Embroidery scissors and small scissors
Embroidery scissors for delicate, precise work
Embroidery scissors are small scissors, about 9 to 13 cm long, with fine, pointed tips that reach right down to the fabric without damaging it. They're used for trimming threads when finishing embroidery, cutting around appliqués, Hardanger and cutwork, and any small cut that calls for full control.
In this category you'll find embroidery scissors with straight and curved blades, DMC Hardanger scissors, Kretzer SPIRALE Classic scissors from Solingen and small D.PERES scissors – alongside models for trimming threads and delicate work.
Products: 9
How to Choose Embroidery Scissors
Straight Blade or Curved Blade
Straight blade: precise cutting in a straight line – ideal for snipping threads, Hardanger embroidery and cutting out windows in cutwork.
Curved blade: the curve lets you glide the blade flat against the fabric and cut a thread very close to the surface of the work without piercing it – useful for tidying threads on the back of embroidery and trimming around appliqués.
Length and Tip
A length of 9–10 cm gives maximum control in detailed work; 11–13 cm is more comfortable for a larger hand and for slightly longer cuts. A fine, sharp tip is the most important feature: it must close exactly to the point to cut a single thread.
Material and Finish
Quality embroidery scissors are made of forged carbon steel with a nickel or chrome plating, or of hardened stainless steel. The blades should be well aligned and the pivot tight, so the tips close without a gap.
Tips for Use and Care
Use your embroidery scissors only for threads and fine fabric – not for paper, cardboard or metal wire.
Store them in a case or with a tip cover to protect both the point and your hands.
Wipe the blades after working with fusible interfacing or stabilizers.
An occasional drop of oil on the pivot keeps the action smooth.
More Scissors Categories
Tailor's Shears and Fabric Scissors – for cutting patterns and fabrics.
Thread Snips and Thread Scissors – for trimming thread ends at the machine.
Lightweight Multi-Purpose Scissors – for pattern paper, crafts and household use.
Solingen Scissors – German Scissors – D.PERES and Kretzer, made in Germany.
Related guide: Thread Snips or Embroidery Scissors: Which Suits Which Job
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between embroidery scissors and regular sewing scissors?
Embroidery scissors are much smaller (about 9 to 13 cm) and have a thin, pointed tip that lets you cut a single thread close to the fabric. Sewing and tailor's scissors are long and intended for cutting fabric lengthwise.
When should I choose embroidery scissors with a curved blade?
When you need to cut threads very close to the fabric - on the back of embroidery, around appliqués or when cleaning up finished work. The curve keeps the tip away from the fabric and reduces the chance of piercing it.
What are Hardanger scissors?
Embroidery scissors with straight, short, very sharp blades and a pointed tip, designed for cutting the fabric threads in Hardanger embroidery and cutwork. The tip needs to enter between the threads of the weave and cut one thread at a time.
What length of embroidery scissors suits me?
A length of 9–10 cm suits most embroidery work and gives maximum control. Anyone with larger hands, or who also cuts a little fabric, will prefer 11–13 cm.
Can fabric be cut with embroidery scissors?
You can cut small amounts of thin fabric, for example around an appliqué. Cutting fabric in quantity or thick fabric wears down the delicate edge - for that, tailor's shears are better.
What is the difference between embroidery scissors and thread snips?
Embroidery scissors are scissors with finger rings and precise control at the tip. Thread snips work with a squeeze of the palm and the blades open by themselves with a spring - quick for cutting thread ends next to the machine, but less precise for delicate work.
Are embroidery scissors suitable for machine embroidery?
Yes. Small scissors with a curved blade are especially convenient for cutting jump threads between embroidery areas, close to the fabric and without damaging the stitches.
How do you protect the tip of embroidery scissors?
Store them in a sheath or with a protective cover, don't drop them, and use them only for threads and thin fabrics. A fall on the tip may bend the point so the blades don't close all the way.
Is it advisable to use the same scissors for embroidery and for nails?
Better not to. Even if a particular model suits both uses in terms of shape, for hygiene and for keeping sharpness it's worth keeping a separate pair for each use.
Why choose embroidery scissors from Solingen?
Scissors marked Solingen are made in the Solingen area of Germany, which is known for its tradition of producing scissors and knives. In models such as the Kretzer SPIRALE Classic, the blade is heat-forged and coated, and the edges are aligned for precise closing.