Best scissors for cutting fabric?

[AcornAutumn]

Hi all
What scissors would you recommend for this, especially if a fine, delicate fabric?

Thank you.

Pinking shears.

Stops it fraying within milliseconds of the cut being made.

Thank you
As a novice, is there a risk of it fraying right away? Should I try to hold it with more than pins to hem it?

No risk of that with pinking shears. Some people use pinking shears for projects instead of hemming entirely!

So if you're hemming anyway, the edge will certainly hold until you've finished.

@PotholeHellhole

No risk of that with pinking shears. Some people use pinking shears for projects instead of hemming entirely!

So if you're hemming anyway, the edge will certainly hold until you've finished.

Thank you, that's so helpful! I will order some and not risk ordinary ones

I do have hairdressing scissors though ....do they compare?

I have never tried hairdressing scissors, so I can't answer. Pinking shears, or at least my pair, don't cut a straight line. They cut a little zig-zag line like so ^^^^.

@PotholeHellhole

I have never tried hairdressing scissors, so I can't answer. Pinking shears, or at least my pair, don't cut a straight line. They cut a little zig-zag line like so ^^^^.

Oh

Doesn't that make hemming difficult?

Pinking shears have their place, but I wouldn't use them for cutting out generally. I think it would make judging seam allowances tricky.
I clicked on this as I think I probably need some proper fabric scissors or maybe one of those cutting wheel thingies. I want to do more actual dress making. Hopefully someone will come and recommend some. I just use regular scissors at the moment.

I think hairdressing scissors would work, but may not be much good for cutting hair afterwards.

Without meaning to sound condescending, '"fabric scissors" or "dressmaking scissors" are the best scissors for cutting fabric.

Pinking shears cut a zigzag line, which can help to reduce fraying.

Hairdressing scissors would probably be OK for a one-off - you need scissors with a fine sharp blade that will give a clean cut. So household/paper scissors aren't best suited.

I’ve always used Fiskars dressmaking scissors-they are superb.

I think it would depend on your seam allowances.

Can you possibly borrow a pair from someone to try out? It's very difficult to describe in text!

Fiskars dressmaking shears are excellent for cutting fabric and last for years

Do dressmaking scissors cut straight rather than zig zag?

Mundial Serra Sharp

To give background

My elderly mum mostly wears trousers

She has some unwanted outfits from her home country in a range of fabrics

I was hoping to initially make a light scarf.

It isn't a disaster if it goes wrong, it just means one of those outfits can't go the relevant charity

I suspect the one I am trying first is silk-like. It's definitely not silk. Her nephew sent it a couple of years ago and we know it goes in the washing machine.

I won't attempt anything with heavy cotton till I have learned to sew.

My late father was very handy with a sewing machine but sadly we just left him to do all that stuff!

I use Fiskars dressmaking scissors and also Fiskars cutting wheel. And hide the scissors when I'm not using them so they don't get misappropriated for cutting random none-fabric things!

I second Fiskars dressmaking shears. Silk-like material can be tricky to sew if you've not done much sewing; cotton fabric is much better when learning to sew as it (usually) behaves well. Don't be tempted to use cheap thread to practise - it's a false economy.

Another vote for Fiskars dressmaking shears. I also have a Fiskars cutting wheel which is very sharp and sometimes easier to use than the shears

Another Fiskars owner here. Never ever let anyone cut paper with dressmaking scissors - quickest way to blunt them.

Use a small padlock to lock your shears if you have family that liberate them, loop it through the handles.

I've had some mundial soft grip scissors that have lasted me 20 years, but some damage to the blades has left them with blunt bits. I splashed put on some Wilkinson scissors from William Whitely and sons and, while I don't find the handles as comfortable, the blades are so sharp that it barely matters.

I have a cutting wheel that is great for Jersey and slippery fabrics but the blades don't last long and are so expensive and I don't think the wheel itself is going to last me very long - I've only had it 6 months and it feels like it's going to break at any moment, when I use it.

@Knittedfairies

I second Fiskars dressmaking shears. Silk-like material can be tricky to sew if you've not done much sewing; cotton fabric is much better when learning to sew as it (usually) behaves well. Don't be tempted to use cheap thread to practise - it's a false economy.

I second everything @Knittedfairies says. I use Fiskars soft touch scissors and I also have a pair of Mundial shears. I use Gutterman or Moon thread depending on which of my machines I'm using. It is definitely a false economy to use cheapo threads and cotton fabric all the way for a beginner.

I'd say Avoid the pinking & hairdresser shears mentioned above,ive never heard of either of these being good in this situation 😟

With fine fabrics it's about how you lay them out for cutting, carefully lay out so the grain is straight to the edge & sandwich with pattern or tissue paper & pin with fine pins, this helps stop the movement of fabric when cutting.

I personally love my Friskar sprung shears

I think giving it a try with what you have is a great idea. Go for it!

There isn't much point going out and getting special scissors and stuff until you know it's going to be something you will enjoy.