Dull scissors can frustrate and irritate you. When you are working on a project and creative level is at peak and suddenly you find scissor is becoming the hindrance in your work. Then, this will be a wired situation for you. Because, at middle of the work it is not feasible to go outside to buy a new scissor or repair it. So, at that time it is the best idea to sharpen the scissor at home. This you save your time and money.
To do this, you should first learn to sharpen the scissor. There are many ways to do this effectively. Lets learn this.
How To Sharpen Sewing Scissor
Sharpening a scissor is an important skill every sewer should learn. It will help you a lot. Here are some tricks to sharpen your dull scissor.
1. By Using Sandpaper
This is an easy trick. If the scissor is dull, then cut the sandpapers with it. Here, you have to use 180-220 grit sand paper. Try to cut the paper with whole blade. Do this process for 10-15 times. After doing this, check it by cutting the fabric. If the cutting has improved then great. Otherwise try do it again by using a new piece of sandpaper.
2. Using sharpening Stone
There is a stone available to sharpen cutting tools. These are mainly used to sharpen wood cutting tools. This is called sharpening stone or whetstone. This is a very good tool to sharpen knives. Before using this, first lubricate the sharpening stone with oil. Then hold the stone in 45 degrees to the blades of scissor. Rub the stone on the blades 10-12 times. Apply little pressure while moving. Do this on both the blades. Test the scissor by cutting the fabric. If it has not improved then repeat this process.
3. By using Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foils can be used to sharpen scissors. This method is not that much effective. Fold the foils into multiple folds. If heavy duty foil then fold to 6-8 layers if normal foil then fold to 12-16 layers. Then cut the foil using the scissor. Make sure the foil touches the whole blade. Repeat this for multiple times and check the improvement.
4. Using Steel Wools
You must have steel wool as pot cleaners at your home. You can use this to sharpen the scissor. Cut the steel wool using the scissor. Use the whole blade. Cut multiple times.
5. Using Knife Sharpener Steel Rod
Knife sharpening rod can also be used to sharpen scissors. This is the most effective and recommended method to do it. Slide the sharpening rod on the cutting edges of the scissors from starting to tip of the scissor. Do this in a smooth motion. Do this for 5-6 times on each side. It will leave a smooth surface on the ridges.
6. Take It To a Professional
The best method to sharpen an industrial scissors is get it professionally checked. Check for local sharpeners. They will provide a good quality service and the sharpening will last long.
How To take Care Your Sewing Scissors
Taking care of your sewing shears is important. Because by doing this you can increase the longevity of your scissors. Lets go through some tips to take care for the sewing scissors.
1. Cut Fabrics Only
We often forget and cut other things with our sewing scissors. This is a big mistake. Because cutting things other than fabric can damage our scissors. Keep different scissor for cutting paper, cardboard. Cutting paper, plastics etc can dull the blades.
2. Keep the Scissors Dry
Clean the scissors regularly, but not with water. Don’t wash your scissors with water. Rust will be created, if you wash with water and the scissor will be damaged. Clean it with a dry cloth.
3. Don’t Drop The Scissor
Always keep the scissors in a safe place. Protect it from falling and do not drop it unwillingly. It can break if fall on a hard surface. The edges can also become misaligned. To protect it from damage, you can keep the scissors in a protective case or sheath. In that way the scissors will be dust proof.
4. Tighten the Pivot Screw and Oil It
Loose the screws of the scissors using a screwdriver or wrench and oil it once in a month. Then open and close the blade a couple of times. Using the sewing machine oil for this.
5. Store In a Safe Place
Store the sewing shears in a safe place. You can keep them in a protective case or sheath. Store them in a separate place away from other sewing tools. Because other tools can sometimes damage the scissors. Keep a organizer to store scissors.
6. Keep The Scissors Rust Free
To make the scissors rust proof, keep the scissors dry. Store them in a low humidity environment. If rust appears on the scissors then clean it using a fine grit sandpaper. After removing rust, clean the blades and oil them.
7. Avoiding Cutting Tapes With Glue
Do not try to cut adhesive tapes with your fabric scissors. The glue will stick to the blades and it will be difficult to remove it. As a result the scissor will become dull.
8. Avoid Heating Pins
While cutting fabric, always make sure to cut carefully. So that it does not hit the pins. Hitting the pins can scratch the edge of the blades and damage the alignment. So, pin the fabric carefully. So that it does not come along the cutting area
8. Invest In a Good Quality Scissors
Always invest in a good quality of scissor. Good quality scissors are more durable, keep sharpness for longer time. Buy scissors made from high quality stainless steel. These types of scissors are less prone to rust.
Verdict
A perfectly sharpened good quality scissor is essential in sewing. Taking proper care of it will increase its lifetime. As a result, you will save little bucks. Easy tricks to sharpen the scissors at home is very much needed for sewist to learn. It will save some time and money also. Hope you have gotten some idea about fabric scissors here. thank you…
