Pinking shears are scissors with sawtoothed blades as opposed to the standard straight blades. They are used to trim the ends of your fabric. They are also used to prevent fraying or raw hems by cutting fabric in a zigzag pattern. They are primarily used in cutting woven clothes. They add nice patterns to your cloth and paper projects. The only concern is that they can be expensive, depending on the brand. The good thing is that they are very easy to use.
However, can you use pinking shears on your project?
This article will discuss the possibility of using pinking shears on your project.
Let’s dig in.
Should I Use Pinking Shears On My Project?
Just like most fashion designers, you’ve probably heard of pinking shears. To avoid complicating the whole thing, pinking shears are basically a type of scissors with sawtoothed blades instead of the standard straight blades. They are used to trim the ends of your fabric. These sawtoothed scissors are used for decorative cuts and also to prevent fraying or raw edges.
You see, when you trim or cut a piece of fabric with regular scissors, there is a chance of the straight edges of the fabric fraying, and by fraying, I mean the thread starts pulling from the fabric ends. The pinking shears cut the fabrics in a zigzag pattern, thereby reducing the risk of fraying and, at the same time, it also puts a decorative design on the fabric.
To answer the question, should I use pinking shears on my project? Well, it depends on the fabric you want to use it on. Pinking shears work on selected fabrics such as satin, velvet, silk, leather, and so on. Basically, pinking shears work better on woven materials than on non-woven materials.
What are Pinking Shears?
Pinking shears are specially designed shears that are used for cutting fabric. They have barbed edges at the tips of the shears so that they can be securely clutched when used. The blades have a V-shape at the base and are sharpened on both sides. They are used to cut fabric in an upward or downward motion.
The blade of a pinking shear is made up of two parts: the “finger” and the “fingernail”. The finger is the larger of the two, and it has a blade on one end and a loop on the other. The finger is spring-loaded, so when you push down on it, the blade starts to slide up the side of the shears, towards the fingernail.
The fingernail is the smaller of the two, and it has a blade on one end and a loop on the other. The fingernail is spring-loaded, so when you push down on it, the blade starts to slide up the side of the shears, towards the blade.
The pinking shears come with a safety guard, which is a curved piece of metal that sits between the blade and the handle. The safety guard stops the blade from coming into contact with your skin. It also stops the blade from sliding off the shear.
How Can I Use Pinking Shears?
Pinking shears or piecing shears are very popular tools in the quilting world, but like any tool, they can be used safely and effectively if used correctly. Before using a pinking shear, it is important to understand the different parts of the shear.
Pinking shears can be used in two ways, vertical and horizontal. The vertical motion is used for cutting straight edges, and the horizontal motion is for curves. It is important to hold the shears in the correct hand position, with the blade pointing down towards the fabric and the fingers positioned near the finger guard.
What To Avoid When Using Pinking Shears?
Before using a pinking shear, it is important to understand the different parts of the shear. The safety guard should always be used, and the blade should be pushed down and away from your body before you begin to pierce the fabric.
- Always hold the handle of the shears with both hands, and use your other hand to steady the fabric. The pinking shear should only be used on the fabric, not on the skin.
- It is important to be careful when using pinking shears as they can be very dangerous if not used properly. Never use them to cut through cables, wire, or other metallic objects. There are a few tips that will help make using a pinking shear safer and more comfortable.
- First, always make sure that the fabric you are pinking is properly laid. This means that the fabric should be stretched tightly across the pinking shears so that it doesn’t move while you are cutting. If you are using a pigmented fabric, be sure to test the colour first before cutting.
- Another tip is to be patient. Cutting fabric with pinking shears can be frustrating, but it is important to take your time and move the shears slowly and calmly. If you are using the pinking shears on a piece of light fabric, be sure to shade the fabric before cutting to avoid darkening the fabric.
- Pinking shears are a useful tool that can be used to cut fabric easily. It is important to be careful when using them to avoid injury.
Do Pinking Shears Prevent Fraying?
There is a lot of debate over whether or not pinking shears prevent fraying. Some people claim that the use of these scissors does protect fabrics from damage, while others say there is no real proof that they work.
- Fraying is a common occurrence in fabrics. The most common cause of fraying is the use of a sharp blade to cut through the fabric. The edges of the fabric can become frayed and threads start coming off. Although fraying is commonly seen in synthetic fabrics, it can also happen in cotton and other natural fabrics.
- Pinking shears stop fraying on fabrics by cutting them in a zig-zag pattern. This will ensure that the fabric is not cut in a single straight line. This will also ensure that the fabric does not have any sharp edges that can cause fraying. Pinking shears also have a curved blade that is designed to cut through the fabric in a curved line. This prevents the fabric from being cut in a straight line and can help to prevent fraying. Pinking shears are also known for their ability to cut through a variety of fabrics.
- For garments that are likely to fray, it is recommended to use pinking shears to trim the fabric. Proper use of these shears will help to prevent the fabric from coming off in large pieces. It is also important to take care while cutting the fabric, as improper handling can lead to cuts in the fabric.
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Conclusion
The use of pinking shears is recommended for garments that are likely to fray. It is also recommended to use pinking shears for your fabrics as they give them a decorative cut around the edges and prevent threads from coming off.
However, the use of pinking shears is not recommended for all types of fabrics. They work best on woven fabrics.