Sharp and Small: Scissors for Hand Embroidery
If you take hand embroidery remotely seriously as a hobby, one of the first tools you should invest in is a decent pair of embroidery scissors. Now, please don't get me wrong - I'm not a scissor snob! I realize that a $5 pair of scissors from your local craft store will still cut thread. Still, do indulge me, while I talk a bit and rave a little about good scissors!
There are scissors for embroidery... and then there are Scissors for embroidery!
What are the most basic criteria for embroidery scissors? That they be small and sharp. Beyond that, people have different preferences in scissors: different styles they look for, different price ranges they can afford, and so forth.
I like scissors that reflect quality workmanship, that perform well (the blades fit together, the mechanical opening and closing is smooth and easy), that are comfortable, and that will stand up to the ravages of time and hard work.
I've not spent a real fortune on scissors, though I have collected a few over the years. You can purchase good quality scissors, actually, without spending a fortune. A decent pair of Gingher (made in Germany and very widely available) embroidery scissors run from $15 - $30, depending on the type and where you find them.
I have a total of 6 embroidery scissors, three of which are used for goldwork and three for threads. I also have a pair of sewing shears and a pair of applique scissors, which are handy for cutwork. All except one pair are Gingher - this isn't so much due to preference as it is to affordability and availability. Most of my scissors, I bought on sale at local needlework shops or sewing shops.
However, I don't use them all most of the time! Here's the array of scissors presently inhabiting my tool box. They're all Gingher, except for the greyish pewter looking pair, which I'll talk about in a second.
These two scissors are my favorites. Notice that they are both the same size as far as length goes. The shiny pair is by Gingher and the pewter-looking pair is by Dovo. They both have decent-sized finger holes. I've never had big hands (they're more like... paws), but I can't stand forcing my phalanges into small-holed scissors, especially the ones that have decorative nobby lumps all over them!
Of the two scissors, the Dovo scissors are by far my favorite scissors ever! They are finer than the Gingher scissors, they are light and comfortable, sturdy, the movement of the blades is smooth and exact, the tips are perfectly pointed, and the blades are quite thin.
When the two are stacked on top of each other, it's obvious that they are the same length, but notice that the blades on the Dovo scissors are smaller. I always feel as if I have more control with the Dovo scissors and can be more precise, and I think this has to do with the size of the blades. (And it might just be because I'm infatuated with these scissors, so I imagine every good thing about them!)
Here's a close-up on the blades, with the Dovo on the left. If you compare the thickness of the blades, you can see that they are close, but the Dovo scissors are just a bit finer than the Gingher.
Strangely enough, if you take the ever-popular gold-handled stork embroidery scissors by Gingher (among their smallest scissors) - pictured on the left - and compare their blades to the Dovo blades (on the right), you can see that the Dovo blades are significantly finer than the Gingher stork's blades. (My stork scissors have been through it! They need to be sharpened!)
I love Dovo scissors, and this pair especially. They are excellent for small detail work. They're perfect when cutting out stitching (oh, yeah - I do that!). I love them for any kind of work where one or two threads in the fabric must be cut (for drawn thread work, for example), and they're great for cutwork and needle lace.
The Dovo scissors are a bit more expensive than Gingher, though, and hence, I only have one pair! This pair runs around $40 - $45, depending on where you find them.
I'm convinced, though, that if you are going to spend time and effort and money on a hobby, then you should have the right tools. At least one good pair of embroidery scissors is really essential! And they don't have to be Dovo, necessarily! Your budget will most likely dictate your options. But, here's an idea! If you have a birthday coming up, or some other occasion to receive a gift (um.... I wouldn't necessarily want scissors as a Valentine gift or a wedding anniversary present - the message could be wildly misconstrued!), consider dropping a subtle hint for good scissors if you don't already own a pair.
So what's your favorite brand of scissors? Do you have a faithful, favorite pair that you would be loathe to lose? If you were recommending scissors to another stitcher, which would you recommend, and why? Please tell us! C'mon - there's nothing quite as fun as talking about tools!
There are scissors for embroidery... and then there are Scissors for embroidery!
What are the most basic criteria for embroidery scissors? That they be small and sharp. Beyond that, people have different preferences in scissors: different styles they look for, different price ranges they can afford, and so forth.
I like scissors that reflect quality workmanship, that perform well (the blades fit together, the mechanical opening and closing is smooth and easy), that are comfortable, and that will stand up to the ravages of time and hard work.
I've not spent a real fortune on scissors, though I have collected a few over the years. You can purchase good quality scissors, actually, without spending a fortune. A decent pair of Gingher (made in Germany and very widely available) embroidery scissors run from $15 - $30, depending on the type and where you find them.
I have a total of 6 embroidery scissors, three of which are used for goldwork and three for threads. I also have a pair of sewing shears and a pair of applique scissors, which are handy for cutwork. All except one pair are Gingher - this isn't so much due to preference as it is to affordability and availability. Most of my scissors, I bought on sale at local needlework shops or sewing shops.
However, I don't use them all most of the time! Here's the array of scissors presently inhabiting my tool box. They're all Gingher, except for the greyish pewter looking pair, which I'll talk about in a second.
These two scissors are my favorites. Notice that they are both the same size as far as length goes. The shiny pair is by Gingher and the pewter-looking pair is by Dovo. They both have decent-sized finger holes. I've never had big hands (they're more like... paws), but I can't stand forcing my phalanges into small-holed scissors, especially the ones that have decorative nobby lumps all over them!
Of the two scissors, the Dovo scissors are by far my favorite scissors ever! They are finer than the Gingher scissors, they are light and comfortable, sturdy, the movement of the blades is smooth and exact, the tips are perfectly pointed, and the blades are quite thin.
When the two are stacked on top of each other, it's obvious that they are the same length, but notice that the blades on the Dovo scissors are smaller. I always feel as if I have more control with the Dovo scissors and can be more precise, and I think this has to do with the size of the blades. (And it might just be because I'm infatuated with these scissors, so I imagine every good thing about them!)
Here's a close-up on the blades, with the Dovo on the left. If you compare the thickness of the blades, you can see that they are close, but the Dovo scissors are just a bit finer than the Gingher.
Strangely enough, if you take the ever-popular gold-handled stork embroidery scissors by Gingher (among their smallest scissors) - pictured on the left - and compare their blades to the Dovo blades (on the right), you can see that the Dovo blades are significantly finer than the Gingher stork's blades. (My stork scissors have been through it! They need to be sharpened!)
I love Dovo scissors, and this pair especially. They are excellent for small detail work. They're perfect when cutting out stitching (oh, yeah - I do that!). I love them for any kind of work where one or two threads in the fabric must be cut (for drawn thread work, for example), and they're great for cutwork and needle lace.
The Dovo scissors are a bit more expensive than Gingher, though, and hence, I only have one pair! This pair runs around $40 - $45, depending on where you find them.
I'm convinced, though, that if you are going to spend time and effort and money on a hobby, then you should have the right tools. At least one good pair of embroidery scissors is really essential! And they don't have to be Dovo, necessarily! Your budget will most likely dictate your options. But, here's an idea! If you have a birthday coming up, or some other occasion to receive a gift (um.... I wouldn't necessarily want scissors as a Valentine gift or a wedding anniversary present - the message could be wildly misconstrued!), consider dropping a subtle hint for good scissors if you don't already own a pair.
So what's your favorite brand of scissors? Do you have a faithful, favorite pair that you would be loathe to lose? If you were recommending scissors to another stitcher, which would you recommend, and why? Please tell us! C'mon - there's nothing quite as fun as talking about tools!
Labels: embroidery resources, needlework tools, pictures
Posted By: Mary Corbet on Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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Mary, my favorite embroidery scissors are from Japan. They are the normal embroidery size and have fake tortoise shell handles. They came in a plastic sheeth with a red back side. They are light in my hand and very sharp. Unfortunately they do not have a manufacturer's name on them and I only have my local shop's word they came from Japan.
Still, I love them and have two pairs. I'd tell folks to watch for scissors that fit this description and try a set if the shop allows. Nothing tells you what scissors work for you better than handling them.
Oooh, but I love my surgical scissors!! Fine tips, narrow blades and sharp as an unexpected winter draft.
Choose carefully but these are nice tools. You can also pick up amazing scissors in some of the 'airport screening' scissor auctions. Wow. Talk about a lot to choose from... hehehe...
For goldwork, look at the serrated very small bandage scissors. They have grip and leverage as well as light weight and easy use.
PA
This was very helpful to me, Mary. I've been wondering why there are so many scissor options and how to choose among them. Thanks!
I've found that cuticle scissors are often excellent for embroidery applications. I've even seen styles that I KNOW were produced for nail work, re-labeled and sold in needlework shops.
My favorite pair (and I have a couple of these) is Henckels' Twinox Nail Scissor. They're not only *wickedly* sharp, they're pointy beyond all reason - I guess that's to get into tiny hangnail crevices with, but it works GREAT for snipping a single stitch.
My favorite trick - I get scissors from Ebay that have been abandoned at the airports. There are a couple of sellers who carry them. I've gotten some *fantastic* scissors, all different kinds, for pennies on the dollar. I used to have a horrible time losing them, but now I have scissors in every project bag, every convenient drawer. And I have plenty to pass around at workshops, in case people didn't bring their own.
One other thought - be careful with giving scissors and knives, particularly for Valentine's day! Many people have folk traditions regarding sharp gifts, like knives and scissors - it is believed that the gift of a sharp implement can sever the friendship. A lot of people will include a penny with a sharp gift, so that the recipient can "buy" the scissors. Some cutlery (usually knife) sets even have the penny included in the packaging.
you are so right, you know that! I have had terrible scissors and cut up my work with them, now I have lovely scissors (not all), and I watch out if nobody in my house uses them for anything else but thread or fabric!!!
Thanks for the very informative post. I have been visiting your blog for a while now and love it! My favorite scissors are KAI made in Japan and sold in JoAnn's stores. The are sharp and have a sharp point which I use for pushing in my applique points. They are inexpensive and I use them always. A friend of mine who is an applique designer, Patricia Cox, loves the Dovo scissors you wrote about. Maybe someday I will have a pair but for now I'll use my cheap, shart Kai's.
Hi Mary,
I am very fond of my Pony embroidery scissors and also love the pair of embroidery scissors from Singer.
I agree with Micheal. In Indai it is customary not to give any needles or scissors as gifts as it might sever relationships
I adores scissors and have a large assortment of all makes and sizes. Most are Ginghers and Dovos with my favorite embroidery scissors being the Dovos you pictured. However, I also have a very small pair of curved blade Ginghers that I find wonderful for embroidery. The curved blade makes it possible to clip very close without fear of a snip in the fabric.
The Gingher factory in Greensboro, NC, sharpens their scissors for $7 a pair but I have yet to find a source for sharpening Dovos. Do you know of one, Mary?
Cissie
Thanks, all, for your input on the scissors question. When it comes down to it, I'd say that, besides a needle and thread and fabric, this is the tool that all stitchers have in common!
Thanks for the input, Michael and Jayashree, on the cultural customs associated with giving scissors or needles as a gift!
Cissie - I go to a rather "generic" scissor-sharpening-fellow who has a little shop for sharpening things (scissors, knives, ice skates, etc....) Maybe you could find such a service through a local sewing center?
MC
I have a very old pair of inexpensive stork scissors that are sentimental for me...My (now deceased) dad used to sharpen them for me, and could give them a wonderful edge, much better than they had originally...I use them for snipping threads and general use...my favorite scissors for Hardanger are a pair of Ginghers with fine blades and a black finish. I was using chrome finished ones, but when cutting threads, the thread reflected in the high polished blade...I can see exactly what I am cutting with the white threads on the matte black blades. My fiancee just mailed them to me (I left them in Colorado) and I was sooo thankful they arrived...I can`t find them on the Gingher site anymore.
Mary,
What Jayashree said is correct and applies to knives, too. I gave my dear BIL a most beautiful set of carving and chef's knives for his birthday (he's the family barbecue chef par excellence!), but he said that was bad luck and had to give me a penny to "buy" them from me. Then he proceeded to use them to carve up and grill a most delicious chicken....Indian style.
My favorite scissors are all Gingher and I own probably a dozen different varieties for sewing, embroidery and applique, but I will have to look into the Dovo brand. Those blades look deliciously thin and fine. I wish we could get Pony scissors and needles here in the US as I've heard very good reports about them. Does anyone know of a US source?
Tess
mj - the black scissors sound like a fabulous idea!
Tess - A while ago, Michael Cook was in touch with a supplier of pony needles. He sent me some samples of the 10, 11, and 12 gold eye embroidery needles - they're super nice. They're shorter than most needles and very fine. I'd like to find a US supplier, too. If I come up with one, I'll let you know....
MC
Hi Mary,
Many thanks for all the information that you give so generously. I look forward with great anticipation your wonderful posts. Up until today I have never really given scissors much thought other than some are pretty, and I have been embroidery for years self taught. After todays post I have decided to shout my self a pair of Dovo scissors. But am unsure as to what lenght your scissors are. Could you please let us know what lenght in your up and coming posts. Many Thanks Judy
Dear Mary, I just came across your wonderful site while looking for tutorials on stitches. I haven't embroidered since high school many years ago. Our city has a wonderful store, The Silver Needle, Tulsa, OK, and they carry many scissors including Gingher and Dovo in all sizes. You can order directly from their website. Thank you for all of your suggestions. I will check back often.
Hedgehog Handiworks carries Pony needles.
Angelina
Several models of fine blade embroidery scissors at good prices are available at http://jaeberly.com/id69.html
I do applique and my favorite scissors are the Dovo Lace scissors with only one blunt end. I use the sharp end to help turn corners, etc and the blunt end to trim the back fabric away. I got them at Quilt Market several years ago from the Dovo booth, but have never been able to find them again. Dovo's are very good scissors.
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