How do you use pinking shears

What is pinking? When should you use it to finish your seams? And more importantly, when should you avoid using it? Pinking is a technique that dates back to the 18 th century, at least.

Back then, it involved using a special chisel to cut the fabric with a zigzag edge. Today, pinking is easier, as you can use pinking shears specialized scissors to cut with. If done correctly, pinking reduces fraying. Pinking shears tend to be heavy, and ordinary ones can be unwieldy and quite difficult to use.

When pinking is called for, I prefer a pair of spring-loaded shears, which automatically pop open after every cut. The way that pinking shears work is by cutting a row of small zigzags or triangles.

Leave us a comment below or share with us on Facebook! Click here to cancel reply. Although they come in handy … I find that my cotton fabric still frays. Do you know where I can get me some of that? Is there any way you can sharpen pinking shears? Any tips or will I have to fork out for a new pair? There are local sewing and quilting shops that do sharpening, as well as ones where you mail in your shears.

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Actually aluminum foil is not very good for sharpening scissors. My uncle, who is a wood worker, advised to cut through fine grain sand paper with your scissors — this puts a fine edge on them and it can be done over and over again without damaging them.

Many thanks. I too also tried the aliminium foil without success. Also tried sandpaper but then saw that this can also damage the cutting edge. I will ask at a local retailers as they advertise sharpening or lawn mowers and garden implements. Worth a try! If you have an Ace Hardware store, they can sharpen for you or will send them out. This is time consuming because you are generally cutting two fabric layers and two interfacing layers; it is also difficult to do neatly.

Instead of these steps, grade and trim seam allowances in one step by holding your shears or scissors blade at an angle towards the fabric while trimming. This method works great with either standard shears or pinking shears. Powered by WordPress and Origin. Look for fabrics in solid shades or very simple patterns. Your finished piece will look much more professional. Try pinking shears on smooth fabrics. Crisp fabrics like taffeta or chiffon look clean when cut by pinking shears.

This is because the ridge left over by the shears is less thick and because the shears don't have to cut through too many layers.

Bulky fabrics are usually harder to cut in a straight line. Cut primarily woven fabrics with pinking shears.

Woven fabrics are those made by weaving threads over and under each other hence the name. Tightly woven fabrics fray less and are best for pinking. Non-stretchy woven fabrics work particularly well if you want the cleanest cut. Examples of woven fabrics include: chiffon, denim, flannel, taffeta, crepe, kashmir silk, and chintz. Method 3. Sharpen your pinking shears periodically. Dull pinking shears will make frayed cuts.

When your shears are dull, use a sharpening wheel or sandpaper to maintain your shears. For routine maintenance, sharpen your scissors every four to six months. Do not use aluminum foil to sharpen pinking shears, as this method is ineffective on the jagged edges. Cut wax paper with your shears. Pinking shears cut well with some lubrication. If your shears are sharpened but still fray your fabric, try cutting a few rows of wax paper. Wax residue will transfer to the shears and make your scissors less prone to sticking.

Oil your pinking shears. On occasions where cutting wax paper does not keep your shears lubricated enough, clean your scissors with oil. Open your scissors and place a few drops on the pivot between the blades. Open and close your scissors several times, then wipe off residual oil with a dry cloth. Keep an eye out for rust. Rusty pinking shears can make your fabric fray, even after cutting. If you spot any rust, rub it off vigorously using steel wool and dish soap.