Dressmaking & Tailors Scissors

About Dressmaking & Tailors Scissors

Dressmaking and tailors scissors are precision cutting tools engineered specifically for textile work, featuring longer blades and specialist geometry that delivers clean, fray-free cuts through fabric. Unlike standard household scissors, professional dressmaking scissors from brands such as ARS, Faithfull, and Draper utilise high-carbon stainless steel blades and ergonomic handle designs that enable accurate cutting through multiple fabric layers whilst reducing hand fatigue during extended use.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of dressmaking scissors, from compact sewing scissors ideal for thread trimming and detailed work, to traditional 8-inch and 10-inch tailor shears with characteristic bent handles that keep fabric flat during cutting. For demanding professional environments, industrial-grade options like the ARS Kevlar scissors handle heavy-duty materials including canvas, leather, and technical textiles with exceptional cutting performance and durability.

Applications

Dressmaking and tailors scissors are essential tools for:

• Professional Tailors and Seamstresses: Bespoke garment creation, alterations, and custom clothing work
• Fashion Designers: Pattern cutting and sample creation for collections
• Upholsterers: Cutting fabric for furniture covering and soft furnishings
• Theatrical Costume Makers: Creating and altering costumes for stage and screen
• Soft Furnishing Specialists: Curtains, cushions, and home décor fabrication
• Leather Workers: Cutting leather and heavy textiles for bags, belts, and accessories
• Textile Artists and Quilters: Precision cutting for patchwork and appliqué projects
• Garment Manufacturers: Industrial cutting operations in production facilities
• Home Sewing Enthusiasts: DIY clothing projects, repairs, and creative sewing
• Automotive Trimming Specialists: Cutting materials for vehicle interior work

Choosing The Right Dressmaking & Tailors Scissors

Blade Length: Eight-inch tailor shears suit general dressmaking and detailed work, whilst 10-inch models excel at cutting long, straight lines through larger projects. Compact 4-6 inch sewing scissors are essential for precision work and thread trimming.

Material Requirements: Standard dressmaking scissors handle cotton, silk, wool, and synthetic fabrics effectively. For heavy-duty materials such as canvas, denim, leather, or Kevlar, invest in industrial-grade scissors with reinforced blades like those offered by ARS.

Handle Design: Bent-handle tailor shears keep fabric flat during cutting and are preferred by most professionals. Consider ergonomic features with cushioned grips if you'll be cutting for extended periods to reduce hand strain.

Blade Quality: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade scissors with high-carbon stainless steel blades that maintain sharpness through thousands of cuts. Quality brands like Faithfull and Draper produce precision-ground blades offering superior edge retention compared to cheaper alternatives.

Left-Handed Options: Left-handed users require scissors specifically designed for left-handed use, as standard scissors make it difficult to see cutting lines clearly and result in less accurate cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between dressmaking scissors and regular scissors?

Dressmaking scissors feature longer blades (typically 8-10 inches) with specialist blade geometry designed specifically for shearing through textile fibres without fraying. Many feature bent handles that keep fabric flat on the cutting surface. The high-carbon stainless steel used in quality dressmaking scissors maintains a sharper edge longer than standard household scissors. Using dressmaking scissors exclusively for fabric preserves their precision cutting edge.

How should I maintain my dressmaking scissors?

Keep scissors clean and dry, wiping blades after use to remove fabric fibres. Store in a protective sheath to prevent blade damage. Never use fabric scissors to cut paper, card, or plastic, as this rapidly dulls the blade. Have them professionally sharpened when cutting performance declines – typically once or twice yearly for professional use. Oil the pivot point occasionally with sewing machine oil to maintain smooth operation.

What size tailor shears should I choose?

For general dressmaking and most sewing projects, 8-inch tailor shears offer the best balance of manoeuvrability and cutting capacity. Ten-inch shears suit professionals cutting large quantities of fabric or working with multiple layers, enabling faster, straighter cuts. For detailed work and confined spaces, keep 4-6 inch sewing scissors in your toolkit. Many serious sewers own multiple sizes for different applications.