Scissors and cutters

The thread snip is designed for very short, clean cuts on strands, knot tails and loose ends close to the seam or fabric, without shifting the piece or snagging the yarn. Its fine tip slips into tight spaces and trims flush with a quick motion, ideal for invisible finishes and tidying between steps without lifting your work from the table. In long sessions, an ergonomic grip or a body that rests comfortably on your fingers reduces fatigue and keeps control steady, ensuring the blade acts exactly where it should: right at the end of the strand.

When choosing one, look for a spring with a stable return and a safety lock so you can store it safely in your case or on the table. Keep a cleaning routine: remove lint, wipe with a dry cloth and check the screw fitting if present.

For safe cutting, always keep the tip in view and avoid pinching the fabric: the thread snip is not meant for cutting sections of material or long lengths of fabric, but for precise finishing. Used this way, it saves you rework, improves the finish and speeds up the completion of each piece.

Use embroidery scissors for notches, buttonholes and small areas: their fine tips reach where larger scissors cannot. For trimming strands and tidying edges, a thread snip makes short, precise cuts without “chewing” the fibre. On wider curves, work in short sections with dressmaking scissors to keep the line steady, whether with smooth blades or micro-serrated; if the edge tends to fray, pinking shears help stabilise without adding extra steps. Keep the piece supported and turn the fabric, not your whole hand.

An ergonomic handle makes all the difference in long sessions: it prevents strain and fatigue that can lead to uneven cuts. Before cutting fabric, mark visual guides and test a few cuts on scraps to “relearn” the fabric’s behaviour. Avoid pinching with the tip; instead, cut with the sharpest part of the blade. When working with very slippery fabric, cut in thin layers and secure each section. This discipline keeps curves smooth, corners defined and reduces the need for touch-ups with the iron.

Cutting safety starts with order: keep tools separate by function and your work area clear. With dressmaking scissors, close and store them when not in use; never leave them open under the fabric. Keep fingers and your guiding hand away from the blade’s path, and support the piece to prevent lifting that could cause accidental snips. Don’t force if you feel resistance: reposition the section and resume with a smooth stroke. This steady approach prevents slips and angled cuts that ruin the edge.

With a rotary cutter, always work on a cutting mat and move the tool away from your body. Unlock when you start, lock as soon as you finish, even between consecutive cuts. Keep fingers away from the cutting line, wrist in a neutral position and apply steady pressure: the blade should glide without jerks. Change angle if you feel a “sawing” motion, and never carry the cutter without its safety lock engaged. These simple rules reduce risks and ensure clean results throughout your project.

Keep uses separate: dressmaking scissors only for fabric; avoid paper, cardboard or plastic, which dull the blades. After each session, wipe away lint and fibres with a dry cloth and store closed to protect the edge. If you notice play at the joint, adjust the screw lightly: too much looseness opens the cut; too much tension strains the hand. For fine work, embroidery scissors benefit from extra cleaning at the tips to prevent build-up that can snag.

For rotary cutters, check the blade: if it needs extra pressure or leaves threads uncut, replace with a spare blade. Handle cutter blades carefully and dispose of them safely. Keep the cutting mat clean so debris doesn’t transfer to the edge, and store the set flat. This basic maintenance, with no brands or special tools, keeps cuts predictable and avoids over-pressing, which is the root of many slips and accidents.

If you use a cast iron thread cutter, remember the blade can rust if left without care in a humid space. Apply a little oil when not in use, wipe away the excess before storing, and clean thoroughly before using it again in your next session.

Scissors for arthritis are designed to reduce strain and hand pain. Look for ergonomic scissors with a spring return (assisted opening) that brings the blades back to position without requiring a full finger stretch. A soft-grip ergonomic handle improves comfort and distributes pressure, while large-loop scissors let you use multiple fingers for leverage without forcing. If cutting is difficult, consider angled blades that allow flat cutting while keeping the wrist in a neutral position. All of this helps you cut precisely, with less fatigue and more control during long sessions.

When choosing, test the real opening and closing action and check that the spring responds smoothly without snapping. If you’re left-handed, go for left-handed models (with reversed blades) so you can see the cutting line clearly. Maintain cutting safety: work on a stable surface, keep the tip visible and use short, controlled movements. Regularly check the blades; when they start to snag or “chew” the fabric, sharpen or replace them. With these guidelines, ergonomic scissors with a spring return become a real aid for continuing to create comfortably.

With a basic trio you’ll cover almost everything: dressmaking scissors for most cuts, embroidery scissors or a thread snip for detail, and a rotary cutter with a cutting mat for straight lines and series. The rotary cutter isn’t essential though, since you can do the same with dressmaking scissors—it just takes a bit more time and care.

Add tailor’s shears if you often work on long or flowing lines. Prioritise an ergonomic handle and a good sense of control: a tool that adapts to your hand reduces fatigue and mistakes. Avoid buying duplicates on impulse; choose according to your real workflow.

If you have arthritis or rheumatism, you can opt for special scissors with mechanisms that assist the cut, preventing your hand from tiring on long or difficult sections.

If you want to buy online at Garmon Yarns, we have what you need. Look for versatile options at a good price that fit into your routine, not a drawer full of tools you won’t use. With this minimum set, you’ll get predictable cuts and fewer interruptions for adjustments or touch-ups—the real key to a high-quality finish.