should be taken into account. As a rule, it pays off to invest more money in high-quality models that are more durable than cheaper alternatives. When buying scissors, you should follow the motto: Whoever buys cheap, buys twice. Or more often.

Identifying your own needs

Before you go out and buy your new favorite scissors, you should check what you actually want to do with them. Is it about making precise cuts because you have clothing or patchwork on the list? Do you want to sew home textiles or evening gowns from fine fabrics? Do you want to purchase an additional thread cutter or should your fabric scissors also serve to trim threads? Do you need scissors that can also shorten a zipper?

How I conducted my fabric scissors test

And, of course, I tested all the scissors on the most common materials. I filmed the test so you can get an idea of the characteristics of each individual pair of scissors. I have summarized the results in a table further down in this post.

What is AUS6A?

With some scissors, the metal is specified as AUS6A, for example with KAI scissors. This refers to a type of steel that gets a special hardness through its composition. The scissors are considered very sharp and are intended to stay that way for a long time.

Comparison of different brands, sizes, and types of scissors

Here is my overview of all the scissors in the test. I will present my personal impressions and give you notes on how the scissors cut different materials. I have listed the scissors in ascending order of price.

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The right scissors for left-handers

I am frequently asked here on the blog which scissors I can recommend for left-handers. Manufacturers have since responded to the demand: there are relatively few scissors for left-handers on the market. And I cannot guarantee that I have managed to find a left-handed version for every pair of scissors listed here, even if one exists.

So, if you come across left-handed scissors that you can recommend, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

One clear recommendation at this point: The left-handed scissors by Prym^*, also manufactured by KAI. They cost approx. 32 euros and are, like many other scissors presented here, available from Hemmers.

Checking the sharpness of the blade

In everyday use, you can tell if scissors are sharp or dull most easily by the fact that it takes a lot of effort and force to cut with them. If your scissors leave individual threads uncut or fail to cut certain materials at all, it's time to either sharpen them or think about a new pair.

Fabric getting pulled into the blade gap can also be a sign that your scissors are struggling with their tasks.

The big SewSimple fabric scissors test

Which scissors cut which fabrics and how well?

In this section, we will look at how well the scissors in the test handle the most common fabrics. I have rated my personal experiences working with each pair of scissors as follows:

• rather poor: -
• okay: +
• good: ++
• very good: +++

Which is the best pair of scissors?

Of course, this is a completely individual decision. In my view, the KAI 7250^* performs extremely well in the test. Not only because it is so high-quality and cuts precisely along the entire length of the blades – it is also comfortable to handle thanks to the soft grips. For me, it has the perfect size and leverage. This means I need very little effort to work with it; the cutting happens practically by itself. And it is also particularly quiet. This makes cutting fabric really fun.

Bonus: Pinking shears test

Many blog readers report that they find using their pinking shears difficult because cutting requires so much effort and the results are often imprecise.

What do you actually need pinking shears (or zigzag scissors, as they are sometimes called) for? You can use them to neaten fabric edges with a zigzag profile. They won't fray as easily then. Perhaps you are already familiar with the zigzag cut from pre-cut patchwork fabrics. Pinking shears are particularly suitable here for woven cotton or linen fabrics. Knitted fabrics fray less often and are usually finished with overlock seams rather than pinking shears.

That's why I tested 3 common pairs of pinking shears:

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My conclusion

It's clear that pinking shears are particularly stiff because they have a lot of cutting surface over a short distance. It simply takes more force to get the jagged blades through the fabric than with standard fabric scissors with straight blades.

That is why it is all the more important that the scissors are smooth-running. Also, and especially, for people who cannot exert much force. In my view, the scissors from Prym and Handi Stitch cannot be unreservedly recommended in this respect, especially for sewing fans with wrist problems.

If you just don't have that much strength in your hands, the Fiskars scissors are a good alternative. The long levers optimize the force you need when cutting. This allows you to achieve good cutting results surprisingly easily. I would like to see more scissor manufacturers addressing the specific needs of sewing fans and searching for solutions as creatively as Fiskars does with the Easy Action pinking shears.

Excursion: How good are scissor sets?

If you are starting to sew, you might be asking yourself how much money you should actually invest in purchasing scissors. Of course, that cannot be stated in general terms. It always depends on your requirements and how ambitious you want to be with your hobby.

Because many beginners like to have everything together in an easy way for the start, I took a look at the inexpensive scissor set from Handi Stitch.

Care tips for cutting with scissors/storage of scissors, maintenance, cleaning

If you take proper care of your fabric scissors, they can stay sharp for years and help you perfect your sewing projects.

Here are a few tips on how you can extend the life of your fabric scissors.

• Clean and de-oil regularly. Use a clean rag and a little rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and oils from the blade. This is especially important if you work a lot with different materials.

• First, wipe the old oil out of the scissor joint with a paper towel and cotton swabs, remove dirt and crusts – also around the screw. Old oil often cakes there together with fabric dust.

• Oil the cleaned scissors generously around the screw area on the outside and inside of the blade.

• Open and close the scissors several times now so that the oil can spread. Let the oil work in and then wipe off excess oil with a soft rag so that you don't contaminate the fabric with grease stains while cutting.

• Resharpen regularly. If you use your scissors frequently, you should have them reground once a month. This keeps the blade sharp and allows it to cut more efficiently. There are special scissor sharpeners^* and it is absolutely worth getting one so that you can resharpen them yourself as needed.

• The Paul company offers a special sharpening service for scissors manufactured there. You can simply have the scissors reground and book additional services. For example, micro-serration is possible. Or a technical serration, where the top blade is provided with a special serration and the bottom blade is sharpened with a special leather disc. You can also have individual logos and engravings added, have the tip and blade edges rounded off, or have the scissors completely overhauled. In this way, a pair of scissors is created that is individually "tailored" to you.

• If your scissors have a technical serration, they must only be reground by a professional so as not to destroy the micro-serration.

• Store your scissors properly. Make sure that the scissors are always stored in a clean and dry room - ideally in a place that is not accessible to children. You should also avoid metal objects or other sharp items coming into contact with or damaging the blade.

• A good way to store scissors is to hang them up. However, you can also store them in a self-sewn scissor pouch. This has the advantage that excess oil is absorbed by the fabric.

• With these tips, your fabric scissors will stay in good condition and keep you happy for a long time :)

Conclusion: The test winners

The right pair of scissors for your sewing project is important to achieve a good result. If you pay attention to quality and follow a few tips, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting result. Make sure that you choose scissors that suit your sewing project and your skills.

For me, there are four crystal-clear favorites in this test that convinced me in terms of both handling and cutting performance. For me, the best fabric scissors are:

• the fabric scissors from Prym^*: sit well in the hand thanks to the padded handles, have a handy size, and cut beautifully and cleanly
• the Gingher scissors^*: I brought these back from the USA, where they are practically a kind of legend among quilters. It takes a little more effort to work with them, and I think padded handles would suit them well; that would make working for longer periods easier. In that respect, these precisely cutting fabric scissors are more for purists.
• the professional textile scissors from Paul^*, which weakened a bit on jersey in the test, but are absolutely perfect after professional regrinding by the manufacturer (costs about 5 euros per pair of scissors!)
• and my personal favorite: the Kai 7250^*. For me, they have become THE scissors that I use every day. And with growing enthusiasm. So smooth-running, precise, quiet, and soft. I searched for such scissors for a long time. Other scissors could really learn a thing or two from them.

But beware: Once you have worked with really good fabric scissors, you are forever lost to cheap, poorly made ones. Once you've experienced such a great cutting feeling, you simply won't want to miss it anymore.

My tip: Buy yourself the best scissors you can afford and then nurture and care for them to the best of your knowledge and conscience. And never, ever use them for anything other than your beautiful fabrics. Then you will remain best friends for a long time. :)

Happy simple sewing, your Sabine