10 Tips for Caring for Your Sewing Scissors
                                                                                                                                                                                                          




















    just for sewing. Have other scissors for cutting paper, metal, or plastic. And use the right
    scissors for the job – smaller scissors for lighter cutting jobs, larger, heavier scissors for bulkier
    items.


Never force a cut

    Forcing a cut can damage the alignment of your scissors. If you find yourself straining to make a
    cut, your scissors may be to light for the job or may need sharpening. And remember, when
    cutting heavy items, start your cut near the pivot, not the tip of the blades.


Be careful not to hit pins when you cut

    Hitting a pin can damage the alignment of your scissors and nick the blades. Therefore, when
    pinning your fabric, make sure to pin clear of your cutting path.


Be careful not to drop your scissors

    This can damage the alignment of your scissors, nick the blades, cause the blades to bend or
    the tips to break. Store your scissors in a place where they won’t easily fall.


Wipe the blades regularly

    Lint build up can dull blades and clog the pivot area, making cutting more difficult. So after each
    use, wipe the blades with a clean, soft cloth.


Oil the blades periodically

    Apply a light coating of oil (sewing machine or another fine oil) to the blades of your scissors to
    keep them cutting smoothly and to prevent rust. Wipe the blades thoroughly to remove any
    excess oil. To remove any remaining residue from your scissors, cut through a scrap of fabric a
    few times.


Oil the pivot screw and joint area every few months

    This will also keep your scissors cutting smoothly. Place drop of oil on the pivot screw and
    between the blades at the pivot and open and close your scissors a few times. Thoroughly
    wipe off any excess, then cut through a scrap of fabric a few times to remove any remaining oil
    residue.


Wash your scissors periodically*

    Wash your scissors by hand (not in the dishwasher) and dry them immediately and thoroughly.
    Oil your scissors after washing.

    Note: Not all scissors manufacturers recommend exposing your scissors to water. You may want  to
    check with your manufacturer before washing your scissors.


Get your scissors sharpened as needed

    This will also keep them cutting smoothly.


Store your scissors securely

    Store your scissors in a cool, dry place – preferably tucked away in their own sheath, pouch, or
    case. And store them in a place where they won’t easily fall or be knocked to the floor.
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It’s so easy to neglect our sewing scissors. To
casually toss them in a drawer, forgetting about
them until we need them again.

But dull, rough cutting scissors can slow us down,
fatigue our hands, and damage our fabric.

Therefore, it’s essential to keep our scissors in
good operating order.

Here are ten tips to help you:


Own several pairs of scissors, each for a
specific task

    In other words, use your sewing scissors  
*
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