10 Best Sewing Scissors: How to Choose the Right Pair

A good pair of sewing scissors is one of the most important investments you can make as a sewist. Sharp, well‑balanced shears make cleaner cuts, more accurate seams, and a far more enjoyable sewing experience. In this article, you’ll learn what to look for in sewing scissors and discover 10 of the best sewing scissors from Amazon.

Browse our top 10 recommended sewing scissors from Amazon below

What Makes Sewing Scissors The Best?

When choosing the best sewing scissors, consider:

1. Blade Material

• High‑carbon or hardened stainless steel holds a sharp edge longer and resists rust.
• Titanium‑coated blades improve durability and reduce friction.

2. Blade Length

• 8″ shears – Standard for dressmaking and general sewing.
• 9–10″ shears – Better for cutting longer lengths of fabric and heavier materials.
• 11″ shears – Ideal for upholstery, canvas, or multi‑layer cutting.
• Short blades (around 6″) – Great for appliqué, trimming, and detail work.

3. Handle Design & Comfort

• Ergonomic, soft‑grip handles reduce strain on hands and wrists during long cutting sessions.
• Bent handles keep fabric flat on the table for straighter, more accurate cuts.
• Large finger loops are especially useful for precision work or larger hands.

4. Intended Use

• Everyday sewing & crafts – Lighter 8″ all‑purpose shears.
• Professional tailoring – Heavier, forged shears with longer blades.
• Detail work/appliqué – Smaller, often serrated blades for control.
• Heavy fabrics/leather – Heavy‑duty, high‑carbon or manganized steel scissors.

5. Quality & Longevity

A well‑made pair of sewing scissors should last for years if you:

• Reserve them for fabric only (no paper, cardboard, or plastic).
• Store them safely (with a sheath or in a protected drawer).
• Sharpen or service them when you notice tugging or chewing through the fabric.

How to Pick the Right Sewing Scissors for You

• Beginner / Home Sewist
  Choose a reliable 8″ or 8.5″ pair with comfortable handles and good reviews. All‑purpose scissors like Fiskars or a starter set from SINGER are excellent options.
• Quilter or Dressmaker
  Opt for premium 8–10″ dressmaking shears (Kai or Gingher) that can handle multiple layers and precision cutting.
• Professional Tailor / Upholsterer
  Invest in 10–11″ high‑carbon shears that effortlessly slice through thick fabric, interfacing, and multiple layers.
• Detail‑oriented Crafter
  Add smaller serrated scissors to your toolkit for appliqué, snipping curves, and trimming seams.

Best Sewing Scissors: Full Reviews of 10 Top Picks

A great sewing project starts with a clean cut. That’s why a good pair of sewing scissors is one of the most important tools in any sewing room. Below you’ll find 10 carefully chosen sewing scissors from Amazon, each with a short, practical review so you can quickly decide which one is right for you.

1. Fiskars 8″ Original Orange‑Handled Stainless Steel Scissors

Pros

• Reliable quality at a low price.
• Comfortable handle for left or right hand (specific models).
• Good for both fabric and light craft/paper work.

Cons

• Not ideal for very heavy fabrics or lots of layers.
• Edge will dull faster if used heavily on paper and cardboard.

Best for: Beginners and home sewists who want one main pair that can do almost everything.

2. Gingher 8″ Dressmaker’s Fabric Scissors (“Alicia”)

Pros

• Forged, high‑quality steel that holds an edge.
• Great for multiple layers, from cotton to light denim.
• Excellent control and balance for tailoring.

Cons

• Heavier than budget scissors.
• Higher price, but meant to last years.

Best for: Serious sewists, quilters, and dressmakers who value precision and longevity.

3. Kai 5210 8″ Dressmaking Shears

Pros

• Hardened stainless steel blades stay sharp.
• Soft, comfortable handle for extended cutting.
• Cuts smoothly through several layers.

Cons

• Handle shape may feel snug for very large hands.
• Overkill if you only sew occasionally with light cottons.

Best for: Home and semi‑pro sewists who want professional‑grade performance in an 8″ size.

4. SINGER ProSeries Sewing Scissors Bundle (3‑Piece Set)

Includes

• 8.5″ heavy‑duty fabric shears.
• 4.5″ nano‑tip detail scissors.
• 5″ thread snips.

Pros

• Great value for a three‑tool bundle.
• Tempered stainless blades on all three.
• Ideal starter set for a new sewing room.

Cons

• Not as refined or long‑lasting as top‑tier brands like Gingher or Kai.
• Thread snips may feel basic compared to premium snippers.

Best for: Beginners and intermediate sewists who want a complete cutting set in one purchase.

5. Wteehn 8″ Professional Fabric Scissors

Pros

• Very sharp, strong blades suitable for tough materials.
• Adjustable pivot screw to fine‑tune blade tension.
• Good upgrade if your basic scissors struggle with thickness.

Cons

• Heavier than typical 8″ scissors.
• More power than you need if you only cut thin cotton or quilting cotton.

Best for: Crafters who work with canvas, faux leather, or multiple thick layers.

6. LIVINGO 10″ Multipurpose Heavy Duty Scissors

Pros

• Long blades make cutting long, straight seams faster.
• Titanium coating improves durability and reduces friction.
• Strong enough for many household and DIY materials.

Cons

• Longer length can feel awkward for very precise small cuts.
• Overkill if you only sew small garments and never cut heavy materials.

Best for: DIY sewists and crafters who want one tough pair that can handle fabric plus other household cutting tasks.

7. Kai 7250 10″ Professional Tailoring Shears

Pros

• High‑carbon hardened steel retains an excellent edge.
• Long blades are ideal for smooth, straight cuts in garment pieces.
• Very clean cutting on wool, suiting, and heavier textiles.

Cons

• Heavier and more expensive than basic shears.
• Not necessary if you only occasionally sew.

Best for: Tailors, serious dressmakers, and advanced hobbyists cutting coats, suits, and structured garments.

8. Guggenhein IX 9″ Professional Tailor Shears

Pros

• Ideal length for many quilters and dressmakers.
• Tri‑sharpened edge gives very smooth cutting.
• Good mix of price and performance.

Cons

• Not as widely known a brand as some competitors.
• Slightly heavier than many 8″ models.

Best for: Quilters and dressmakers who want a step‑up scissor without going to the largest heavy‑duty shears.

9. Havels 6″ Serrated Large Finger Loop Fabric Scissors

Pros

• Serrated edge prevents slipping on delicate fabrics.
• Large finger loops add control and comfort.
• Great for trimming seam allowances and curves.

Cons

• Too short for cutting big pattern pieces or long seams.
• Not meant to replace a full‑sized dressmaker shear.

Best for: Quilters, appliqué lovers, and anyone who needs high‑control small scissors alongside their main shears.

10. Kai 7280 11″ Professional Tailoring Shears

Pros

• Extremely powerful long blades.
• Perfect for upholstery, canvas, and bulky fabrics.
• Built to last with professional use.

Cons

• Large and heavy; not ideal for tight spaces or detailed work.
• More expensive and more tool than casual sewists need.

Best for: Professional tailors and upholsterers cutting heavy fabrics and large pieces regularly.

FAQs: Best Sewing Scissors

What size sewing scissors should I buy first?
For most people, an 8″–8.5″ pair is the best starting point. This size is versatile enough for cutting pattern pieces, trimming seams, and general sewing work without feeling too large or heavy.

What’s the difference between regular scissors and sewing scissors?
Sewing scissors (or fabric shears) have sharper, higher‑quality blades designed specifically for fabric. Many also have bent handles so the lower blade can stay flat on the table, giving cleaner, more accurate cuts. Regular household scissors are usually softer steel, dull faster, and can snag or chew fabric.

Which blade material is best for sewing scissors?
Look for:

• Stainless or high‑carbon steel – strong, durable, and holds a sharp edge.
• Titanium‑coated blades – add extra wear resistance and a smoother glide, especially useful on thick or tough materials.

All of the recommended scissors in the article use one of these higher‑quality options.

Can I use my sewing scissors on paper?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Paper, cardboard, and plastic will dull the blades quickly. To keep your sewing scissors sharp, reserve them for fabric cutting, thread, and patterns only, and use a separate pair for paper.

Do I need more than one pair of sewing scissors?
Ideally yes:

• One main pair (8″–10″) for cutting pattern pieces and yardage – e.g., Fiskars 8″ Original, Gingher 8″, Kai 5210, or Kai 7250.
• One small/detail pair (around 6″) for trimming curves and appliqué – e.g., Havels 6″ serrated.

Bundles like the SINGER ProSeries 3‑piece set give you large shears, detail scissors, and thread snips in one purchase.

When should I choose heavy‑duty or tailor’s shears instead of regular fabric scissors?
Choose heavy‑duty or tailoring shears (9″–11″) if you:

• Often cut denim, canvas, upholstery, faux leather, or multiple layers.
• Sew structured garments like coats, suits, or tailoring projects.

Models like Kai 7250, Kai 7280, Wteehn 8″ Professional, and LIVINGO 10″ Heavy Duty are built for this type of work.

How do I keep my sewing scissors sharp?

• Use them only on fabric and thread.
• Wipe blades after use to remove lint and moisture.
• Store them in a sheath or protected drawer.
• Have them professionally sharpened or serviced when you notice dragging, chewing, or uneven cuts.

Premium brands like Gingher and Kai are designed to be sharpened and last many years if cared for properly.

What are serrated sewing scissors used for?
Serrated blades (like Havels 6″ serrated scissors) have tiny teeth that grip the fabric, preventing it from slipping. They’re ideal for:

• Appliqué
• Trimming curves and tight areas
• Slippery or delicate fabrics that tend to slide

They complement, rather than replace, your main dressmaking shears.

Which scissors are best for beginners on a budget?
Great beginner‑friendly options include:

• Fiskars 8″ Original Orange‑Handled Scissors – affordable, reliable, and versatile.
• SINGER ProSeries Bundle – gives you large shears, detail scissors, and thread snips in one value set.

Both offer good performance without the higher price of premium tailoring shears.

Which sewing scissors are best for professionals or serious hobbyists?
For serious sewists, tailors, and quilters, consider:

• Gingher 8″ Dressmaker’s Scissors (“Alicia”) – forged, long‑lasting, and very precise.
• Kai 5210 (8″), Kai 7250 (10″), or Kai 7280 (11″) – high‑carbon professional shears that excel on multiple layers and heavier fabrics.
• Guggenhein IX 9″ Tailor Shears – a strong mid‑size option for dressmaking and quilting.

Pair one of these with a Havels 6″ serrated detail scissor and you’ll have a truly professional cutting setup.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Sewing Scissors for Your Needs

The “best” sewing scissors are the ones that match how and what you sew:

• If you’re just starting out or mainly sew light to medium‑weight fabrics, an affordable, well‑reviewed pair like the Fiskars 8″ Original or the SINGER ProSeries bundle will comfortably cover most of your projects.
• If you sew frequently, cut multiple layers, or work with denser materials, upgrading to premium dressmaking shears, such as Gingher 8″, Kai 5210, or Guggenhein IX 9“, will give you smoother cuts, better control, and longer blade life.
• For tailoring, upholstery, or heavy fabrics, longer, high‑carbon tailor’s shears like the Kai 7250 and Kai 7280, plus a strong 8″–10″ heavy‑duty pair like Wteehn 8“ or LIVINGO 10″, make cutting thick layers faster and less tiring.
• For fine work, appliqué, trimming curves, and precise seam work, adding a small serrated pair like Havels 6″ gives you accuracy you can’t get from large shears alone.

Whichever models you choose from the top 10 list, the key is to treat your sewing scissors as dedicated tools: keep them sharp, use them only on fabric, and store them safely. With even a modest amount of care, a good pair of sewing scissors will transform your cutting experience and help every project, from simple hems to tailored jackets, look cleaner and more professional.