How to choose fabric shears
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
To choose fabric shears, start by focusing on a bent-handle design for cutting fabric flat on a table, look for forged steel blades that stay sharp, and pick an overall weight and hand size that feels comfortable for extended use. Quality shears cost more upfront but save hours of frustration and keep your fabric edges clean.
What kind of handle is best for cutting fabric?
The most important design feature for fabric shears is a bent or angled handle. This allows the lower blade to glide flat along your cutting surface, lifting the fabric slightly so you can see your cutting line clearly. Straight-handled scissors force you to lift the fabric or tilt your wrist, which leads to uneven cuts and hand fatigue. Almost every professional dressmaker reaches for bent-handle shears as their main pair. If you only buy one pair, make it a quality bent-handle model. The slight extra cost is well worth the control and comfort.
What blade material should you look for?
The blade material directly affects how long your shears stay sharp and how easily they cut. Forged high-carbon steel is widely regarded as the gold standard. It takes a very fine edge and holds it through thousands of cuts, and it can be resharpened many times. Stainless steel resists rust and is fine for general use, but it does not hold an edge as long as carbon steel. Some shears come with a titanium coating, which reduces friction and can make cutting sticky or synthetic fabrics easier. However, the coating can wear off over time, and the underlying steel quality still matters most. Avoid anything stamped as “stainless” without further details; a forged blade is a sign of a serious tool.
How big should fabric shears be?
Most dressmakers settle on shears with an 8-inch blade. This size is long enough to cut long, straight lines or curves in one smooth motion, yet short enough for detailed work around pattern pieces. A 7-inch pair is more maneuverable for smaller hands or tight curves, while a 9-inch pair gives extra leverage for heavy fabrics like denim or upholstery. Your hand size matters too. When the shears are open, the rings should let your thumb and fingers sit comfortably without pinching. If the shears feel too large or too small, they will tire your hand and slip off the fabric. Many brands offer multiple sizes, so try a few if you can.
How important is weight and balance?
Weight and balance are just as critical as blade sharpness. Heavier shears cut through thick layers with less effort, but they can cause wrist fatigue during long sewing sessions. Lighter shears feel nimble but may lack the momentum to glide through multiple layers cleanly. The ideal pair feels neutral in your hand, the pivot point should rest near the web of your thumb, and the blades should open and close without forcing the handle to tip forward or backward. Many high-end brands achieve this with a full-tang construction and careful weight distribution. A well-balanced shear lets you cut for hours without cramping.
What about left-handed fabric shears?
Left-handed shears are not simply right-handed models with the handles swapped. True left-handed shears have blades reversed so that the left-handed user sees their cutting line without the blade blocking the view. The handles are also angled for a left-hand grip, which allows the user to apply even pressure and makes cutting smoother. Using right-handed shears in your left hand will cause the blades to push apart and the fabric to jam. If you are left-handed, look for manufacturers that offer dedicated left-handed models, such as Gingher, Fiskars, or Kai. The investment is worth it to avoid hand strain and ragged edges.
How to maintain your fabric shears
The number one rule is to never cut paper with fabric shears. Paper fibers dull blades far faster than fabric does, and paper leaves a residue that can gum up the pivot. Store your shears in a sheath or a dry drawer where they won’t get knocked or used for other tasks. Wipe the blades clean after each use, especially if you cut through sticky or fusible materials. A drop of sewing-machine oil on the pivot screw every few months keeps the action smooth. Eventually every pair needs sharpening, send them to a professional scissor sharpener rather than using a home stone, unless you have experience. A well-maintained pair of good shears can last a lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use paper scissors to cut fabric?
You can in an emergency, but it is not recommended. Paper scissors are ground to a different edge angle and will quickly dull or fray fabric edges. Dedicated fabric shears are designed to slice cleanly through fibers without pulling or tearing.
What brand of fabric shears do dressmakers recommend?
Gingher, Fiskars, and Kai are among the most trusted names among dressmakers. Gingher offers classic forged shears that many sewists pass down for decades. Fiskars makes ergonomic and lightweight models that are great for everyday use. Kai is known for extremely sharp, lightweight shears favored by many quilters and couture sewers.
How often should I sharpen fabric shears?
That depends on how much you cut. For a home sewer who cuts fabric a few times a week, once every one to two years is typical. If you notice the blades skipping over the fabric or hear a tearing sound instead of a clean “whoosh,” it is time to have them sharpened by a professional.
Are there ergonomic shears for people with arthritis?
Yes. Several manufacturers make shears with spring-assisted handles that open automatically after each cut, reducing hand strain. Fiskars also offers a line of “Softouch” shears with cushioned grips and an offset handle that keeps your wrist in a neutral position. For severe arthritis, look for shears with a very lightweight design and a generous thumb ring.
What’s the difference between sewing scissors and fabric shears?
Strictly speaking, shears have blades at least 6 inches long and have one handle with a larger ring for two fingers. Scissors are usually under 6 inches and have equal-sized rings. In practice, “fabric shears” refers to the long-bladed, bent-handle tool used for cutting out patterns, while “sewing scissors” often refers to smaller trimmers for clipping threads and notches.
Can I cut multiple layers of fabric at once?
Yes, quality fabric shears are designed to handle two to four layers of medium-weight fabric cleanly. For heavier stacks or thick materials like denim or wool coating, you may need a longer blade (9 inches or more) and a stronger hand grip. If you feel resistance, do not force the cut, reduce the number of layers to avoid distorting the fabric or dulling the blades.