You're getting back into dressmaking and you've narrowed it down to two pairs of tailor's scissors: an 8 inch and a 10 inch. On a product page they look almost identical. In your hand, they feel quite different, and picking the wrong length can make cutting out a chore.
Here's how we'd help you choose, plus a few habits that'll keep whichever pair you pick cutting cleanly for years.
What makes tailor's scissors different from ordinary scissors?
Pick up a pair of tailor's scissors and you'll notice the handles aren't in line with the blades. They're bent, or offset. That's the whole point. With the fabric laid flat on your table, the lower blade slides along the surface while your hand sits above it, so the cloth barely lifts as you cut. You get a straighter line and your pattern pieces stay where you pinned them.
The other giveaway is the handle shape: a small ring for your thumb and a longer oval loop for your fingers. That gives you more leverage and control than a pair of kitchen scissors with two equal rings.
8 inch tailor's scissors: who are they for?
The 8" tailor's scissors are the pair we'd point most home sewers towards. They're big enough to cut long, smooth lines but light enough that you won't get a tired wrist after an afternoon of cutting out.
They suit you well if:
- You're making clothes, quilting or doing alterations at home
- You have smaller hands, or you find heavy scissors tiring
- You cut a lot of curves, like necklines and armholes, where a shorter blade is easier to steer
- You want one dependable pair that also copes with leather, canvas and the odd bit of carpet
10 inch tailor's scissors: when the extra length pays off
The 10" red grip tailor's scissors give you a longer blade, so each closing stroke covers more fabric. On a long straight seam or a big piece of curtain material, that means fewer cuts and fewer little steps in your line.
They're a good fit if:
- You cut out large pieces, such as coats, curtains or upholstery covers
- You often cut through several layers of fabric at once
- You work with heavier cloth like denim, wool or furnishing fabric
- You've got larger hands and find smaller scissors fiddly
The trade-off is weight and reach. On tight curves a long blade can feel a bit clumsy, and some people find them heavy over a long session.
Still not sure? A quick rule of thumb
If you mostly sew garments at a normal dining table, go for 8 inch. If you've got a big cutting table and work on large or heavy projects, the 10 inch will save you time. Lots of sewers end up with both: the long pair for cutting out, the shorter pair for trimming and curves.
Common mistakes that blunt good fabric scissors
Most "my scissors have gone dull" stories come down to a few habits.
- Cutting paper. Paper is surprisingly hard on a fine edge. Keep a cheap pair for paper patterns and never let anyone borrow your fabric scissors for wrapping paper.
- Cutting wire or metal. Even thin craft wire can nick the blades. If you work with metal sheet or wire, use proper snips from our jewellery shears and cutters range instead.
- Cutting over pins. Running the blades over a pin is an easy way to leave a notch. Take pins out as you go, or cut around them.
- Dropping them. A fall onto a hard floor can knock the blades out of line or damage the tips. Keep them in a drawer or a case, not balanced on the edge of the table.
Looking after your tailor's scissors
Care is simple. After a session, wipe the blades with a soft dry cloth to get rid of lint and fluff, especially around the pivot. Store them somewhere dry. If you've been cutting anything with an adhesive backing, clean that residue off before it builds up.
Use them the way they're designed, with the lower blade resting on the table and long, full strokes rather than lots of little snips. You'll get a cleaner edge on your fabric and less strain on your hand.
Find your pair
You can see both sizes, along with our hairdressing and nail scissors, in the Scissors collection. If you're torn between two pairs or want to know whether a pair will cope with a particular fabric, just drop us an email or give us a ring. We're always happy to talk scissors.