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If you sew or work on crafts regularly, you probably have a pair of pinking shears hidden away somewhere in your supplies. Maybe you’re one of the rare crafters who use them regularly, but for most of us, these are items that come out to perform occasional and specialized tasks.
Despite their scarce usage, it is still a good idea to find a great pair. You don’t want to pick up your pinking shears to cut through some material only to find that they are not up to the task. No crafter wants to stop in the middle of a project, let alone a single cut, to go shopping for a new tool. This is precisely why we are discussing pinking shears today.
In this article, I want to lay out the reasons why you need a good pair of pinking shears, what to look for in a good pair, and where to find them. Craft & Stitch takes crafting very seriously and everyone here enjoys helping other crafters find the best crafting tools for every type of art.
Features of the Best Pinking Shears
Now that we have made our case for why a good pair of pinking shears is essential, we need to discuss the features that make a pair of pinking shears good. When you head to your local craft store or to an online store, you should examine the following features before making your purchase:
Comfort
If possible, try to hold the shears in your hand for a little while and pretend to cut something with them. You want tools that are comfortable to use for long periods of time and a trial run is the best way to find out if a tool is comfortable. The most comfortable type of pinking shears will have larger finger holes, long blades, and good grips.
Material
To ensure that pinking shears work well, they should be made from good materials. Subpar materials will not stay sharp very long or hold together when used regularly. Look for pinking shears with blades that can be cleaned and sharpened when needed.
Size & Weight
This is partially a comfort issue and partially a quality issue. Of course, you should get a pair of pinking shears that suits your hand strength and build, but you should also consider that heavier and longer shears will work better in the long run.
The Top Ten Pinking Shears on the Market
Now that we have covered why you should get a good pair of pinking shears and what features make a pair good, we can begin the fun part of shopping for a new pair. The recommended products in this section were all gathered using the following criteria:
- Price – I have selected pinking shears in a wide range of prices so that everyone can find a great pair that is still within their budget.
- Ratings & Reviews – All the pinking shears that I selected have at least a 4-star customer rating.
- Versatility – I want to make sure there are pinking shears for every crafter, so I have gathered products that are designed for use in any craft.
JISTL Professional Dressmaking Pinking Shears
While it is highlighted that these pinking shears are ideal for cutting fabric, they are still versatile enough for use in papercrafts. They are designed with comfortable finger grips and large finger holes. The teeth are triangular in shape and distanced at 5mm apart for smooth cutting and great-looking edges.
Pros
- Reasonably priced (under $15)
- Lightweight
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.7-star rating
- Customers are raving about the quality cuts this pair provides
Cons
- Some customers have had issues with opening and closing the blades
Hui Tong Strong & Sharpe Pinking Shears
This is a high-quality brand of pinking shears that undergoes several tests and inspections before leaving the factory. If a subpar pair gets into public hands, the company is serious about providing a full refund.
The Hui Tong store wants everyone who purchases their products to enjoy their hobby without worrying about a tool that cannot cut through fabric. For this reason, they have designed these scissors to cut through nearly any type of fabric as long as it is no thicker than three layers.
Pros
- The company offers a great return policy
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.6-star rating
- Customers are raving about how these shears cut sharp and clean lines
Cons
- Some customers have commented that these shears dull quickly
- Some customers have commented that these shears hurt their hands after a few minutes of use
Allary 9-Inch Ultra Sharp Pinking Shears
If you work on thick materials, you should definitely consider this pair. These pinking shears can handle multiple layers or heavy fabrics without damaging the fabric. They are also designed with an ergonomic handgrip and long blades for a comfortable feel.
Pros
- Lightweight
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.4-star rating
- Blades are made with durable stainless steel
- Customers are raving about how well these cut edges and reduce fraying
Cons
- Does not work well with small or intricate cuts
- Does not cut well at the tip or the handle end
KimDaro Pinking Shears
This pair of pinking shears is designed for use in all crafts, whether sewing, paper crafts, or anything else. They come with a long blade and large finger grips for a comfortable and ergonomic feel. They are also lightweight and durable.
Pros
- Ergonomic handles
- Lightweight
- Blades are made with durable stainless steel
- Available with teeth in 3, 4, 7, 10, and 18 millimeters
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.5-star rating
- Customers are raving about the clean and easy cuts these shears make
Cons
- The shape of the teeth does not reduce fraying
P.LOTOR Pinking Shears
When you are concerned about hand pain while working through your favorite crafts, you can’t really enjoy yourself. With these pinking shears, you can simply enjoy your favorite pastime without worrying if your hands are going to suffer. These are designed with soft grips and ergonomic handles, as well as, a ball bearing joint for smooth cutting and less hand pain.
Pros
- Blades are made with durable stainless steel
- Can be used on thick fabrics
- Designed for use with all types of material
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.5-star rating
- Many customers have commented on how well these shears make clean cuts
Cons
- Some customers have had issues with the blades sticking
- Some customers have mentioned that those with small hands may find these difficult to use
Rovtop Pinking Shears
This is actually a sewing set that includes shears, a seam ripper, and small scissors. The pinking shears in this set are built for use in tailoring and sewing garments. They are made with an ergonomic handle and long blades for a comfortable feel.
Pros
- Blades are made with durable stainless steel
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.7-star rating
- Customers are raving about how sharp the blades are
Cons
- Left-handed sewists will find these shears are difficult to hold
- The blades tend to be stiff during the first few uses
- Customers have commented that these did not prevent the edges of their fabric from fraying
Gingher Inc. Pinking Shears
If you like nostalgic tools, then these pinking shears are going to thrill your soul. The company that produces these has been around since 1947 and it has not neglected quality to this day. While the steel handles may be off-putting to some sewists, the quality cuts provided by this pair are worth it.
Pros
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.4-star rating
- Customers are raving about how well these shears cut
Cons
- Pricey (over $30)
- Does not include a comfortable handle or finger grips
- The blades can be stiff and difficult to open and shut
Z-Color Pinking Shears
This pair is an excellent choice if you frequently work with denim or leather. While they are not the most durable pair on the market, they are designed to be comfortable to use and do a great job on heavy materials.
Pros
- Handles are comfortable and ergonomic
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.3-star rating
Cons
- Blades tend to dull quickly
Fiskars Pinking Shears
The Fiskars brand is synonymous with high-quality sewing tools. These pinking shears show that this association is an accurate assessment. Their unique design feature that makes these shears work so well is the extended lower blade. Once these pinking shears get moving, they will cut anything and everything like a hot knife going through butter.
Pros
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.7-star rating
- Customers are raving about how well these shears cut fabric
- Customers are raving about how sharp the blades are
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some customers have mentioned that the handle is not comfortable
- Requires some lubrication to get the blades to move smoothly
Long Ying Strong and Sharp Pinking Shears
This pair is well built and its quality is backed up by the company producing it. If a customer has any issues with their pinking shears, they can be replaced or refunded. But there should not be too many issues since the company puts all the pinking shears through a rigorous examination before they are shipped.
Pros
- Customer service is excellent
- As of the writing of this article, customers have given this pair a 4.6-star rating
- Handle is comfortable
Cons
- They are not very durable
- The blades are stiff
FAQs
Question: What is the Difference Between Straight-blade scissors and Pinking Shears?
Answer: Pinking shears are a staple in every sewist’s supply room. While their appearance is similar to straight-blade scissors, they are actually used in a very different manner and for very different reasons. To better understand what these tools do and how they work, let’s compare and contrast them with straight-blade scissors.
Straight-blade scissors can be used to cut a piece of material in a quick and sequential chopping manner; whereas, pinking shears must be used in slow, methodical cuts.
Straight-blade scissors are used to cut a piece of material into shapes for use in projects; whereas, pinking shears are used to finish fabric edges so they are either decorative, unable to fray much, or both.
Question: Can Pinking Shears be Sharpened?
Answer: Yes, they can and with the right equipment, you can easily do this at home. If your pinking shears are no longer cutting fabric or paper, they should be sharpened. Also, it is a good idea to sharpen them once a year to maintain crisp and clean cuts.
Before you begin sharpening your pinking shears, you need to look for the lap line. If this line on the teeth of the shears does not exist, then there is no need to sharpen them; the pinking shears should be replaced instead.
Safety First:
Tie back loose clothing and hair so that you don’t risk those getting in the way.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you have any hesitancies about working with sharp objects.
Sharpening Wheel Method:
This method requires that you use a blade aligner clamp, a grinder, a sharpening wheel, and a permanent marker. Here is a video tutorial on how to work through this method.
Whetstone Method:
This method requires that you use a whetstone, a screwdriver, and a damp paper towel. Here is a tutorial on how to work through this method.
Aluminum Foil Method:
This method requires that you cut through a piece of aluminum foil to sharpen the blades. Some professionals do not recommend this method, but you can try it if you are in a pinch. Here is a video tutorial on how to work through this method.
Sandpaper Method:
This method requires that you cut through fine-grain sandpaper to sharpen the blades. It seems that this works a little better than the aluminum foil method, but it is still not recommended by many professionals. Here is a video tutorial on how to work through this method.
Question: How to Maintain Your Pinking Shears?
Answer: To keep your pinking shears in the best possible working order, you should regularly do these things:
Use each pair of pinking shears on one type of material. Do not use a pair on fabric and paper, but label each so that you know which pair is used with which material. This is because the blades will go dull faster when they are used on multiple materials.
Oil the connection screw with sewing machine oil to keep the blades from sticking together.
Clean the blades with a little bleach and water. Scrub off any residual materials or debris and dry the blades immediately.
In Conclusion
I realize that selecting the best pinking shears is going to be a matter of personal preference; however, I think that these ten recommended products are all great choices. My personal preference leads me to choose the Gingher Inc. Pinking Shears since these bring up memories of my grandma’s sewing room. Despite the uncomfortable handle, I know how well an all-metal pair works.
If you have found your new pair of pinking shears amongst this list, then try them on a few sewing projects or grace the world with some fun papercrafts. Whatever it is you love to do, let us help you find the perfect tools and materials to do it better. Happy Crafting!
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