Scissors for English Paper Piecing
Choosing the Right Scissor in English Patchwork
Three different types of scissors will be needed for English paper pieced patchwork to achieve the best effect and make the work easier to do at each stage. Make sure the family know which pairs of scissors are for patchwork and that they should not take them to use for their projects. Have separate pairs for general use in the kitchen and elsewhere for craft projects and so on, and make sure that the family know where these are kept. Scissors do seem to have a habit of walking, so it's a good idea to label each pair clearly.
Paper Cutting Scissors
These are necessary for cutting out the papers onto which the fabric will be basted. Scissors used for cutting paper get blunt very quickly and so a pair should be kept specifically for this. Never try to cut more than one layer of paper at a time as this can lead to the layers of paper slipping and may therefore cause inaccurate templates. The papers should be cut as accurately as possible.
Any scissors sold for general craft and household use should be fine for this. Get them sharpened every so often if they get too blunt.
Thread Cutting Scissors
Four inch embroidery scissors are the best for snipping threads. They are great for trimming off the basting threads and snipping the seaming thread close to the work. They will also remain sharp for a good length of time and will therefore be good to use for cutting the length of thread off from the reel before attempting to thread the needle.
Dressmaking Shears
A good quality pair of dressmaking scissors is essential for cutting out the fabric pieces. These must be used for nothing else and again should stay sharp for a long time. Take them to be sharpened as necessary and they will serve for many years.
Rotary Cutting Equipment
A rotary cutting mat and special ruler can be great for cutting long strips of fabric if many diamonds or squares need to be cut from the same piece. These can be purchased from patchwork and quilting stores and while expensive will last for a long time. However if hexagons or other shapes with inset corners when placed directly against one another are in use it is better to use the scissors.
Right Handed and Left Handed Scissors
Scissors can be purchased for whether one is right or left handed. Buying the right kind may well make long cutting sessions easier, and the cutting more accurate.
Scissors for Trimming Thread Ends
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Home & Style
Latest Articles