I'm looking online for some scissors for trimming applique in the hoop. There must be hundreds of scissors! The pair I've been using are about 4 in" long with sharp points, but they haven't been cutting very well lately. (Dull maybe) What type of scissors are the best for applique or cutwork? Where else could I ask this question but here with all you talented people? Thanks

First things first! I have found over the years that if you will get some plain old tin foil and cut throught it with dull scissors it makes their edge like new. I have also read this many times over the yrs on many of the Yahoo Groups. It does work on my scissors and I use them for all types of crafts including cutting out patterns for clothing. I guess a new pair of scissors would be great but I find that the old ones cut just as well as the new ones after cutting throught the foil several times. I have some expensive scissors and some not so expensive and it works on all of them...including my kitchen sheers! Linda

2 comments

by greysewist 30 Jul 2011

Terrific tip -thanks!

by marcellelewis 30 Jul 2011

Great tip. I have several pairs that I am going to try this on.

Marcelle

I have a wonderful pair that I highly recommend. They are Heritage brand embroidery scissors that have slightly curved blades. They are a total of 5 1/2 inches in length. The finger holes are much larger than most which is really great. They also cut both right and left handed.

I ordered mine from Erica's but did not find them there now. This is a link I found by searching for 'Heritage Embroidery Scissors'.

http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com...

I like them so much that I ordered another pair so I have one at my embroidery machine and one at my sewing machine and serger. They are by far the best scissors I have ever used for everything embroidery and sewing related.

Marcelle
http://embroideryavenue.com
http://embroidery.gotop100.com

I like dlonnahawkins use the duck bill scissor and a smaller rounded - sharp point scissor as well.

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I use what I call the duck bull scissors for applique. And I do a lot of applique ITH. They do have them a little smaller now - Cutwork, I have some tiny sharp point scissors that I use.

I have been using Fiskars curved ones - I get them on sale at the Joanns when they are half price and use my Quilters Club of America discount to get the extra 10% off so they are around $7 US that way. I will try the aluminum foil suggestion from bikermomfl and see if that helps my current pair.

I use the Gingher small scissors particularly good for applique. They are only about 3 inches long. They cost me $69.00 Australian dollars, but they are the best for this sort of work. I do a lot of applique and always have them next to the sewing machine. Good luck love and blessings Chris

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1 comment

by shirlener88 29 Jul 2011

Great scissor.

try cutting some aluminium foil with your current scissors and see if that won't sharpen em up for you, it's worth a try and cheaper than new scissors. Unless of course you want a good excuse to get new scissors! *giggle*

1. I use the Gingher curved scissors
2. I found this interesting pair with larger finger holes while I was looking

I use a really small pair of curved applique scissors for fabric and small pointed scissors (came with machine) for stabilizer, so I don't cut the fabric.

I use a very sharp, curved scissors. It cost me a lot of money but it is amazing for applique and doubles to cut threads when I am embroidering

Although I really don't like to applique and seldom do I usually use applique scissors and find them very usefully.

I like the off set handle scissors.
Cindy B