BellaBoo

I rarely use a big pair of scissors in my quilting. I have several small size ones I use for fussy cutting or applique. I have several excellent pair of Ginghers solid metal that I thought I had to have when I first started quilting. I seldom use the heavy things. I'm curious to what a big size pair of scissors are used for in quilting.

Kara

I'm going to be working on a "true lover's knot" quilt. All the pieces need handcut because of the curves. I'll be using my big scissors for that.

I also use them at the ironing board to cut the frayed threads that are wrapped up around everything and hanging out all over the place when I prewash and dry my fabric. I also snip and rip one edge to get a straight edge. I actually prefer them over small ones, except when I'm doing applique.

I have a pair of Fiskars. Not big and heavy. Just perfect for me.

bearisgray

I overcast the ends of new fabric before washing it, ir almost eliminates all the fraying.

I know it's an extra step, but one really "saves" fabric, because none is lost due to fraying.

kluedesigns

i only use my big scissor for making clothes or when i upholster the furniture.

MadQuilter

I used to use large (7") Ginghers but like you, I find them too heavy for small jobs. I use them to cut batting, and large pieces of fabric down. For most jobs, I use a smaller size Gingher. It lays beautifully in my hand and cuts like butter. That one is used for chenille work as well as it has a small pointy nose.

I cought DH once yammering away at some nasty leather with my GOOD scissors. Let's just say he now knows to ask first. :D

bearisgray

That usually only happens once per household member, eh?

peaceandjoy

I use my embroidery Ginghers quite often when I'm piecing. Snipping apart chain pieced units, for example, or trimming the ending threads close. Clipping corners, curves. Almost never use my larger scissors. Mine are Fiskars, so very light. I've actually been looking at the larger Ginghers, but now you've brought up a good point - I probably wouldn't use them enough to make them worth it!

bearisgray

I bought a lot of nail scissors on e-bay. I LOVE some of them for snipping. I prefer them to my little Gingher embroidery scissors.

(of course, about half of them were not so good, but over-all, it was still a good deal)

Tippy

I cut everything out with scissors. I have one large pair of shears and really only use them to cut sashings and the like. I have a couple of medium pairs and a variety of small pairs, for everything from cutting templates to sheers.

Cathe

I also have the little Gingher scissors to snip threads. I rarely use my heavy Gingher scissors. I use the rotary cutter for clothing, too, and for curved pieces. I do use scissors for trimming away excess batting and backing after basting.