My Favorite Cutting Tools

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One of the most common questions I’m asked by beginners is which cutting tools are my favorites as a designer. I have such a wide variety of cutting tools all over my room (okay all over the house let’s be real) and I actually have multiples of most of these.

Why you may ask? It started off as an accident. When I was younger my scissors were always disappearing and, while that’s still the case, I’ve made sure to have at least two sets of almost every one of these tools to prevent being scissor- or rotary cutter-less in the middle of a project but also in the event I have to take a pair or two to my local scissor sharpener, I always have a spare set to make sure I’m well-equipped!

Here’s my list of all of the cutting tools I have in my arsenal and that I always highly recommend for some incredible quality!

OLFA

45mm Rotary Cutter
45mm blade replacements
This is the smaller of the two sizes that I have! This is perfect for those tighter curves and corners when you’re cutting out your projects but it’s not so small that I feel shaky when using it. Make sure you also pick up a set of replacement blades since these cutters last foooorever!

60mm
60mm blade replacements
This is the size that I tend to use most often! I like the larger, sturdier feel of this cutter. As a plus size sewist and designer, I rarely find myself needing to cut super small and tight corners and curves so this size is perfect to get me in and out as quickly as possible.

Rotary Mat (18x24”)
I’ll be honest: I rarely use my rotary cutter and cutting mats because I just don’t have the space in my house to lay everything out comfortably. HOWEVER, the first rotary mat I purchased was a tiny 12x18” and I literally had to go back to the store 2 days later to grab this bigger option. While it’s still not the prime size for garment making, it’s perfect for any smaller projects you might be working on! This is my go-to mat and it’s perfect because of its self-healing, double-sided design!

Fiskars

Titanium Easy Action Scissors
These were one of the first style scissors I bought when I started sewing and I’ll Never. Go. Back. Since it was an earlier model, mine are black and grey (which I definitely still prefer) but this is one of my favorite models. The titanium blades cut through my fabric and other materials like butter while that spring action makes things easier to cut, not having to deal with heavier weight that typical dressmaking shears have behind them. Plus the spring lock is perfect if you have little ones or animals (or are just a klutz like me) to keep from impaling themselves or yourself.

RazorEdge Easy Action Shears
I have to admit I bought this pair of scissors completely on a whim. I had a coupon I used when this model first came out just so I could try and see if they would work well for some projects I had slated (specifically a couple of thicker fabrics including a couple of faux furs). I was pleasantly surprised that these were actually just what I had been needing for those thicker fabrics and furs in order to make sure the pieces were laying flat and not sliding around on me. I’d definitely recommend these for anyone working with those thicker, piled fabrics!

Nonstick Scissors
Honesty Time: I don’t use these for sewing per say. These are my paper scissors that I use for cutting out my PDF patterns so that I don’t dull the blades of my sewing scissors. That doesn’t mean you couldn’t use them for cutting fabric but I just prefer the feel of the other scissors I’ve mentioned.

Gingher

Epaulette Embroidery Scissors
These are my absolute favorites! For anyone that doesn’t know, I love anything gold and I especially love anything with a classic or vintage style to them. I use these little embroidery scissors ALL the time! I actually prefer to use these babies to snip any loose threads, remaining ends, or even to “rip” out stitches. I prefer the control I feel I have when I’m using these embroidery scissors over the feeling of uncertainty I have with my seam ripper after too many ruined projects.

Gingher Shears
I never bought a pair of these. I inherited probably 3 pairs of these Gingher shears from my grandma and great grandma who passed away. That should tell you something. These scissors will literally last forever as long as you don’t intentionally destroy them. They’re one of the most well-known brands and styles of shears and rightfully so because of the quality behind these bad boys.