Good tailor scissors make every cutting job easier: cleaner lines, less hand strain and fabric that lies flat instead of chewing and slipping. But walk into any sewing shop and you will see 8", 10" and 12" shears side by side. Which one do you actually need? This guide explains the difference in plain English so you can buy the right pair first time.
Quick answer
- 8" tailor scissors – best for beginners, detailed cutting, curves and smaller hands.
- 10" tailor scissors – the all-rounder. If you only buy one pair, buy a 10".
- 12" tailor scissors – for long, straight cuts through large pieces, heavy fabric, upholstery and carpet.
What makes tailor scissors different from ordinary scissors?
Tailor scissors (also called dressmaking shears or fabric shears) have long, sharp blades and usually a bent or offset handle. The offset lets the lower blade rest flat on the table, so the fabric stays flat while you cut. The blades are heavier and the pivot is firmer than household scissors, which is why they cut cleanly through several layers, denim, canvas and leather.
8" tailor scissors: control and detail
An 8" pair is light and easy to steer. It is ideal for cutting curves, notches and smaller pattern pieces, for alterations and for anyone who finds bigger shears tiring. It is also a good first pair for students and beginners.
Try our Heavy Duty Sewing Scissors 8" or the Professional All Black 8" with a grip handle.
10" tailor scissors: the best all-rounder
Most dressmakers and tailors reach for a 10" pair every day. It is long enough for smooth cuts along a pattern edge, but still easy to control on curves. It handles cotton, wool, denim and multiple layers well.
Popular choices: Heavy Duty Sewing Scissors 10", the All Black 10", and for daily professional use our Premium 10" J2 Steel Tailor Scissors.
12" tailor scissors: long cuts and heavy materials
A 12" pair covers more fabric with each stroke, so long straight cuts are quicker and smoother. It is the size to choose for large pattern pieces, curtains, upholstery, carpet and leather. The trade-off is weight – 12" shears are less suited to small, fiddly shapes.
See the Tailor Scissors 12" Silver and the Premium 12" Tailor Scissors.
Should you buy a set?
If you sew regularly, two sizes are better than one: a smaller pair for detail and a larger pair for long cuts. Sets work out cheaper than buying separately:
- Tailor Scissors Set 8" & 10"
- All Black 3-Piece Set (8", 10" & 12")
- All Black 5-Piece Set (8" to 12") – great for workrooms and classes
You can also mix and match: buy any 2 scissors and save 10%, applied automatically in your basket.
Left-handed? Get left-handed shears
Standard scissors are built for the right hand. Used left-handed, the blades push apart and hide the cutting line, so the fabric folds instead of cutting cleanly. True left-handed shears have the blades reversed, so you can see your line and get a clean cut. Choose our Left-Handed 8" or Left-Handed 10".
How to keep fabric scissors sharp
- Use them for fabric only – paper and card dull the edge quickly.
- Wipe the blades clean and dry after use, especially after cutting fusible interfacing.
- Put a drop of oil on the pivot now and then.
- Store them closed, in a case or drawer where the tips cannot be knocked.
- Do not drop them – a knocked tip or bent blade will not cut cleanly.
FAQs
What size tailor scissors are best for beginners?
An 8" or 10" pair. Start with 10" if you will cut a lot of dressmaking fabric, or 8" if you have smaller hands or mostly do alterations.
Can tailor scissors cut leather?
Heavy-duty tailor scissors cut thin to medium leather well. For thick leather, a 12" heavy-duty pair gives more leverage.
Are 12" scissors too big for dressmaking?
Not for long, straight cuts, but most people pair them with a smaller 8" or 10" for curves and detail.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes – all scissors ship free to UK addresses and are dispatched within 1 working day.