5 Tips for using Pinking Shears

1. Finishing raw edges to prevent fraying is a key part of most sewing projects and if you don’t have a specialist overlocker (serger) then one of the easiest and quickest ways to do this is to use pinking shears. These resemble regular shears but instead of flat blades they have triangular shaped “teeth” that will make a zig-zag cut in the fabric. As well as preventing fraying they’re great for cutting curves as they have a similar effect to clipping your seam allowance to make it lie flat.

2. Pinking shears are usually around 8 – 9” long. Good quality shears have ball joints to ensure the blades operate smoothly and some have soft-grip handles too. Purchase the best quality you can afford so they will last you as long as possible.

3. When cutting with pinking shears be sure to hold them straight as you cut as they won’t provide good results held at an angle. After you’ve made the first cut open the shears and line up the teeth with the last notch of your first cut and close the blades again. Continue in this way for a neat and even edge with all the notches matched up. Always sew the seam before trimming the edges with pinking shears as this will give you a consistent seam allowance and neat effect.

4. Don’t try to cut too many layers at once as the fabric will slide and warp making for an untidy edge. When cutting a delicate fabric consider putting a heavier scrap behind for stability.

5. Don’t use your pinking shears on paper or card as this will dull the blades in the same way as fabric shears. Keeping them in a drawer with other metal items can also result in their becoming blunt. If this does happen then you will need to have them professionally sharpened.

Do you have any other tips for using Pinking Shears? If so, please leave them in the comments. We’d love to know!

Article originally appeared in Bustle & Sew Magazine – find out more HERE.