IAmCatOwned

I have two little wall quilts I want to make (Appliquilt). My pinking shears are second hand, but still relatively sharp. Is there a way to prepare the fabric to make it easier to cut? Would just starching improve this? I have arthritis in my hand, making it somewhat more difficult, but just can't see buying a new pair of pinking shears when I've only used the ones I have once or twice in 15 years. Thanks!

Tartan

My shears are not the sharpest due to age but I find if I stack 2 cottons together they work better and starch definitely helps to get a clean cut edge. I also find that they work better cutting about 1/4 inch from the edge and not right along the edge. If I try to pink right along an edge, it tends to leave thread pieces.

BellaBoo

I have my grandmother's pinking shears and they will cut fabric but it was slow going. I got a new pair stuck in my Christmas stocking a few years ago. I never opened the package thinking they would be the same as my old pair. I couldn't find my pinking shears for a fast cut so I opened the new package. What a difference! The new pinking shears cut through the fabric in one cut and each pink a sharp edge, no fraying at all. And the new pair was much lighter in weight. I retired my grandmother's pair as decoration. I'll use the new ones.

scisyb220

You know they also make pinking blades for rotary cutters. That might be easier than trying to maneuver pinking shears on small pieces. You could give it a try on some scraps & see which works better/easier for you, especially with your arthritis.

Grama Lehr

Great idea!! Those blades make it so much easier, and it really gives it a nice edge! Now to keep them from my daughter who scrap books!!

Peckish

That's what I was going to suggest - pinking blade for your rotary cutter!

Maggiemay

I've used the pinking blades in my rotary cutter. The pinking blades for papercrafting are cheaper than the ones made for fabric too. The ones I got were both made by Fiskars & I couldn't tell the difference. A clerk at Joann Fabrics actually told me this.

sylviak

I bought an Olfa pinking blade and, quite frankly, it didn't do very well. I have a pr of pinking shears, but they are hard to cut a straight line with. JoAnns was out of the Fiskers blades, but I think I will try them instead and see if they are sharper than the Olfa. I like to trim my fabric before pre-washing.

Sweeterthanwine

I didn't know they made pinking blades for rotary cutting. I must look for them next time I get into town. Thanks for the suggestions.

EvelynJ

Being left handed has always made buying scissors a pain in the rear. I do not currently have any pinking shears becasue my last pair I got a thrift store or yard sale and they were utterly useless.

I did not realize there were blades for my rotary cutter, I will have to look at Hobby Lobby and Hancock now to see about getting some. Thanks for the great suggestion!!