Regular scissors are made to cut paper—and they’re great at it. They have sharp blades that will easily slice through a sheet of paper.
But, is it possible to cut fabric with regular scissors?
If careful, you can use regular scissors to cut fabric. While they’re not the best option, they’ll work in a pinch.
Cutting fabric with regular scissors is possible, but it’s not ideal.
Here’s How Regular Scissors Cut Fabric:
The sharpness of the blade is the most important factor, which is why fabric scissors are designed to cut through threads in a way that minimizes fraying and damage. Cutting with regular scissors can cause fraying and damage because the blade isn’t designed to cut through the fabric as easily.
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Should You Only Use Sewing Scissors on Fabric?
In most cases, it is best only to use sewing scissors on fabrics.
This is because sewing scissors are designed for cutting fabric and are the best tool for the job. While you can use them to cut through paper or cardboard, they are not designed to do so and will wear out more quickly when used as a utility knife.
Sewing scissors are designed to cut easily through thick layers of fabric. They also tend to be very sharp and precise, which helps with precision cutting and trimming.
This makes them ideal for cutting out patterns or trimming seams when working on your next sewing project.
However, if you need to cut something other than fabric with your sewing scissors, there’s no reason not to do so.
What Happens if You Use Normal Scissors on Fabric?
You should be able to cut the fabric with ease and achieve satisfactory results using regular scissors. However, this isn’t necessarily the case in all situations.
When you use normal scissors on fabric, it can cause the fibers to fray and come apart. This is especially true if the fabric is new or has been cut in a way that would cause it to fray easily.
In this case, using normal scissors on fabric can lead to the formation of little holes in your new garment.
Other things that can happen when using normal scissors on fabric include snagging and pulling strands of fiber out along with them. This will leave behind a jagged edge where those fibers were pulled out and can also lead to holes in the fabric.
What are the Best Scissors for Fabric Cutting?
Fabric scissors are designed to cut through fabric and other materials.
There are several different fabric scissors, each with a different purpose:
Dressmaker’s Shears or Scissors:
Dressmaker’s scissors have a round or oval-shaped blade.
The blades can be made from carbon steel, stainless steel, or carbon stainless steel. The handles of these scissors are usually fixed and may have a finger rest to help keep the hands comfortable while cutting.
Tailors and seamstresses use dressmaker’s shears to cut fabric when sewing garments.
They can also be used for other small cutting jobs, such as trimming paper or small amounts of metal.
Pinking Scissors:
Pinking scissors are a great way to ensure your edges stay crisp and sharp when cutting fabric. They have jagged teeth that cut the fibers at an angle, preventing fraying.
If you’re cutting patterns or strips of fabric, pinking scissors are a must-have tool. The cut will keep your edges from raveling and fraying while still allowing the fabric to stretch and move freely when you use it.
Pinking shears can also be used as a decorative element in sewing projects. They’re especially useful if you want to add contrast between two areas of fabric but don’t want the seam allowance to show through or fray.
In addition, pinking shears are available in many different sizes. So, whether you’re working with small or large pieces of fabric, a pair will likely be perfect for your needs.
Heavy Duty Shop Snips:
The Heavy Duty Shop Snips is an excellent tool for cutting heavy-duty fabric.
These scissors are made of durable metal and feature a sharp, serrated edge that can easily cut through thick fabric. The handle is textured for a secure grip, and the scissor also has a safety lock to keep it from accidentally opening while in use.
Bent Handle Scissors:
The Bent Handle Scissors for fabric will make the cutting fabric a breeze.
These scissors have a curved handle that allows you to cut fabric with ease. The scissors are made from stainless steel and are suitable for right-handed and left-handed people.
Also, these scissors are perfect for when you need to reach a tight spot.
They usually come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small size is great for cutting thread and other finer fabrics. The medium size is great for cutting thicker fabrics like denim, and the large size is ideal for cutting heavy-duty materials like leathers or thick wools.
All-Purpose Scissors Sewing Scissors:
These scissors are designed to cut fabric and are great for various uses.
They have sharp blades and a curved tip, making them ideal for cutting small pieces of cloth or trimming threads. The straight blade is perfect for cutting fabric.
These all-purpose sewing scissors are ideal for tailors, seamstresses, quilters, crafters, artists—anyone who needs to cut fabric regularly.
In addition, here are some things to look for when you’re trying to decide which pair is best for your needs:
- Sharp blades: A dull blade will lead to snags in your fabric and can cause tears or other damage that could ruin your project.
- Strong handles: If the handles are weak or flimsy, it can be difficult to get a good grip on them while cutting fabric, and they might slip out of your hands. Plus, if they break mid-cut, you could damage your fabric even further.
- Weight: Those with more weight tend to cut better than those with less weight because they have more force when slicing through layers of material at once.
- Comfort: The handle should be easy to hold and comfortable in your hand so you can use it for long periods without getting tired or developing cramps.
- Length: The longer the blade, the easier it will be to cut through thick fabric. But, if you’re trying to cut through something thin and delicate, you’ll want a shorter blade that doesn’t slip off your work.
- Material: The level of maintenance and care you are willing to put in will determine whether you should get stainless steel scissors or carbon steel.
Can Classroom Scissors Cut Fabric?
Yes, classroom scissors can cut fabric. Classroom scissors are designed for paper, which means they’re not made to cut fabric.
However, you can use them to cut fabric by taking a few precautions:
- Make sure your fabric is clean and free of dust or debris that could cause the blades to become dull.
- Set up your cutting mat and lay out your fabric, so there is enough room between the scissors and the edge of the table to allow you to smoothly move the fabric back and forth as you cut it.
- Hold your fabric taut with one hand while cutting with the other hand so that it doesn’t slip or bunch up while being cut.
- Make sure that your classroom scissors are sharpened regularly so they can cut smoothly through thicker fabrics without tearing them apart or leaving jagged edges behind.
Can Kitchen Scissors Cut Fabric?
Kitchen scissors are an essential tool in any kitchen.
They’re great for cutting food and herbs and chopping up the occasional onion or garlic clove. These scissors are excellent at cutting fabric as long as the material isn’t too heavy or thick.
The sharpness of the blade will determine how well it cuts through the material.
If you want to use your scissors on a more delicate piece of fabric, like silk or lace, you’ll need to sharpen them first with a whetstone or other sharpening tool.
This will help ensure that your scissors are sharp enough to cut through all those delicate threads without damaging them too much.
Can You Use Shears to Cut Fabric?
Yes, shears are designed to cut through fabric; if you use them correctly, they can be quite effective—however, a few things to consider if your cuts are smooth and even.
First, make sure that the blades on your shears are sharpened before you start cutting fabric. Dull blades can cause snags and uneven cuts in your material. You may also want to invest in some new scissors if your old ones are not doing well.
Additionally, dull blades can cause damage to the material as it is being cut through and make it harder for you to get a clean edge when you’re done.
Second, be careful that you don’t get too close with your cuts. It’s important not to leave any extra fabric hanging around when cutting because this can lead to fraying or raveling over time.