Tool School: Scissors and Shears
By Steve Butler
What is it?
Question, what is the one thing that we all do when we sew (any genre), when we knit or crochet (any genre) or craft (any genre)? Answer, we cut or otherwise shape some type of material so we can apply it to other materials so we can form our intended design. In each of these art forms we are engaged in cutting some type of textile based material into some predetermined shape or size. And then we connect them. Simple basic construction, right? Yep, and as with any basic construction, the more precise our cuts, the more precise our finished project will be and the more satisfied we will be. So what is this magic tool that we all use to make these cuts? The answer is simple, scissors or shears. Something new? Nope. They’ve been around so long it’s hard to imagine doing anything in sewing, knitting or crafts without them. They’re one of the most common tools used universally by us humans.
Because of that they have enjoyed the natural evolution that comes with the application of developing technology. The scissors and shears we use today bear but a faint resemblance to those used by our ancestors. In high-quality scissors the blades are extremely sharp and are positioned to increase the cutting and shearing tension at the exact point where the blades meet and the fabric is cleanly cut. A true performance test of any scissor or shear necessarily focuses on how cleanly they cut both multiple layers of fabric and how well they cut the most detailed and intricate patterns. Equally important is how comfortable they are. If you’re an enthusiast, chances are you’ll spend considerable time with them in your hand and the ease with which you manipulate them is important. When selecting scissors or shears they should be comfortable to operate, smooth in motion and cut to the very tip. Size is also important. Smaller scissors or shears for trimming or intricate cuts, larger shears for the long, smooth cuts or multiple layer cuts. The right tool for the right job, right? To meet your creative cutting criteria, Clover has gone to great lengths to provide a wide variety of blade sizes and shapes combined with unexcelled quality in materials and unrelenting manufacturing standards. Because of this Clover precision scissors and shears have become the preferred cutting tools for the most demanding creative tasks.
What does it do?
As with any creative endeavor, having the right tools makes all of the difference. For sewers and crafters that means having the best scissors and shears at the ready to handle any task . There’s no question that while a good pair of high quality dressmaker shears might be enough to handle most fabric cutting tasks, there are many applications and materials that have special requirements. To meet these needs specific to desired quality and variety of application, Clover provides two families of scissors.
Patchwork Scissors
These are quality cutting tools with sharp blades aligned to ensure precision cuts. There or four styles designed to accommodate specific requirements.
- Mini – Designed with a pointed tip for cutting and trimming in tight, restrictive spaces. Perfect for applique, chenille quilting and many craft applications.
- Small – A nice compact size scissor that lends itself to numerous applications requiring detail work. Great for your travel kit.
- Original – Just a great size scissor that can function across many sewing and craft needs. The serrated edge ensures precision cuts.
- Large – The Large Patchwork is designed for long smooth cuts or to cut multiple layers of fabric with precision. The serrated edge makes even the silkiest fabrics easy to cut.
Bordeaux Ultimate Scissors/Shears
These are the absolute ultimate scissors and shears. Developed in collaboration with Nancy Zieman and utilizing both unique materials and manufacturing processes, the Bordeaux line of scissors and shears are the “go to” tools when precision and durability are desired. Additionally, the handles are both comfortable and ambidextrous. If you want the best, this is it!
- Bordeaux Ultimate Scissors 130 – Comfort and precision. The 130’s shorter blades enable precision cuts and trimming in tight spaces
- Bordeaux Ultimate Scissors 170 – The 170’s longer blades are perfect for a wide range of sewing and craft applications.
- Bordeaux Ultimate Shears 200 – The 200 is designed as classic dressmaker’s shears. The handle is comfortable, either lefty or righty, and the shape of the blades allow them to lie flat on your cutting table as you cut out your patterns.
How do I share it?
An individual’s selection of that “favorite” set of scissors is, and should be, a very personal matter. The very best way to pick your set is to put them to task. Set out an assortment of scissors and shears along with several types of fabric and allow everyone to test them all. The quality will be immediately obvious to anyone who is currently just getting by with economy based or mediocre cutting tools. They will definitely fall in love the feel and performance of quality Clover blades. Clover – Effortlessly Creative.
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