What Type of Scissors Are Best?

Thanks to EGA's Greater Pacific Region, I learned about this article on TextileArtist about various scissor brands and what works best for various types of needlework.

https://www.textileartist.org/embroidery-scissors/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQg_CNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkFsamY2cEZsUzN0RTdIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgQSoBmic2T-gCs1kbLZUDcajPFxXr_TF4_-oKXhwIDOuNJh0kaarh3N2YQB_aem_Ip2Q5Fd7L1nyOSQf6vSGoQ#:~:text=straight%20embroidery%20scissors.-,Small%20straight%20embroidery%20scissors,are%20made%20by%20many%20manufacturers

There are plenty of links if something catches your eye.  I'd recommend small 3-4 inch long scissors for needlepoint that fit your fingers well.  If you travel with scissors, go with a cheaper brand you don't mind losing in transit.  Keep the good ones at home in a place where no one will grab them to cut paper, plastic or other non-textile items that dull blades fast.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Italian Embroidery Scissors

If you are in the market for a pair of high-quality Italian embroidery scissors, Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads now sells Guilietta Embroidery Scissors.  They are 3.75 inches long but the very sharp tips are only an inch long.  They are suitable for whitework and other precision cutting.

https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections/new/products/giulietta-embroidery-scissors

These are not cheap scissors but Tricia's price is good compared to other places that have them for sale.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Scissors and New Thread Color

Mary Corbet has managed to get her hands on the new Dovo scissors in the style called Anne.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/02/dovo-scissors-shaded-metallics-purple.html

Dovo scissors were discontinued but the company has started to make them again.  Mary thinks she'll be able to get them fairly regularly now but don't dawdle if you want a pair.  Whoops!  Sold out already.  Ask to be on her wait list for the next shipment.

https://shop.needlenthread.com/product/dove-embroidery-scissors

Mary also got a shipment of the Au Ver a Soie metallics in shades of purple, which are new--and beautiful!  You can pick up sets of various colors in her shop.  Right now Mary carries mostly size 8 (yes, just the same as Kreinik's size 8) although she does have a gold in size 4.

https://shop.needlenthread.com/product/shaded-metallic-thread-sets

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 24, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Echoes of Elizabeth Needle Case

Donna's finished her Gay Ann Rogers' needle case.  This is called "Echoes of Elizabeth" and uses some of the motifs from Gay Ann's Elizabeth 1 designs.

http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2024/08/took-unintentional-break.html

It is beautiful!  Lovely work, Donna.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Replacement for Dovo Scissors? UPDATED

If you are a fan of Dovo scissors and mourned the company's closing, Mary Corbet may have found a replacement.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/04/golden-forge-embroidery-scissors-dovo-substitute.html

Golden Forge scissors are imported from Switzerland by Access Commodities, which always brings us the best stuff.

UPDATE:  Now the Golden Forge scissors come with larger finger holes, red handles and vine-like etching on the blades.  They really are pretty.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/08/seeing-delectable-red-new-scissors.html

Apparently they are coming in blue and green as well.  The green also has the larger finger holes and etching.  As always, shop around.  The prices vary by as much as $30 depending on where you buy.

https://hoopandframe.com/products/golden-forge-scissors?variant=46532681957626

Needle in a Haystack will have them in lilac, too.  

https://needlestack.americommerce.com/golden-forge-scissors.aspx

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dovo Scissors Available Again in Limited Supply

Are you a fan of Dovo scissors? The company went into bankruptcy and reorganized and as a result, stopped making scissors. But they recently decided to make a few more and this shop is eagerly awaiting their order for two sizes of Dovo scissors.  They have already sold out the smaller size that are due next week, but they anticipate getting more in August, so if you want a pair, you should contact them and let them know you want to be on the wait list. I believe there are still four inch scissors available, at least there were last week when I wrote this article.  This is a very big counted thread store in Oklahoma, by the way. I've been on their mailing list for years.
https://www.thesilverneedle.com/scissors.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Needlepoint with Chipped Pearl Purl: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff is updating her Instagram and YouTube pages with short tutorial videos which show you how to do all sorts of amazing things on your needlepoint canvas.  This video explains how to use chipped pearl purl, a metallic thread that you cut into bugle-bead like lengths and attach just like a bead.  These go on top of yellow felt to help support them, give them dimension, and add a touch of color if you don't managed to cover the entire area properly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C382zPgLraA/

This is what pearl purl looks like.  It comes in a variety of golds, silvers and coppers.  I think I've seen purple, too.  It also comes in various diameters.  

https://golden-hinde.co.uk/product-category/goldwork-supplies/goldwork-wires/search-by-wire-name/pearl-purl

When working with it, use either scissors especially designed for metal threads or use a pair of scissors that aren't used for anything else.  Real metal threads will dull scissors quickly.

https://needlepoint.com/products/task-scissors-metallic-thread

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bohin's Colorful Embroidery Scissors

Bohin is a French company known for their high quality stitching tools such as needles and seam rippers.  I didn't realize that they have colorful limited embroidery scissors, too.  Needle Nook of La Jolla carries some of their birds, cats, and Russian nesting dolls series.

https://www.needlenook.com/product-category/accessories/scissors/

The Bohin website shows all sorts of fun scissor patterns, including a seahorse, Eiffel Tower, lobster, octupus, squirrel, tiger, etc.  I haven't seen these in person so I can't judge their quality but they are relatively inexpensive.  Some Bohin decorated scissors would make a good present for your stitching bestie or something to tuck in a travel bag.

https://boutique.bohin.com/en/collections/ciseaux-a-broder?page=1

By the way, I found this gorgeous mother of pearl scissors fob while looking for Bohin scissors.

https://www.anitalittlestitches.com/product7079.html

There are two versions, one with a larger clasp for regular scissors.

https://www.anitalittlestitches.com/product7080.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Embroidery Scissors from Japan

I am a big fan of Japanese embroidery tools so I was thrilled to learn that Cohana has embroidery scissors as well as tiny snips.  Their mini scissors and thread snips are at the top of the page.  The embroidery scissors (which are around four inches long and have blunt tips) are at the bottom of the page.

https://cohana.shop/collections/scissors

These are all beautifully handmade and the embroidery scissors have laquered handles so they aren't cheap.  Usage tips are at the bottom of the page.  Please note that the tips are blunt and that some people are allergic to the lacquer handles.

Occasionally Cohana offers limited edition colors in the handles.  Most of these appear to be sold out.

https://cohana.shop/blogs/news2/on-sale-today-small-scissors-with-lacquered-handles-spring-limited-edition

I found a pink pair on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1445040657/cohana-fine-scissors-with-laquer-sakura?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cohana+scissors&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

I also found a yellow pair still available.

https://www.oneofakindheirlooms.com/product-page/cohana-spring-limited-edition-cohana-scissors-with-lacquered-handles-nanohan

Cohana and their partners make all sorts of embroidery tools. You can browse a selection of other items besides scissors here.

https://www.suespargo.com/shop?search=cohana&noFuzzy=true&order=name+asc

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Essential Needlework Tools Kit

The Labors of Love shop in Atlanta has a new took kit that has snips, scissors and tweezers in a variety of fun patterned pouches.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/Tools-Gadgets-and-Gizmos/Scissors-and-Tweezers/p/Essential-Needlepoint-Tools-Kit-x67926896.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Candle from Mopsey Designs

Mopsey Designs sells candles! The scent is 13 Mesh and Chill.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=581651503978321&set=a.570863735057098

This one is Leave Me to Stitch.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=580992967377508&set=a.570863735057098

There is also Safe Stitching Space.

https://mopseydesigns.com/search?q=candle&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

I'm not a candle lover but I admit, I'm tempted.

(By the way, Mopsey also sells rainbow unicorn scissors.)

https://mopseydesigns.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/unicorn-scissors

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 10, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tulip Scissors

While watching the unboxing party video that Wool and the Floss just posted to Instagram, I discovered that the manufacturers of Tulip needles also have scissors!

https://www.tulipneedles.co.uk/product/tulip-premium-scissors

There are three types.  The rose gold ones have curved tips.  The only place I know carries the curved tip ones in rose gold is The Wool and The Floss.  They aren't cheap but if you are a big fan of Tulip needles, you'll want to check these out.  They looked really good in the video.

https://woolfloss.com/collections/unboxing-party-2-2-23/products/tulip-curved-embroidery-scissors-with-sheath

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Penny Linn Designs' Scissors

I didn't realize Penny Linn Designs has scissors as well as canvases and self finishing purses.  The crane style comes in red or blue, both lovely.

https://www.stitchersgardenil.com/shop/c/p/Red-Crane-Embroidery-Scissors-x56844379.htm

https://www.stitchersgardenil.com/shop/c/p/Blue-Crane-Embroidery-Scissors-x56844378.htm

There's also a pair of bamboo handle scissors with larger holes for those who like that style.

https://www.stitchersgardenil.com/shop/c/p/Large-Handle-Bamboo-Scissor-x66380563.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

News from the World of Needlepoint (and NJNA)

The December newsletter from NJ Needle Artists' chapter of ANG is a fun one.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2022/12/03/whats-happening-at-njna-12-3-22/

You can learn about ANG's fund raiser, their putting all the issues of Needle Pointers magazine starting in the 1980s online (members only, sorry), and there's even a link to an article by Ellen Johnson of Serendipity Needleworks about the various types of scissors for needlepoint.

https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/scissors-for-needlepoint/

Fun one!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 4, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Liberty Fabric Needle Magnets

Jenny Henry now offers needle minders covered in Liberty's classic fabrics.

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/collections/all

A limited selection of scisssors cases in Liberty fabrics is also offered.

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/products/liberty-fabrics-scissor-holder-cosmo-flower

Jenny also offers needle minders covered in vintage Thibaut toile fabrics.

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/products/needle-minder-made-with-vintage-thibaut-toile-fabrics

Besides all of the above, Jenny Henry does fun needlepoint designs and kits.  You can read more about her starting here--

https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/02/lets-meet-jenny-henry-designs.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 12, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sara Dennis Talks Scissors, Needles and Pins

Yesterday's Sara Dennis interview got me busy exploring her website, which has fun articles on choosing scissors, pins and needles.  The first link is scissors then needles and finally pins.  It's all quite interesting.  Enjoy reading it all!

https://saradennisembroidery.co.uk/the-thread/scissors

https://saradennisembroidery.co.uk/the-thread/what-needle-to-use-and-when

https://saradennisembroidery.co.uk/the-thread/embroidery-pin-guide

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 11, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Scissors and Needle Threaders

Mary Corbet is going to start selling needle threaders and scissors in her online shop.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2022/09/tool-talk-sweet-threaders-swell-scissors.html

Neither is a brand or type I've seen before.  The stainless steel scissors have smooth (sea foam handles) or serrated blades (green handles), perfect for cutting metal threads or doing precision cuts.  They are made by Karen Kay Buckley and come in 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch and 7 1/2 inch lengths.  There is also a curved and serrated blade type (red handles).  I think Mary will only offer the four inch sizes but I'm not certain.  Ms. Buckley is a quilter and lives in Pennsylvania.

https://www.karenkaybuckley.com/store.php?cat=5

The needle threaders are very smooth stainless steel and come in three sizes and a variety of patterns.  They are made by a Canadian company.

https://www.kirikipress.com/collections/needle-threaders

Thanks for offering these, Mary!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Use A Sheath!

Mary Corbet has good tips for caring for and protecting your scissors.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2022/08/simple-scissor-care-tips-sheath.html

Don't have a sheath but you want one now?  Etsy sells all kinds and sizes made from flannel, wool, suede, leather, fabric (even Sajou French fabric).

https://www.etsy.com/market/scissor_sheath

My favorite is the double scissor sheath with foxes.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1233018096/fox-scissor-sleeve?click_key=a8f7325879e1a8ad2876b4dad09038e12f289a35%3A1233018096&click_sum=88904e9b&ref=shop_home_recs_1&crt=1&sts=1

By the way, Mary also is talking about scissor fobs. Truthfully I don't use scissor fobs--they get in my way--but I've never heard they protect the tips of your scissors.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2022/08/scissor-fob-laws-of-gravity.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 5, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gingher Discontining Four Inch Designer Series

According to Megan and Melissa on the Pointing It Out Podcast on Sparkly Threads, Gingher is discontinuing their designer series of four inch embroidery scissors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6zwqbLHZeA

These are the scissors that have limited edition patterns like this that change each year--

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1051412112/gingher-4-rynn-designer-embroidry?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gingher+4+inch+scissors&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&frs=1

If you are a fan, make sure you pick up a spare pair before this disappear.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 27, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Folding Twig Scissors for Travel

Just stumbled across these Japanese folding scissors.  They appear to be around five+ inches long, so they are bigger than most embroidery scissors.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/collections/notions/products/japanese-scissors

They are called Plus Pen Style Twiggy Scissors.  They fold into the pen shape and are locked when you put the cap on.  They are plastic and I suspect not that durable but they are a great pair of scissors to toss into your stitching bag for travel.  Note that I don't know how airport security would look at these, but they aren't very expensive if they are confiscated.

https://kawaiipenshop.com/products/plus-twiggy-pen-style-scissors

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.