FUNDAMENTALS OF CLOTHING CONSTRUCTION 3(1+2)

Lesson 2 : Sewing Equipment and Tools

Scissors

Scissors are hand operated cutting instruments. They are 5 to 6 inches long, used for light cutting, trimming, clipping corners and cutting curves. They are designed for snipping threads and trimming seams. They are also used for cutting various thin materials, such as paper, cardboard, metal foil, thin plastic, cloth, rope and wire.

1. EMBROIDERY SCISSORS:

These are light weight cutting scissors with 3 to 4 inches in size with narrow blade tapering into two sharp points. Blades are joined by a pin, screw or rivet and designed with two evenly sized ring handles. These scissors are ideal for clipping and notching, trimming fabric from delicate appliqués, embroidery and snipping thread tails.

2. BUTTON HOLE SCISSORS:

These scissors are adjusted to cut button holes of required length. They are greatly used when many button holes are to be made. Buttonhole scissors have a special adjustable screw for securing them partially open as per the length of buttonhole required. This open position translates to a precise cutting length (usually between 1/2" and 1 1/4") that prevents cutting of the stitches at the buttonhole end.

3. TRIMMING SCISSORS:

These are used for trimming or clipping seams and cutting corners, and are generally 15 to 17.5 cm long with narrow blades and tapered sharp points.

4. SNIPPING SCISSORS:

These are spring-action clippers with or without a finger loop featuring very short blades for cutting thread tails and clipping seams quickly.

5. CARE GUIDELINES WHILE USING SHEARS AND SCISSORS:
1. Take long strokes using the length of the blades.
2. Do not use fabric-cutting scissors for cutting paper or other non fabric materials.
3. Wipe scissors with dry cloth after each use. This is especially important after cutting polyesters and other synthetics, since lint from these manmade fibers is abrasive and can dull the blades.
4. Keep the cutting blades sharp. Scissors and shears may be sharpened using a professional-style electric sharpener or they may be sent to a professional sharpening service.
5. Occasionally oil the pivot screw with a tiny drop of sewing machine oil. Open and close the blades few times, then wipe the blades with a soft cloth.
6. Don't force a cut -this can deform the blades or spread them permanently.
7. Store scissors or shears in a box or pouch.
8. Never drop shears on the floor, it looses its sharpness.