July 30, 2024
THE BEST FABRIC SCISSORS FOR EVERY BUDGET
The most important item in your sewing kit is your scissors, but how do you choose the best ones? Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference in your sewing projects.
We've compiled a list of our favourite fabric scissors for every budget to take the guesswork out of picking!
Let's explore some top options at various price points to help you find the perfect pair for your needs and budget.
What to Look for When Buying Fabric Scissors
- Blade Material: Look for high-quality stainless steel or carbon steel blades. These materials offer durability and maintain sharpness longer.
- Blade Length: Consider the types of projects you'll be working on. Longer blades (8-10 inches) are great for cutting long, straight lines, while shorter blades offer more control for intricate work.
- Comfort: Ergonomic handles can reduce hand fatigue during long cutting sessions. Try different styles to see what feels best for you.
- Weight: Lighter scissors can be easier to maneuver, but some sewers prefer the heft of heavier scissors for certain fabrics.
- Blade Type: Micro-serrated blades can help grip slippery fabrics, while smooth blades offer clean cuts on most materials.
- Handedness: Ensure you're choosing scissors designed for your dominant hand. Many high-quality scissors come in both right and left-handed versions.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and warranties, which can be worth the investment.
Budget-Friendly
Price Range: Under $30
LDH Midnight Edition Lightweight Fabric Scissors
If you've never heard of LDH Scissors, you are definitely missing out! LDH Scissors are designed in Toronto and it's a family owned business. They offer a wide variety of scissors and cutting tools at different price points.
The Lightweight scissors from their Midnight Edition collection are one of our favourite budget friendly choices.
Why do we like them? Well as the name suggests, they are a lightweight pair of scissors making them comfortable to hold for long periods of time. The lightweight also makes them good for people with smaller hands or any hand issues like arthritis. They are available in a 8", 9", 10" blade. The 8" is only $20 and the 9" is $25, the 10" blade is a bit pricer at $30 but are still a great option if you like a longer blade. There is also a lefthanded option in the 8" blade.
The scissors are packaged in a reusable felt pouch and have very sharp blades. These scissors are great for light to medium weight fabrics, so we don't suggest these ones if you are planning on lots of denim and upholstery fabrics. One of our favourite parts about these scissors is their black blades, it is such a unique look and something you don't see very often for sewing scissor.
Shop the 8" size or 9" size
Pros:
- Lightweight design reduces hand fatigue
- Sleek black finish for a modern look
- Suitable for a variety of fabric types
Cons:
- May not be ideal for heavy-duty fabrics
- Lightweight design might feel less substantial to some users
- Limited information on long-term durability
Mid-Range
Price Range: $30-$50
TITECH Pro Dressmaker's Scissors
TITECH is another lesser known brand, mostly only available in Canada. All of their scissors have a titanium coating on them to make them extra durable. Last year they released the Pro Dressmaker's scissors and they quickly became a favourite around our shop.
This is one of the pairs of scissors we keep up at our cutting table. They are very versatile for a wide variety of fabrics and they have a really smooth feel while cutting. The Pro scissors are a favourite among our smaller handed staff as they are lightweight and the handles are thin. We also haven't had to sharpen them after almost a year of daily use.
They are available in a 8" and 9" blade. The 8" is $44 and the 9" is $60, the 9" is also available as a lefthanded scissor. There is also a 6" detailing scissor also available that is a great addition to any tool kit.
Shop the 8" size or 9" size
Pros:
- High-quality titanium-coated blades for durability
- 8" length suitable for most cutting tasks
- Likely offers a good balance of precision and versatility
Cons:
- May be pricier than non-titanium options
- Some users might prefer longer blades for certain tasks
- Titanium coating may wear off over time with heavy use
Mid-Range to High-End
Price Range: $45-$80
Midnight Edition Fabric Shears
LDH's best selling scissors are the Midnight Edition Fabric Shears, and there's a lot of reasons why so many sewists choose these shears. The shears are available in a variety of lengths from 8"-12" blades. This allows you to choose the best length based on your hand size, the projects you are working on and your personal length preference. A longer blade is good for projects that are larger and have less intricate details, it is faster to cut out a full circle skirt for example with a larger blade. The shorter blades are great for those more detailed projects and those who have smaller hands as they are lighter, they can however be annoying when cutting out larger items.
There is also an option for painted or rubber coated handles. The rubber coating provides a better grip and comfort, but it does make the handle thicker. We recommend the rubber handles as we find them more comfortable after many cuts.
They are available in all sized from 8"-12" blade, we find the 9" blade is the most popular amongst female sewists. The 8" is $45 and the price increases by $5 for each extra inch of blade length. Check out our selection Midnight Edition Fabric Shears in a range of sizes and handle types, there are also lefthanded options.
Pros:
- Long blade options are excellent for cutting large pieces of fabric
- Rubber handle for improved grip and comfort
- Part of the stylish Midnight Edition series with sleek black blades
Cons:
- Longer blades may be unwieldy for small, precise cuts
- Fully steely construction is heavier than other options
- May be overkill for hobbyists or occasional sewists
Mid-Range to High-End
Price Range: $45-$80
Gingher 8" Knife Edge Dressmaker Shears
Gingher is a well known brand in the sewing industry and they definitely live up to the hype. The knife edge shears are a more traditional sewing scissor for those who like a heavier weight, while still well balanced and comfortable.
The length is ideal for cutting patterns, trimming seams or cutting pieces of fabric, and a double-plated chrome-over-nickel blade finish is very durable. They are made of premium, forged steel with precision-ground, knife-edge blades that cut multiple layers easily.
They are only available in an 8" blade length, so they are not the best choice for very large projects but are great for most garments and quilts. At $65 they are a great price for a long lasting scissor.
Shop Ginger Scissors
Pros:
-Well-known brand with a reputation for quality
- Knife-edge design for clean, precise cuts
- Durable construction likely to last many years
Cons:
- Tend to be more expensive than entry-level options
- Only available in an 8" blade
- Require careful maintenance to preserve the knife edge
Luxury
Price Range: $100-170
KAI 7200 Series Dressmaker Shears
KAI is another well known brand in the sewing world, they offer a variety of cutting tools at different price points. The 7200 series shears are considered the Cadillac of fabric scissors because of their ability to cut through heavy fabrics over and over again.
These shears are made of high-carbon, stainless steel shears with an extra-long edge life for cutting efficiency. They are designed for professional use, but are great for hobby sewists as well. They are available in 8"-10" blade lengths, allowing you to choose the size best suited for your needs.
These scissors are definitely an investment, starting at $155 for the 8" blade, but they are worth the extra spend for the serious sewist. They will require sharpening less often than other scissors, saving you money over the life of the scissors.
Shop KAI Scissors
Pros:
- High-quality Japanese craftsmanship
- Different lengths offer a good balance between control and cutting capacity
- Likely very sharp and precise
Cons:
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
- May be harder to find someone who can sharpen them correctly
Bonus
Price: $65
LDH Prism 9.5" Fabric Shears
We have one more favourite LDH scissor to add to our list, just because of how gorgeous they are! If you want to live out your technicolour dreams, then these scissors are for you. These scissors are our favourite and get heavy use in our store.
The Prism Shears are crafted from industrial stainless steel and electroplated to give their vibrant colours, meaning it won't come off with use. They are designed with and use the same engineering as the other LDH products so you know you are getting a great pair of scissors. They are a 9.5" blade so they are a good length for most projects. If you love the colourful look, there is also a matching pair of snips!
These shears are for use with light- to medium-weight fabric. Great for general sewing, quilting, and fiber arts.
Shop Prism Shears
Pros:
- Gorgeous multicolour Prism Blades
- Electroplated, not coated so it won't lose the finish
- Handle has been specially shaped to reduce hand fatigue
Cons:
- Fully stainless steel construction is heavier than other options
- Only available in an 9.5" blade
- Will make you want all prism tools