The Pleasure of a Good Pair of Scissors
Sewing and crafting is such a satisfying hobby on so many levels (I think I chose well!). One of the million reasons is that it includes so much range for creativity with fabrics, colours, textures, patterns, substrates, etc. I quickly discovered that using quality tools, like sewing scissors, makes the journey even more delicious!
When I first started sewing, I bought a pair of tailor’s shears from Lee Valley Tools because they looked just like the ones my Mum used to use and I needed to cut fabric, right? Well, they were heavy, a bit sticky and hard to maneuver, but they cut well. However, over a short course of time, they became quite dull making them even harder to wield. I thought that was normal until my hands were so cramped from using them that I looked around for help.
I quickly QUICKLY! changed over to using a rotary cutter and cutting board exclusively (and still do!). Best way to cut fabric ever. Eventually, though I realized I really did need a good pair of sewing scissors as well for snipping curves, cutting down seam allowances and even just supplementing the rotary cutter at times. I decided to really look into finding a proper pair of sewing scissors. There were many brand recommendations out there: Ginghers, Kai, Singer, etc.
In the end, I settled on the Kai brand of sewing scissors and never regretted it. I just love the smooth “schnicking” sound they make when they open and close. Yummy. I have spent many happy hours cutting in admiration. But even the Kai scissors do eventually dull a bit and after a few years of extensive use (fabric only of course), I really need to get them sharpened. I also wanted a good pair of pinking shears. So I continued on with them thinking that after Covid, I’d look into getting them sharpened and maybe getting some suitable pinking shears as well. And snips, can’t have too many snips.
Enter LDH Sewing Scissors
And then I heard about the Canadian-based company LDH with Midnight Black or Prism coloured scissors! Seriously, these scissors are gorgeous!
If you aren’t familiar with LDH (Love, Dedication, Happiness), it is a Canadian-based brand of scissors. They have been around since 1990 in Toronto but only on my radar for the last few years. The thing is, the scissors are really beautiful and by all reviews, very light and sharp. Ever since I saw the midnight black sewing shears, I’ve been wanting a pair. Then I found out that they offer engraving, well that sealed it for me! Well, forget sharpening – I wanted LDH!
Being a want though, not a true need, I decided to ask for them as a gift. Guess what? Santa came through (with just a few not so subtle hints). Eeeeek! I received my new LDH Scissors! So exciting! Can’t wait to slice into some fabric!
What’d I Get?
Good question! lol I got the Midnight Edition Gift set which is 3 pairs of scissors – each pair engraved with my website name, imadeitmyself.ca The set is the 8″ sewing scissors, pinking shears and a set of snips. They are just beautiful to look at aren’t they? Also, they are light weight and feel very very comfortable. They also come with a great warranty, lots of maintenance information and videos and they even support a local Canadian charity.
I have been slicing a few scraps all over the place, but haven’t used them “in the field” yet. lol. The field being my sewing room of course. I have some beautiful knit fabric on pre-order which should arrive shortly and I’ll be sure to give them a true workout (although I already love them)!
Finally, I have also resolved to get all my scissors sharpened. I found a local mobile sharpening service in my area and will book an appointment in the next few weeks. Once they are all sharpened and oiled, I’ll do a true comparison and let you know the results. I’m excited to share the update!
What is your favourite brand of sewing scissors?
Jessica says
This is a nice article about scissors. My Lee Valley tailor shears aren’t dull yet. My preference is using them on fabrics that don’t shift around and for doing long cuts instead of short cuts. I have a pair of Kai 1220, 8.5″ dressmaking scissors that are quite pointy and good for cutting tiny details. It appears Kai makes good detail scissors. I haven’t tried them on heavy or slippery fabrics but my guess is they will do best on medium weight fabrics that aren’t slippery. I want to purchase a pair of micro serrated scissors because they can grip delicate and slippery fabrics and are supposed to cut multiple layers of fabrics easily. I’m considering the Titech Extra Sharp Serrated ones. I also have a pair of Kai pinking shears. The large handle loop is too big for me. So, I made it fit better by wrapping a scrap strip of boiled wool fabric around that large handle until it was comfortable. Then, I stitched it in place. They cut easily and smoothly. So far, I’ve only used them on tight woven fabrics. I want a small pair of detail scissors. Maybe I’ll choose Kai or Titech ones which are less expensive than the Kai ones. I doubt serrated scissors can be sharpened so, I don’t want to get the most expensive ones. I’m curious about the LDH scissors.
Fran says
Thanks for your comments Jessica. I haven’t heard of the Titech brand, but I love the concept of micro-serrations. I believe that professional hair cutting scissors use a similar technique. I do like my little Kai scissors still but the pride and joy of my sewing room is my LDH set which is still sharp after a few years of fabric work. I still haven’t got my tailor shears sharpened yet either!