Whether you’re an avid scrapbooker, a dedicated seamstress, or a weekend DIY enthusiast, having the right pair of scissors is fundamental to any crafting project. The perfect cut can be the difference between a project that looks professional and one that looks amateur. With so many options available, from all-purpose workhorses to specialized shears, selecting the ideal tool for your needs can feel overwhelming.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best scissors for crafting. We have considered a variety of factors including blade material, handle comfort, and specialized functions to help you find the perfect cutting companion for your creative endeavors, whether you need precision for delicate paper or power for thick fabrics.
Our Recommended Crafting Scissors
- Fiskars SoftGrip Titanium Scissors
- BOOMIBOO 8″ All Purpose 6 Pack
- Cricut TrueControl Knife Kit
- Kai 5210 8-inch Dressmaking Shears
- Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip Scissors
- Maped Zenoa Fit Soft Grip Student Scissors
- LIVINGO Professional Sewing Scissors Set
- Fiskars RazorEdge Fabric Scissors
- Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Recoil Scissors
- Fiskars 8 Inch Softgrip Scissors
Fiskars SoftGrip Titanium Scissors
A true staple for any craft room, the Fiskars SoftGrip Titanium Scissors are designed to handle a wide array of materials. They are a reliable choice for cutting everything from paper and cardboard to photos, making them a versatile all-purpose tool. The contoured SoftGrip handles provide exceptional comfort during extended use, reducing hand strain.
The blades are constructed from high-quality stainless steel and feature a titanium coating. This coating is three times harder than standard steel, ensuring a sharp edge that stays effective for a long time. The blades are designed to cut cleanly all the way to the tip, providing consistent performance for both broad strokes and finer snips.
BOOMIBOO 8″ All Purpose 6 Pack
For crafters who need multiple pairs of scissors on hand for different projects or for group settings, the BOOMIBOO 6-pack is an excellent value. These all-purpose household scissors are capable of cutting paper, cardboard, tape, and fabric, making them suitable for sewing, tailoring, and various crafts. The comfort-grip handles are designed for both right and left-handed users.
Each pair in the set features premium stainless steel blades that are noted for their high density and hardness. This construction provides improved cutting power and longevity compared to many standard scissors. The set includes six different colored handles, which is perfect for color-coding by user or by material to prevent cross-contamination.
Cricut TrueControl Knife Kit
While not a traditional scissor, the Cricut TrueControl Knife is an essential precision tool for many crafters. It is ideal for intricate work in scrapbooking, vinyl cutting, and other detailed DIY projects. The knife offers a level of control that is difficult to achieve with even the smallest scissors, allowing for sharp turns and fine details.
This kit includes the knife itself and five spare blades, ensuring you have a sharp tool ready for multiple projects. It features a unique blade lock system for greater control and a no-touch mechanism that makes changing blades safe and easy. The cushioned grip, protective cap, and anti-roll feature add to its safety and usability.
Kai 5210 8-inch Dressmaking Shears
For the serious sewer or quilter, the Kai 5210 Dressmaking Shears are a professional-grade tool. They are engineered to cut through multiple layers of heavy fabric like denim with remarkable ease, while also providing clean, slip-free cuts on delicate cottons. This performance makes them a reliable partner for demanding fabric projects.
The shears boast ergonomically designed soft handles that are shaped to minimize hand fatigue during long cutting sessions. The standard size handle and blade length offer a comfortable balance and leverage, making them a go-to choice for many fabric artists who require both power and precision in their primary cutting tool.
Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip Scissors
When your craft project involves intricate details and tight patterns, the Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip Scissors are the perfect tool. The micro-tip blades are specifically designed for precision work, allowing you to make clean, accurate cuts in confined spaces and at awkward angles that larger scissors cannot manage.
These scissors feature the same durable titanium-coated stainless steel blades found in other Fiskars models, ensuring long-lasting sharpness. A key benefit is the easy-action spring design, which automatically re-opens the scissors after each cut. This reduces hand strain and can significantly speed up detailed cutting tasks.
Maped Zenoa Fit Soft Grip Student Scissors
The Maped Zenoa Fit Scissors are a fantastic, versatile multi-purpose tool, especially well-suited for students or for general household crafting. Their 7-inch length provides a comfortable handling experience and allows for precise cutting on a variety of everyday materials. The fashionable design and soft grip make them pleasant to use.
While designed with students in mind, their quality and comfort make them a great secondary pair for any crafter’s desk. They are ideal for cutting paper, tape, and other light crafting materials. The comfortable handles ensure that even during extended use, such as in a classroom or during a long scrapbooking session, hand fatigue is minimized.
LIVINGO Professional Sewing Scissors Set
This comprehensive three-piece set from LIVINGO covers all the cutting needs of a dedicated sewer or quilter. The set includes 8.5-inch heavy-duty fabric shears, 4.5-inch detail embroidery scissors, and 5-inch thread snips. Having the right tool for each specific task can greatly improve the efficiency and quality of your work.
The large fabric shears feature titanium-coated forged steel blades that can easily cut through more than 16 layers of fabric. The tiny embroidery scissors have pointed tips for intricate detail work, while the thread snips are perfect for quick, precise trimming. The comfort grip on all three tools ensures a secure and comfortable hold.
Fiskars RazorEdge Fabric Scissors
The Fiskars RazorEdge Fabric Scissors are engineered for sewers who demand a smooth, effortless cut. The 9-inch shears feature ultra-sharp, premier grade stainless steel blades with a honed edge that glides through fabric, creating long, clean cuts from the pivot all the way to the tip. This prevents fraying and ensures professional results.
An advanced pivot design provides what Fiskars describes as their smoothest cutting action ever, requiring less hand effort. These shears are also designed with larger handle loops, offering extra room and a more comfortable fit for users with larger hands. This makes them an excellent choice for prolonged fabric cutting sessions.
Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Recoil Scissors
Designed with the mixed-media and paper crafter in mind, the Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Recoil Scissors offer a unique and comfortable cutting experience. Their most distinctive feature is the recoil mechanism, which includes two easy-change tension springs that allow you to customize the grip and cutting tension to your personal preference.
The 9.5-inch blades are titanium-coated and double-beveled for perfect, non-serrated cuts on a variety of materials. They are built for enhanced durability and a sharp, long-lasting edge. The large Kushgrip handles are specifically designed to prevent hand fatigue, making these scissors ideal for cutting thicker materials like chipboard or leather during prolonged use.
Fiskars 8 Inch Softgrip Scissors
A classic and trusted model, the Fiskars 8 Inch Softgrip Scissors are a dependable all-purpose tool for any home or craft room. While specific features for this model are not listed, it is part of Fiskars’ renowned line of cutting tools, known for their quality and durability. They are suitable for a wide range of basic cutting tasks involving paper, cardboard, and other common materials.
Based on the Fiskars reputation, users can expect a comfortable SoftGrip handle that reduces hand strain and stainless steel blades designed for a clean cut. This model represents a straightforward, no-fuss option for crafters who need a reliable general-use pair of scissors that can handle everyday projects with ease.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your 10 Best Scissors for Crafting
As someone who spends a lot of time on crafts, I have learned that not all scissors are created equal. Picking the right pair can be the difference between a clean, satisfying cut and a frustrating, ragged edge. When I am building my personal collection of the 10 best scissors for crafting, I focus on a few key features that make a real difference in my projects.
First, I always consider the handle design. Scissors with a soft-grip or ergonomic handle are a game-changer, especially for long cutting sessions. My hands used to get so tired and sore before I switched. Look for a pair that feels comfortable in your hand and has a smooth, easy opening and closing action. For those with arthritis or hand strength issues, spring-action or self-opening scissors can reduce strain significantly.
Next, I look at the blade material and edge. High-carbon steel blades are my go-to because they stay sharp much longer than stainless steel. For precision work like detailed paper cutting or trimming fabric fray, micro-serrated edges are fantastic as they grip the material and prevent slipping. The tip of the blade is also important; sharp, fine points are necessary for getting into tiny spaces, while blunt tips are safer for kids or for fussy-cutting on a mat.
The type of craft you do most often should guide your choice. I keep a dedicated pair of heavy-duty shears for thick materials like leather or chipboard. For general paper and cardstock, a standard pair of all-purpose craft scissors works well. However, I never use my fabric scissors on paper, as it dulls the blades incredibly fast. Embroidery scissors with their slender, pointed blades are perfect for snipping threads and making small, intricate cuts in sewing projects. Having a variety of scissors for different tasks is the secret to keeping your tools in good shape and your work looking professional.
Finally, think about the size and what feels balanced in your hand. Larger scissors provide more leverage for cutting through multiple layers, while small, nimble scissors offer superior control for detail work. I also appreciate a pair that is easy to clean, as adhesive residue from tapes and glues can build up on the blades. By thinking about your comfort, your primary materials, and the specific tasks you perform, you can select the perfect scissors that will become a trusted part of your crafting toolkit for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need special scissors for crafting? Can’t I just use my kitchen shears?
You absolutely can use whatever you have on hand in a pinch, but for consistent, high-quality results, specialized craft scissors are a much better tool. Kitchen shears are designed for tough jobs like cutting through poultry bones or herb stems, which means the blade bevel is ground differently. Using them on paper or fabric will crush the fibers and leave a ragged, unclean edge. Craft scissors are honed to a finer, sharper edge for a clean cut that won’t fray your materials. They are also typically lighter and more ergonomic for the detailed, sustained use that crafting requires.
How often should I sharpen my crafting scissors?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on how frequently you use them and what materials you cut. A good rule of thumb is to consider sharpening them when you notice you have to apply more pressure to make a cut, or when the cut edge looks crushed or fuzzy instead of clean. For someone who crafts regularly, this might be once or twice a year. You can use a professional scissor sharpener, or learn to use a sharpening stone. Never use a coarse grinding wheel, as it can overheat the metal and ruin the temper of the blades.
Is it really that bad to use my fabric scissors on paper?
Yes, I am afraid it is. It is one of the cardinal rules of crafting and sewing. Paper contains minerals and clays that are much more abrasive than fabric fibers. Every time you use your sharp fabric scissors on paper, you are microscopically dulling the ultra-fine edge. This will lead to them struggling to cut fabric cleanly, causing snags and pulls. I keep a brightly colored ribbon tied to the handle of my fabric scissors as a visual reminder to myself and others that they are for fabric only.
What is the difference between scissors and shears?
This is a common point of confusion. The main difference is usually size and handle design. Scissors are generally under six inches long and have symmetrical, equally sized finger holes. Shears are typically longer than six inches, and they have one small finger hole for your ring finger and a larger, often ergonomically shaped, hole for your other fingers. This design provides more leverage and control for cutting through heavier or thicker materials, making them a key category within the 10 best scissors for crafting for tasks like cutting leather or multiple layers of fabric.
How can I safely clean adhesive off my scissor blades?
Adhesive from tape, glue, or sticker backing is a common nuisance. The safest way to remove it is to use a little rubbing alcohol or an adhesive remover like Goo Gone on a soft cloth. Wipe the blade carefully from the pivot point to the tip, being mindful of the sharp edge. Never use an abrasive pad or steel wool, as this will scratch the finish and damage the blade. After using the cleaning solution, I always wipe the blades down with a damp cloth to remove any residue and then dry them thoroughly to prevent rust.