The Different Types of Scissors and Their Uses You Should Know

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the different types of scissors and their uses—ideal for anyone from home crafters to professionals:

✂️ 1. General Purpose/Household Scissors

• Use: Everyday tasks like opening packages, cutting paper, lightweight fabric, or string.
• Features: Medium-sized blades; comfortable handles.

🧵 2. Fabric Scissors (Dressmaker’s Shears)

• Use: Cutting fabric with precision.
• Features: Long blades with one rounded tip; angled handles for flat surface cutting.

✂️ 3. Embroidery Scissors

• Use: Delicate thread and detail trimming.
• Features: Small, sharp pointed blades for precision work.

✂️ 4. Pinking Shears

• Use: Cutting fabric to prevent fraying.
• Features: Zigzag blade edges that create a saw-toothed pattern.

💇‍♀️ 5. Hair Cutting Scissors

• Use: Trimming and styling hair.
• Features: Very sharp, fine blades; sometimes include finger rests for control.

✂️ 6. Thinning Shears

• Use: Removing bulk from thick hair or blending layers.
• Features: One straight blade and one with notched teeth.

🧰 7. Utility Scissors (Kitchen or Shop)

• Use: Cutting meat, herbs, packaging, or heavy materials like rubber and metal wire.
• Features: Sturdy, strong blades; often have built-in tools like bottle openers or nutcrackers.

📐 8. Craft/Detail Scissors

• Use: Scrapbooking, card making, and small craft projects.
• Features: Short, sharp blades with ergonomic handles for control.

👶 9. Baby or Safety Scissors

• Use: Trimming baby nails or for use by young children.
• Features: Rounded tips to prevent injury.

🏥 10. Medical/Trauma Shears

• Use: Emergency situations to cut through clothes, seatbelts, etc.
• Features: Blunt tips and angled blades for safety and strength.

🖋️ 11. Left-Handed Scissors

• Use: Designed for left-handed users.
• Features: Blade and handle orientation reversed for better control and visibility.

Would you like a printable infographic or chart summarizing this list?