A good pair of sewing scissors is essential for any aspiring dressmaker or quilting enthusiast, or even just someone who enjoys sewing as a pastime. If you’ve ever tried to cut through pieces of fabric with regular scissors from the kitchen, you’ll know how difficult it can be. Sewing scissors are a lot stronger, and the best sewing scissors can glide through even the toughest of fabrics like a knife through butter. This review and buying guide will help you find the finest pair of sewing scissors to meet your needs.
Buying sewing scissors can seem quite overwhelming at first, as there are a lot of different options and quite a few factors to consider. For example, the material used for the blades can affect their sharpness and the materials they’re best designed to cut. There are also different types of sewing scissors, including electric models, scissors designed for those with arthritis, and shears made expressly with dressmaking in mind. We considered all of these factors and more when preparing this list and buying guide.
Top 5 Sewing Scissors Review 2020
Our research included testing out multiple models of sewing scissors, reading through both expert critical and user reviews, investigating multiple brands and types of sewing scissors, and more, in order to reach a definitive verdict on the very best sewing scissors for you. Our findings are presented below, with an easy-to-read comparison table, followed by in-depth reviews of each pair of sewing scissors, and finally, a full buying guide telling you all you need to know
Pro-level sewing scissors with high carbon stainless steel blades for sharper and smoother cuts
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Easy-to-use electric scissors with 2 blades for fabrics and all-purpose cutting
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Highly comfortable scissors with a SoftGrip handle and a spring mechanism that prevents fatigue
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High quality shears perfect for dressmaking, featuring a bent handle design for easier cutting
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This set features heavy duty scissors, thread snips and detail scissors – perfect for all kinds of sewing projects
Read Our ReviewKai 7250 10 Inch Professional Shears – Editor’s Choice
- Type: all-purpose shears
- Blades: high carbon stainless steel
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.8 x 10 inches
Extra features: professional scissors; carbon steel allows for a sharper and smoother cutting action
At the very top of our list, we have the Kai 7250 10 Inch Professional Shears. Easily the best professional sewing scissors money can buy right now, these scissors work like a dream, with a satisfying cutting action and immensely strong blades that can slice through any fabric or material you happen to be working with.
One of the strongest pairs of sewing scissors on the market, these Kai professional shears really do live up to their name, offering professional grade quality. They wouldn’t look out of place in the hands of an expert dressmaker, but are perfect for home use too, offering a comfortable grip and amazing results with every single snip.
The number one advantage of these sewing scissors is their carbon stainless steel construction. The quality of the material used for these blades really shines through as the scissors simply glide effortlessly through all kinds of materials, offering clean cuts without any issues. Made to last a long time, these Kai shears also offer a comfortable grip that will be just right for most hand sizes, you just have to be careful when using as the blades really are incredibly sharp.
The only other minor downside to these sewing scissors is their relatively high price when compared to some of the other models out there. However, if you want professional quality, you have to pay a professional premium, and since these scissors can last for many years if maintained properly and treated with care, we think they’re more than worth the extra cash.
- Very strong
- Ideal for all fabrics
- Carbon steel construction
- Comfortable to use
- Built to last
- A little pricey
- Exceptionally sharp so care is needed
Pink Power Electric Fabric Scissors – Best Electric Sewing Scissors
- Type: electric
- Blades: not specified
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.7 x 2.3 inches
Extra features: comes with charger, lithium ion battery and 2 different blades; features an ergonomic handle; 1-year warranty
Next up, we have the Pink Power Electric Fabric Scissors. The only electric model on our list, these scissors are the perfect option for anyone who appreciates the added advantages that electric power and modern technology can provide. Very easy to use, the Pink Power scissors come complete with two different blades, one for paper and fabric, the other for cardboard and metal.
It’s really easy to change the blades around, and ease-of-use is definitely one of the highlights of this particular model. It features a locking power switch, so you simply lock the switch down and let the scissors run, removing the need to have hold the button down all the time. Designed to cut through all kinds of materials, these Pink Power scissors offer a lot of powerful potential.
The ergonomic design of these electric scissors also makes them a nice option for those with arthritis or those who suffer from hand strains or fatigue easily. The cordless design and removable rechargeable battery add even more appeal to this model, but the fact that you do have to recharge the battery every 1-2 hours can become a little frustrating.
It’s also worth noting that, just like many other electric sewing scissors, these Pink Power scissors can get a little loud when in use. This won’t be a major downside to everyone, but it’s worth noting if you prefer to sew or quilt in peace and quiet. Overall though, this is one of our favorite options and definitely the best electric sewing scissors available today.
- Very easy to use
- Great for those with arthritis
- Very strong blades
- Ergonomic design
- Rechargeable battery
- Cordless
- Has to be charged up
- A little loud
Fiskars Titanium Easy Action Scissors – Best Sewing Scissors for Arthritis
- Type: all-purpose shears
- Blades: titanium coated
- Dimensions: 1 x 4.8 x 12 inches
Extra features: SoftGrip handle for comfortable use; spring action design to prevent hand fatigue; lifetime warranty
If you’re looking for the best left handed sewing scissors or the perfect sewing scissors for arthritis, look no further than the Fiskars Titanium Easy Action Scissors. Fully designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind, these scissors have actually won awards for their design, being honored with the ‘Ease-of-Use Commendation’ by the Arthritis Foundation.
So what sets these scissors apart? Well, this particular model features an ‘Easy Action’ spring-based design that makes snipping easier and more comfortable than before; the spring works by gently opening the blades after each cut to cut down on hand strain. Plus, the ‘Softgrip’ handle is perfectly formed with comfort in mind, so these scissors really are ideal if you care about comfort above all else.
These Fiskar scissors are also among the best sewing scissors for small hands due to their neatly-designed handle, but it’s worth noting that the unique handle shape and form can take a little getting used to. Many users have revealed that they needed some time to get to grips with these scissors, but the vast majority fell in love with them in the end.
The only other minor flaw to mention with these scissors is that the titanium blades lack just a little sharpness when compared to the models seen above, but they’re still exceptionally sharp and breeze through most materials like a warm knife through butter. Overall, a highly impressive set of sewing scissors that can last many years.
- Good for left-handers
- Great for arthritis
- Smart design to reduce hand fatigue
- Resistant titanium blades
- Ideal for small hands too
- Can take some getting used to
- Slightly lacking in sharpness
Gingher 8-Inch Knife Edge Dressmaker’s Shears – Best Sewing Scissors for Dressmaking
- Type: dressmaker shears
- Blades: stainless steel
- Dimensions: 0.8 x 3.9 x 10 inches
Extra features: bent handle design to hold fabric flat while cutting
Gingher is one of the best brands in the dressmaking and sewing world, and these Ginger 8-inch Knife Edge Dressmaker’s Shears are some of the best quality sewing scissors you can buy right now. Featuring a classic design and stainless steel blades, they’re the sort of sewing scissors that have been used for generations and offer premium performance at a great price.
The blades on these Gingher shears are elegantly decorated with the brand’s logo and designed to provide impeccable cutting action and excellent results on a wide range of materials. As their name suggests, these shears were designed with dressmaking in mind, but they’re among the best scissors for sewing in general and can work well for a wide variety of tasks.
One of the unique selling points of these scissors is their bent handle design which aims to hold materials flat and in place for the smoothest and most precise cuts. This design works wonders, but it’s also worth noting that the handle is quite stiff and lacks any kind of soft padding or ergonomic features, so don’t expect these scissors to be super comfortable over extended periods of use.
These scissors are also slightly heavy, although this is mostly due to their excellent build quality and the strong materials used in their design, and can require regular sharpening to stay in peak condition. In short, they’re not perfect, but they’re definitely the best Gingher sewing scissors, so if you love this brand, this is the option to choose.
- Ultra sharp
- Clever bent handle design
- Highly durable
- Excellent build quality
- Great value
- Stiff handle can be uncomfortable
- Require regular sharpening
- A little on the heavy side
Singer Sewing Scissors Bundle – Budget Pick
- Type: thread snips, detail scissors and heavy duty dressmaker scissors
- Blades: stainless steel
- Dimensions: 1.2 x 4 x 8.5 inches (dressmaker scissors)
Extra features: comfort grip handles; lifetime guarantee
Last but not least, we come to our ‘Budget Pick’, the Singer Sewing Scissors Bundle. Why buy just one pair of sewing scissors when you can get a whole set for a great price? If you want to save money and get a super deal on sewing scissors, this bundle is definitely worth a look, offering a lot of multifunctional ability for a bargain price.
This Singe bundler comes complete with an 8 1/2 inch pair of Heavy Duty Scissors, a 4 1/2 inch pair of ProSeries Detail Scissors, and a set of ProSeries Thread Snips. Each of these items has its own users, with the Heavy Duty scissors ideal for snipping through tough fabrics and the Thread Snips perfect for getting rid of those odd little threads and frays.
All of these Singer sewing scissors are fitted with comfort grip handles that have been ergonomically designed to offer nice levels of comfort to the user, but your mileage will vary depending on the size of your hands and your manner of cutting. The padded grips are nice, but the small size can be a problem for some users.
These scissors, as a budget option, also lack a little of the same smoothness and power we’ve seen in other models on the list. Overall though, this is a top quality bundle with a lot to offer. The individual items are all built with high quality materials and can last a long time, and the immense value of this bundle cannot be understated.
- Multifunctional bundle
- Great value
- Ergonomic handles
- Durable
- Can be uncomfortable
- A little small for some users
- Lacking in smoothness
Buying Guide
As we can see, finding the right set of sewing scissors can seem like a bit of a challenge at first, with a lot of different models, brands, materials, sizes, and more to consider. But it’s essential to get the right pair of scissors to do the job, as the best scissors really can make everything, from sewing to quilting, a whole lot easier. Read on to learn all about what to look for in your sewing scissors and how to choose the right pair for you.
Reasons to get a pair of top-quality sewing scissors
The reasons to get a pair of super sewing scissors are clear to see:
- Ease of use – The best sewing scissors are super easy to use, making short work of tough materials and letting you become much more efficient and speedy in your sewing projects overall.
- Precision – One of the biggest reasons to invest in some quality sewing scissors is the incredible degree of precision they can provide. If you try cutting a typical piece of fabric with a regular pair of kitchen scissors, you’ll see how tricky it is and how easily the material starts to fray. With good sewing scissors, you can cut clean, neat, accurate lines without any hassle.
- Durability – The best sewing scissors are built to last, so while they might cost a little more than regular scissors, they’re worth the investment in the long run as they really can stick with you for years and years.
- Looking after your hands – Whether you’ve got arthritis or not, it’s always important to look after your hands. Repeating the same movements over and over can cause strain and fatigue, but quality sewing scissors are designed to be kind to the hands and let you sew for longer.
Features to consider when choosing sewing scissors
There are several different features and aspects to think about when choosing the right pair of sewing scissors. See below for info on each of these aspects and be sure to consider all of these features and how important they are to you when shopping for sewing scissors.
Type of scissors and what you’ll be using them for
The first thing to ask yourself when shopping for sewing scissors is what you’re actually going to be using them for. There are various types of sewing scissors out there and different models can be better-suited for different purposes. Some scissors are designed with dressmaking in mind, for example, like the Gingher 8-Inch Knife Edge Dressmaker’s Shears. Others are better-equipped with sewing, quilting, or embroidering, with the Thread Snips in the Singer bundle being perfect for embroidery.
Scissor blades
A big factor in determining the quality of any pair of sewing scissors is the sharpness of the blades and the material they’re made from. High quality materials like carbon stainless steel, as seen in the Kai 7250 10 Inch Professional Shears, provide sharper and stronger scissors for smooth, precise cuts in even the toughest of fabrics.
Comfortable grip
If you enjoy sewing, quilting, and similar activities, you’re going to spend a lot of time using these scissors, so you need them to feel right in your hand.
Are you right-handed or left handed?
Any left-handed people out there will know that finding a good pair of scissors is always a little more difficult than it would be for a right-handed person. The position of the blades and style of the handle can make it harder for left-handed people to use certain models, so if you are left-handed, you’ll need to do your research to find a set of scissors that can work for you. Make sure you check that the model you’ve chosen is suitable for left-handed use before you buy.
Tips on using and caring for your sewing scissors
Want to make sure your sewing scissors go the distance and last a long time? Follow these tips:
- Only use the scissors to cut fabric. Cutting other materials will wear down the blades.
- Keep them in a dry place, far from moisture to prevent any rusting.
- Seek out the services of a professional sharpener or learn how to sharpen the blades yourself.
- Store your scissors in a case or sleeve to avoid any exposure to harmful elements.
- Wipe your scissors gently with a soft cloth after each use to keep them nice and clean.
FAQ
This really depends on the make and model of the scissors you buy, as well as how often you use them and how well you look after them.. Some scissors are more durable and resistant than others and will be able to last longer between sharpening sessions. The Fiskars Titanium Easy Action Scissors, for example, feature highly resistant titanium blades that can last a long time before needing to be sharpened. In general, high quality scissors may only need sharpening once a year, but other models might need to be sharpened a few times a year if used very regularly. You can tell when scissors need sharpening as the blades will start to look dull and won’t cut as cleanly.
In general, the biggest difference between scissors and shears is the size. Shears tend to be longer overall and the term ‘shears’ is often used when the blades are over six inches in length. Shears also usually feature a larger handle on one of the sides, whereas scissors are often symmetrical. The larger size of the blades and handles on shears gives them greater strength and usually offers more control to the user, and this is why shears are often favored by dressmakers.
If you’re interested in embroidery, you’ll need a specific type of sewing scissors. Embroidery involves a lot of intricate detailing and fine work with individual threads, so you need a pair of precise scissors with small blades. The keys to choosing good embroidery scissors are the same as choosing many other kinds of sewing scissors: you need to ensure that the blades are very sharp for cutting cleanly through lose threads, and also that the grip is comfortable in your hands for optimal performance.
Our Verdict
Overall, the Kai 7250 10 Inch Professional Shears were our top pick. They’re a little more expensive than other models, but they more than justify their price tag with comfortable hands and astonishingly strong blades that really can cut through anything, making them the ideal all-round pair of professional sewing scissors.
Next up, we had the Pink Power Electric Fabric Scissors. The modern features and cutting edge functionality of these scissors really give them an edge over the competition. Plus, the ergonomically designed handle feels really comfortable in the hands, making these a great option for those who struggle with fatigue.
Our third top pick for the best sewing scissors was the Fiskars Titanium Easy Action Scissors. We loved the way these scissors had been made with arthritis sufferers in mind, and every element of this Fiskars design has been carefully considered to provide maximum comfort every time.
