Fabric and sewing scissors
One pair that only ever cuts fabric, and a cheaper pair for paper. That's the whole rule, and it matters more than the brand.
7 picks · $9–$55 · prices checked October 8, 2026 · researched from listings, specs and owner feedback, not hands-on testing
Proshear Professional Tailor Scissors — $8.99. The least expensive pick in this category, which makes it the low-risk way to find out…. See why
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Fabric Scissors compared
- Top pickOur pick
Proshear Professional Tailor Scissors
$8.99StitchScore 93 4.8 out of 5 stars · 4,040 ratings
The least expensive pick in this category, which makes it the low-risk way to find out…
Priced in the lower half of this category
Priced in the lower half of this category
- #4
Proshear 10 inch Heavy Duty Fabric Scissors
$14.98StitchScore 91 4.8 out of 5 stars · 5,843 ratings
The handles are the ergonomic style, which matters more than it sounds once you are cutting…
The step up from a generic pair to a named Japanese-brand shear
Slippery and lightweight fabric — the serrated blade is meant to grip cloth instead of…
Currently unavailable- #7
Gingher 4-Inch Lightweight Embroidery Scissors
$16.99StitchScore 76 4.5 out of 5 stars · 326 ratings
Snipping thread ends close to the work in hand embroidery and mending
Scroll sideways for scores, prices and buy links
| Rank | Pick | Best for | StitchScore | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial #1 | TopOur pickProshear Professional Tailor Scissors 4.8 out of 5 stars · 4,040 ratings | The least expensive pick in this category, which makes it the low-risk way to find out… | 93 | $8.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Editorial #2 | Wteehn 8" Heavy Duty Fabric Scissors 4.7 out of 5 stars · 1,496 ratings | Priced in the lower half of this category | 92 | $9.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| Editorial #3 | LIVINGO 9.5" Heavy Duty Fabric Scissors 4.8 out of 5 stars · 36,872 ratings | Priced in the lower half of this category | 91 | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Editorial #4 | Proshear 10 inch Heavy Duty Fabric Scissors 4.8 out of 5 stars · 5,843 ratings | The handles are the ergonomic style, which matters more than it sounds once you are cutting… | 91 | $14.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| Editorial #5 | Step upKai 5210 8-Inch Dressmaking Shears 4.8 out of 5 stars · 2,956 ratings | The step up from a generic pair to a named Japanese-brand shear | 90 | $17.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| Editorial #6 | Gingher 8" Blunt-Tip Dressmaker Shears 4.8 out of 5 stars · 278 ratings | Slippery and lightweight fabric — the serrated blade is meant to grip cloth instead of… | 81 | $54.96 | Currently unavailable |
| Editorial #7 | Gingher 4-Inch Lightweight Embroidery Scissors 4.5 out of 5 stars · 326 ratings | Snipping thread ends close to the work in hand embroidery and mending | 76 | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What goes with Fabric Scissors
The things this shelf usually needs alongside it — one current pick per category, and nothing here is required to start.
Seam RippersZMAAGG$4.99 4.8 out of 5 stars · 250 ratings
The other half of cutting: taking a seam back out.
Pins & Fabric ClipsMumCraft 100$5.69 4.8 out of 5 stars · 45,086 ratings
Something has to hold the layers still while you cut.
Pinking ShearsVPQZUPG$6.49 4.5 out of 5 stars · 277 ratings
The least expensive pick in this category, which makes it the low-risk way to find out whether you'll keep at it; the listing states a stainless-steel blade.
Researched from listings, specs and owner feedback — never hands-on testing. We may earn a commission; it never changes a pick.
Guides that go with Fabric Scissors
Frequently asked
- What's the difference between fabric scissors and regular scissors?
- Fabric scissors, often called dressmaker's shears, have longer blades and usually a bent lower handle, so the blade stays flat on the table and the fabric does not lift as you cut. They are kept sharp enough to cut woven cloth cleanly right to the tip. Household scissors are shorter and straight-handled, and they tend to chew fabric rather than cut it.
- What are the best scissors for cutting fabric?
- A pair of dressmaker's shears with blades of about 8 to 10 inches and a bent handle, kept for fabric only. Every pick here is a pair of fabric shears in that length range; the differences between them are mostly weight, handle comfort and price. A rotary cutter is faster for long straight cuts, but most people who sew still own shears.
- Why shouldn't you cut paper with fabric scissors?
- Paper is harder on a cutting edge than cloth, so a pair that cuts paper dulls sooner and then snags fabric instead of slicing it. That is the reason for the one rule on this page: keep one pair for fabric and a cheaper pair for pattern paper. A ribbon tied on the fabric pair stops the rest of the house borrowing them.
- Are pinking shears the same as fabric scissors?
- No. Pinking shears have zigzag blades that cut a fray-resistant edge, and they are for finishing seam allowances rather than cutting pieces out accurately. Cut with straight shears first, then pink the edges if you want that finish.
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