The Best Fabric Scissors for Every Sewing Project

Fabric scissors are essential for any sewing project. A good pair cuts through fabric easily and cleanly, while a bad pair creates rough edges and makes cutting difficult.

From budget-friendly basics to professional-grade shears, we tested the top fabric scissors on the market to find the best options for different types of sewing projects and budgets.

What are the best scissors for cutting fabric?

The best scissors for cutting fabric depend on what you're making and what materials you're working with. For most projects, a good 8-inch dressmaker's shear will handle everything from cotton to medium-weight knits.

If you sew often, it's worth having a few different pairs for different tasks. We'll break down the top options so you can find what works for your specific needs.

Top Fabric Scissors for Every Type of Project

Having the right scissors for each project makes your work easier and gives you better results. Here are our top picks for the most common types of sewing projects.

Best scissors for lightweight fabrics (cotton, linen)

For cotton and linen, you want scissors with sharp blades that glide through the fabric without snagging or pulling.

Standard 8-inch fabric shears work great for these materials since they're easy to control and cut smoothly.

These everyday fabrics are what most sewers work with most often, so a reliable pair here is a solid investment.

Best scissors for heavy fabrics (denim, canvas)

Heavy fabrics like denim and canvas need scissors with strong blades and enough leverage to cut through thick layers. Longer shears, around 9-10 inches, give you more cutting power without wearing out your hand.

The blades should feel sturdy and solid, not flimsy. Cheap scissors will struggle with these materials and make your job way harder than it needs to be.

Best scissors for delicate fabrics (silk, chiffon)

Delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon need extremely sharp scissors that won't snag or pull the material.

The blades should be smooth and precise since these fabrics show every mistake. Many sewers prefer shorter blades for delicate work because they give you more control.

Best scissors for quilting or patchwork

Quilting scissors need to cut through multiple layers of fabric at once while staying accurate. Most quilters prefer 8-inch shears that balance control with cutting power.

The scissors should feel comfortable in your hand since quilting involves a lot of repetitive cutting.

Some quilters also keep a rotary cutter handy, but a good pair of scissors is still necessary for curves and detailed cuts.

Best scissors for embroidery or detail work

Embroidery and detail work require small, precise scissors that can get into tight spaces. Most embroidery scissors are 3-5 inches long with sharp, pointed tips.

These little scissors are perfect for snipping threads, cutting small shapes, and trimming close to your stitching.

They're completely different from regular fabric shears, so you'll want both if you do any embroidery or appliqué work.

Related article: How to Sew: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

What is the difference between fabric shears and fabric scissors?

The main difference is that fabric shears have longer blades (usually 7-12 inches) and a bent handle design, while fabric scissors are shorter with symmetrical handles.

Shears are built for cutting long, straight lines through multiple layers of fabric, which is why one handle sits lower than the other to keep the fabric flat on your table.

Scissors are better for smaller cuts and more detailed work. Most people use "scissors" and "shears" interchangeably, but knowing the difference helps you pick the right tool.

When to Choose Fabric Shears

Choose fabric shears when you're cutting out pattern pieces or making long, straight cuts through fabric. The longer blades and angled handles make it easier to cut smoothly without lifting the fabric off your table.

Shears work best for bigger projects like garments, curtains, or quilts where you need clean, accurate cuts. They're the go-to tool for most serious sewing work.

When to Choose Fabric Scissors

Choose fabric scissors when you need to make smaller cuts, trim seam allowances, or work on detail areas. Their shorter blades give you more control for curves, notches, and tight spaces.

Scissors are also easier to handle when you're cutting while holding the fabric up or working on a finished project. They're handy to keep near your sewing machine for quick trimming jobs.

Related article: How to Thread a Sewing Machine Step by Step

What is the best tool for cutting fabric?

The best tool depends on what kind of cutting you're doing. Fabric shears are the standard choice for cutting pattern pieces and large sections of fabric.

Rotary cutters work great for straight lines and quilting, especially when you're cutting multiple layers at once.

Most sewers end up with a mix of tools since each one handles different tasks better than the others.

Fabric Scissors vs. Rotary Cutters

Fabric scissors give you more control for curves and detailed cuts, while rotary cutters are faster for straight lines and cutting through multiple layers.

Rotary cutters require a cutting mat and ruler, so they're less portable but more efficient for quilting and straight seams.

Scissors don't need any extra equipment and work well for all types of cuts, though they can be slower on long straight lines.

Many sewers keep both on hand and switch between them depending on the project.

What kind of scissors are used for cutting cloth?

Fabric scissors and shears are specially designed for cutting cloth, with sharp blades that slice cleanly through textile fibers.

Regular paper scissors aren't sharp enough and will create ragged edges or damage your fabric.

Best Brands of Fabric Scissors

Several brands consistently make high-quality fabric scissors that sewers trust and recommend. Gingher, Fiskars, Kai, and Mundial are among the most popular choices, each with their own strengths.

These brands have been around for years and offer options at different price points. Here's what makes each one stand out.

Gingher : Gingher scissors are known for their precision and durability, and they're a favorite among professional sewers who consider them a lifetime investment.
Fiskars: Fiskars makes affordable, reliable fabric scissors that work great for beginners and casual sewers.
Kai: Kai scissors are made in Japan with incredibly sharp blades that stay sharp for a long time.
Mundial: Mundial offers professional-grade scissors at reasonable prices, making them a solid middle-ground option.

How to Keep Fabric Scissors Sharp

Keep your fabric scissors sharp by only using them on fabric and storing them properly when not in use. Never cut paper, plastic, or anything else with your fabric scissors since these materials dull the blades quickly.

Wipe the blades clean after use and store them in a protective case or sheath. When they do get dull, you can have them professionally sharpened or use a scissor sharpener made for fabric shears.

Tips for picking the best fabric scissors for your project

Here are some things to consider when choosing fabric scissors:

Think about what type of fabric you'll be cutting most often and choose scissors designed for that weight and texture.
Consider the length of the blades, longer for big cuts and pattern pieces, shorter for detail work and curves.
Make sure the scissors feel comfortable in your hand since an awkward grip will make cutting tiring and less accurate.
If you're not sure where to start, an 8-inch pair of fabric shears is a versatile choice that handles most general sewing projects.