Cutting Tools for Sewing

If you love to sew or are learning how to sew, these are all the cutting tools for sewing that will make it easier and more enjoyable.

Sewing is so fun and enjoyable. It is a great way to express your creativity and make something unique. I love making things with my hands.

Before you can start sewing, you need to have the right cutting tools. The cutting tools will make a big difference in your experience with sewing.

There are many different types of scissors available, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing scissors for sewing, it is important to consider the type of fabric you will be working with. For example, if you will be sewing delicate fabrics, you will need a pair of sharp, lightweight scissors. If you will be sewing heavier fabrics, you will need a pair of stronger, heavier-duty scissors.

Why do you need specific cutting tools to cut fabric?

When you cut something like paper, it dulls the blades of scissors, blades, and knives. If you want clean cuts that are easy to do, then use tools just for fabric. I use scissors specifically to cut paper patterns, and then separate fabric scissors.

Here are some tips for using cutting tools for sewing:

Always use sharp scissors. Dull scissors will make it difficult to cut fabric cleanly and evenly.
When using a rotary blade or buttonhole cutter, then cut fabric on a cutting mat. This will help to protect your table and keep the blades sharp.
Take care of your cutting tools. Keep them clean and dry, and sharpen them regularly. With a little care and attention, your cutting tools will last for many years.

Do I need to buy expensive tools?

No, you do not need to buy expensive tools to get started. Buy affordable options to see what you like to use and what parts of sewing you like. Then upgrade as you can and decide what you need.

Expensive tools work better and last longer, but you don’t know what you like or don’t like until you try it. That is why I recommend slowly working up to the expensive options.

Want more sewing tips and tools? Check these out:

Gingher Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors

To be able to cut out fabric, you need to have scissors that are devoted to only cutting fabric. These shears have a comfortable handle and 8 inch blades so you can easily make either long or short cuts.

Clover White Ergonomic Seam Ripper

Seam rippers are important so that you can pick out a mistake and sew it again. A seam ripper makes opening seams so easy, since it has a sharp blade that can easily cut through stitches. I’ve tested a bunch of different seam rippers and the Clover seam ripper was a clear winner!

Thread Snips

I know a lot of people love thread snips. These small, sharp scissors are perfect for cutting threads and tiny parts of fabric. I actually prefer using tiny scissors instead, but thread snips can always be found in a sewing room.

Rotary Cutter

Another way to cut out fabric is with a rotary cutter and a cutting mat. This is a tool that is great for both apparel and quilting. You can cut large pieces of fabric quickly and easily. The large size is better for cutting quilt pieces, and the small size is better for apparel when you have lots of details you are cutting around.

Pinking Shears – Zig Zag Scissors for Fabric

Pinking shears are scissors that cut a zigzag line instead of a straight line. It’s great for keeping the fabric from fraying before you start working with it. I also loved using it to notch curves to reduce bulk.

Small Scissors

Not everyone loves these because they prefer thread snips, but they are quite handy in the sewing room. I love them for cutting thread, cutting seam allowances, and clipping or notching. The sharp edge makes details easier to work around and be precise.

Clover Button Hole Cutter

If you sew a lot of buttonholes, then a buttonhole cutter is the best tool. (I don’t sew a lot of buttonholes, and I still have a buttonhole cutter.) A buttonhole cutter is a straight edge knife that you push into the fabric through a buttonhole onto a cutting mat. It makes it so you don’t rip through your buttonhole stitches, but you get a nice clean cut.

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!