Have you ever received an eyeroll from someone when you tell them not to touch your fabric scissors? Today we'll look at why we need protect and care for our most sacred quilting tools!
My mum was a dressmaker, so I was taught to respect mum's fabric scissors at a very young age. I also remember the fear of teachers revoking sewing licenses in Home Ec. when students cut paper with fabric scissors - I was a goody two shoes and there was no way I was losing my licence ;)
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A good pair of scissors will last you for years and years, so I went on a quest to find the best advice for scissor care. Today I'm sharing everything I learnt about cleaning, storing and sharpening our most prized possessions.
1. One Purpose Only
Yes, it may be obvious, but a lot of scissors are designed for one purpose only!
Blades become dull and misaligned when used for multiple purposes, so no matter how tempting it is to cut something other than what the scissors are intended for, don't! Your blades need to remain sharp and even so you can cut with precision every time.
If you cut paper with fabric scissors the fibres left behind will dull the blades. Paper is treated with abrasive minerals that stiffen the paper and make it absorb ink, and the fibres collect on the blades causing them to dull.
Paper is not the only culprit. Harsher fabrics such as denim, polyester and nylon will dull the blades of fabric scissors faster than lightweight natural fibre fabrics. It's a good idea to have a separate pair of scissors for harsher fabrics, batting/wadding and pellon etc. to protect your good fabric scissors.
Scissors that are blunt or damaged will feel rough when you open and close them, and they will not cut as smoothly as they used to. You may experience fabric snags or uneven edges, or you may notice a dull thud when cutting instead of that satisfying clean-cutting sound - it's time to get them sharpened!
2. Avoid Moisture
If the blades or the pivot area of your scissors is exposed to moisture it will cause rust to form and inhibit the natural movement of the scissors.
Rust will cause the blades to no longer fit together, making them stuck or hard to open. Rust around the pivot area will limit the freedom of movement and weaken the area putting your scissors at risk of breakage.
Ironing board covers retain moisture from steam irons for longer than you realise, so avoid placing scissors on top of ironing boards while sewing.
Before cutting fabrics, ensure the fabrics are completely dry if you have prewashed, misted or starched them - this also applies when using your rotary cutter!
Moisture in the air can also cause rust damage to your scissors so it's important to store them correctly in a dry place.
Be vigilant with beverages in the sewing room. If the inevitable happens and you do spill your coffee, ensure your scissors are cleaned and dried completely to avoid rust spots forming.
Rust not only damages the scissors, but it can also stain your fabrics which can be heartbreaking when we've put so much love and time into our projects.
3. Tighten and Oil Periodically
All scissors will dull or stiffen over time but with a bit of regular maintenance you will lengthen their life span. Good scissors are a costly investment, so they're worth some extra loving.
If your scissors have a pivot screw it can be tightened to maintain the tension required for clean effective cuts. However, you will have problems if the screw is too tight or too loose.
Scissors that are too loose will open too easily and they won't make easy accurate cuts because the blades are out of alignment. Scissors that are too tight are nearly impossible to open, causing strain on your hand and wrist and damage to your fabrics.
A simple test can determine the tension of your scissors and you can see it demonstrated in this YouTube video HERE.
Once the pivot screw has been tightened and the tension checked, clean your scissors with a soft, dry fabric cloth to remove dust, grime and fibres, and add a drop of oil to the pivot area. Work the oil in by opening and closing the scissors until the blades move smoothly and easily. Wipe away any excess oil.
4. Wipe them clean
To keep your scissors in tip top condition, make it a habit to wipe them down before putting them away once you've finished sewing.
A simple wipe with a soft, dry cloth will remove fibres, grime and moisture from between the blades, and it gives you a chance to check for any signs of damage or misalignment.
If your scissors are showing signs of gunk buildup, give them a gentle clean with warm water and dish soap and if you see signs of rust, wipe the blades with a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar.
5. Keep them sharp
It's recommended that scissors be sharpened twice a year to extend the life of the blades, but this also depends on how much you use them and how well you maintain them.
If you notice any nicks on your blades and they're not making clean cuts, or the fabric folds on the sides of the blades instead of cutting, then it's definitely time to have them sharpened.
A quick Google search will yield numerous DIY techniques for sharpening scissors, but some of these methods can actually do even more damage to your scissors. It's a job best left to the professionals!
Ask your local fabric or sewing machine shop for recommendations of a sharpening service or bladesmith to sharpen your scissors. Or ask your local hairdresser - they'll most likely have someone on speed dial.
6. Cut with Caution
It's easy to become distracted and cut fabric with a stray pin or two lurking in the folds. Doublecheck your fabric and the general area around the fabric to avoid closing the blades on anything that will cause damage to your scissors.
Cutting into something like a pin, will cause a nick in the blade and the misalignment of your scissors. They can be repaired, so seek the advice of a professional sharpening service or bladesmith.
Prevention is better than cure and being vigilant in maintaining a clear cutting space will prevent accidents from occuring.
7. Store correctly
Storing scissors in a crowded drawer of sewing tools is a definite no no! Rummaging around and banging them together trying to find the right pair can cause damage to the blades, break the tips and knock them out of alignment.
Scissors need to be stored with the blades closed to protect the inner edges and blade covers or sheaths will help protect the blades from damage. Scissor cases or their original box packaging are ideal to keep them safe and organised, but you can also hang them for easy access - preferably out of direct sunlight.
If your scissors do not have a cover, case or box to protect them, you can make your own and Clover has a great tutorial HERE for you to use.
Proper storage keeps your workspace tidy, and your scissors protected and easily accessible when you're ready to sew.
8. Try not to drop them!
Be assured, if you drop your scissors fate will see them plummeting straight towards your foot, pointy side down!
Dropping your scissors not only puts your lower appendages at risk of injury, but it can also damage the alignment, nick or bend the blades and break the tips of the scissors.
Accidents happen, so if you do drop your scissors, carefully inspect the blades and tips for damage, open and close them to see if you can feel any misalignment and seek advice from a professional if they are damaged.
9. Cut correctly
Using your scissors correctly will help you cut with precision, and it will protect your blades.
When cutting fabric, rest the bottom of your scissors on your cutting table, and take long cuts across the fabric, keeping the blade resting on the table - try to avoid small, choppy cuts.
When cutting thin fabrics, notches, curves or stray threads use the tips of the scissors. For thicker or heavy fabrics such as denim, use the part of the scissors where the blades seperate near the pivot screw.
Cutting at the wrong position of the blade can cause misalignment and possible breakage.
The key takeaway here is that quilters are not crazy and irrational when it comes to their fabric scissors - we are simply protecting them from a dull life that's misaligned with their true purpose! ;)
The family can roll their eyes and dismiss our claims as utter nonsense, but scissors are a vital tool in our quilting journey, and we want to cut with ease and precision every single time. They're a costly investment and one we don't take lightly - we want them to last for many years to come!
So, with that in mind, please don't touch my scissors! ;)
PIN FOR LATER:
Happy quilting :)
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