How to Choose Shears for Your Craft Project

The pair of shears you choose can make or break your craft project. Before you pick up any old pair of scissors, learn how to select the best shears for your material and design.

Consider the Material You’ll be Cutting

Does your project involve paper, fabric, or upholstery? Each of these materials is drastically different from the rest, both in thickness and nature. Just because a pair of shears can cut paper doesn’t mean it can cut through carpet. A nice set of professional shears can work for just about any project. The key is to never dull your shears by cutting mixed materials.

For example, using a pair of scissors to cut cardstock, plastic, or other tough materials can dull the blades, making it difficult to use them for paper. If you tend to use shears for a variety of home or craft projects, invest in a different set for each type of material. In other words, don’t use your paper shears to cut fabric and vice versa.

Certain material may also require a specific type of scissors. Drapery, upholstery, and leather are much thicker than most fabrics, so they require heavy-duty blades. Belt- and leather-cutting shears are perfect for any type of leatherwork, while upholstery carpet shears can tackle those tough fabrics.

Consider Which Hand You Use

Most shears are designed for right-handed users. In some cases, a left-handed craftsperson gets used to using right-handed shears, but this isn’t always ideal. If you’re a left-hander who frequently needs scissors for projects, invest in a quality set of left-hand shears. Your wrist will thank you for it.

Other things to look for in a new pair of shears include:

• Blade length
• Ergonomics
• Size
• Ease of cutting

Find the finest quality shears and scissors for all your craft needs at Feiner Supply.