Fabric Scissors & Tailor's Shears

Fabric scissors, tailor's shears and embroidery scissors from Solingen

From small embroidery scissors to large tailor's shears – scissors for every kind of textile work, in various tip shapes and inch sizes. All blades forged from rust-free stainless steel, cleanly ground and – because they are screwed rather than riveted – adjustable and resharpenable.

Learn more: which scissors for what, size, steel and care

Which scissors for what?

  • Fabric scissors – the all-purpose scissors for cutting out, usually 7 to 8 inches
  • Tailor's shears – larger and clearly angled, so the fabric stays flat on the table while cutting
  • Embroidery scissors – small and tapering to a point, for detail work and separating individual threads
  • Thread snips – spring-loaded, without finger rings, for quick trimming right at the seam
  • Pinking shears – cut a zigzag edge that frays less

Which size?

The overall length is measured, traditionally given in inches. A longer blade means more leverage and less effort – but less control on tight curves.

  • 3.5 to 4.5 inches – embroidery and thread scissors, detail work
  • 5 to 6 inches – small fabric scissors, fine fabrics, mending
  • 7 to 8 inches – the size for normal cutting out. If you buy only one pair of scissors, buy this one
  • 9 to 11 inches – large tailor's shears for long straight cuts, several layers of fabric, leather and felt

Carbon steel or rust-free stainless steel?

Classic tailor's shears are traditionally forged from carbon steel. It holds its edge longer – but rusts if left damp and needs regular oiling.

Our scissors are made of hardened, rust-free stainless steel. They need resharpening a little more often, but tolerate moisture and need no care routine. For anyone who is not cutting fabric every day, this is the more practical choice – especially as resharpening can be done through our service anyway.

The tip that doubles their lifespan

Use your fabric scissors exclusively for textiles. Paper contains mineral fillers that are harder than the steel of the blade – a few cuts are enough. Everything else is what household scissors are made for.

And before you replace scissors that seem blunt: most are just loose, dirty or dry. How to check this in five minutes is explained in Why do tailor's shears go blunt. If they really are blunt, our sharpening service will resharpen them instead of you having to replace them.

Also for left-handers

Genuine left-handed scissors have mirrored blades, not just mirrored handles – otherwise the hand pushes the blades apart instead of pulling them together. You will find the range under Instruments for left-handed people.

Suitable models

Guides