3 embroidery scissors you shouldn't live without

We have 45 years of experience with scissors here at Kreinik. We cut a lot of thread daily. Just like you, we lament when our scissors go missing, complain about dull cheap scissors, and we collect them. When it comes to cutting thread, fabric, paper or anything, the right scissor makes the job better and easier. Everyone deserves better, easier, and happier stitching. 

Early in the company, Jerry and Estelle Kreinik sold their favorite scissors alongside their metallic threads. They carried several brands over the years, more recently with Doug Kreinik bringing in the Premax line. Why this line? Well, we do love all things Italian (they are made in Premana, Northern Italy), but they are also just really really good scissors. Like, really good quality. 

We carry scissors that are most beneficial to needleworkers—needlepoint, cross stitch, knitting, crochet, weaving, quilting—and fiber artists. You can see the full range here. Among these, three stand out as if-you've-never-seen-these-you-are-going-to-love-them scissors. They are consistently the most asked-for and highest rated among needlework shops and stitchers. So check out our top three scissors you shouldn't live without:

Ring-lock Embroidery Scissors

That round circle does more than resemble a cute little bird's eye; it means that the scissors won't get loose like scissors with a screw. So technically yes, they are superior scissors, but they are also charming and unlike any other scissor out there. A sort of wavy svelte profile offering a lifetime of cutting greatness—yes, please!

10 tips to know about Premax Ring-Lock 

1. Modern look
2. Mirror-polished stainless steel
3. Made in Premana, Italy
4. Very sharp
5. The patented "ring lock" replaces the screw, "guaranteeing smoother, more accurate cutting and longer life expectancy for the blade" (from Premax)
6. Comes in 3 3/4" size with a short blade (Kreinik X301)
7. Or choose 3 3/4" size available with a short, curved blade (Kreinik X302C and X304C)
8. Or get 4 1/4" size with a longer blade (Kreinik X401, X402)
9. Available with serrated blades* (Kreinik X401S, X402S, X301S, X302CS, X304CS)
10. Will elicit "Where did you get these?" from your stitching friends

Double Curved Scissors

The benefit of a curved blade is simple but huge: it gets you in tight or angled places. Double curved (the blade is curved, the handle is curved) means it just helps you maneuver into your cutting spot that much more. If you've encountered an odd angle and need to cut, these are the scissors for you. They work for all kinds of stitch techniques: 

• If you do machine sewing, a double curved scissor will help you cut close to the foot
• If you do quilt applique, they help you get closer to your edge
• If you do needlepoint, use them for cutting the loops in turkey work or cutting around 3-D and embellished areas
• For Hardanger and other cutwork, they will help you cut closer and ease those odd angles
• If you cross stitch, they make it easier to cut threads inside an embroidery hoop

5 facts about the Premax double-curved scissors

1. Shiny; made of carbon steel, nickel plated
2. Made in the Premana region of Northern Italy
3. Available in large 6" size with longer blades (Kreinik X621C)
4. Available in "embroidery" size 4 1/4" with very sharp short blades (Kreinik X423C)
5. Also available with serrated blades (Kreinik X423CS)

Purple Haze Embroidery Scissors

This is a sharp little work-horse scissor that will meet all of your cutting needs as you sit and stitch at home or in class. The best part, however: purple handles! The regal color is as pretty as a flower and just lifts your mood. It's a classic color that will never go out of style.

6 highlights of this Premax beauty

1. 3 1/2" very sharp scissor
2. Handles are double coated to permit the decorative pattern, but that makes them feel soft and smooth
3. Nickel plated carbon steel
4. Made in Premana, Italy
5. Available with serrated (Kreinik X308S) or non-serrated blades (X308)
6. Will definitely cause envy in all of your friends (makes a nice gift for your closest pals)

* About serrated blades

Some recommend that you use a serrated blade for cutting metallic threads. This blade, as opposed to knife-edge, has "teeth" that hold the thread in place as you cut. Serrated blades are often used in sewing for cutting slippery fabrics; the "teeth" help grip the material during the cut. Serrated scissors from Kreinik/Premax will have an S in the item number.

Read more...

Finding The Best Cross Stitch Scissors

For you today we've got a post from Lord Libidan talking about embroidery scissors:

Last month I attended a conference in London and met up with a few cross stitching friends. As always we spoke about who had the newest Kreinik threads, and the newest tools. However as I sat there I realised, time after time, no one ever got their scissors out. Now whilst there isn't any new scissor technology out there, when I started asking about my friend's they all complained of painful handles, hard to use, or going blunt. However, with a wealth of cross stitch and embroidery scissor types out there, there is no reason to have that old worn out blunt pair in your kit. Today, we're going to talk about scissors.

 

Gold Stork Embroidery Scissors

No embroidery scissors post would be complete without at least mentioning the gold stork. These are the most likely to be in your kit, however their shape isn't actually meant to for use. Back in the 16th century scissors in England were classed as decorative items, and those who owned golden stalk scissors would NEVER pick them up. AS a result, they aren't that good to stitch in.

 

Premax Carnival Embroidery Scissors

You may also have a pair of straight, non decorative scissors in your kit. However these Premax painted embroidery scissors combine both worlds, giving you a very usable pair that's also super decorative.

 

Ringlock Embroidery Scissors

But like many pairs of scissors, sometimes the average just isn't working for you. These scissors however try to address all the issues you might have. Stainless steel construct means they don't go blunt, the large finger holes mean they're easy to grip, and their ringlock system means you never have to tighten them.

 

Weaver's Scissors

The most common problem though, by far is getting to grip with the scissors themselves. No finger holes ever seem to work correctly, and don't get me started with left and right pairs. Weaver's scissors were the modern alternative. In reality these were the style of the first scissors, easy to grip on the sides, with a small sharp edge, which can be easily changed if required. Whilst they're great to hold however, they can be a little hard to control, meaning you might chop something you didn't mean to.

 

Curved Clamp Embroidery Scissors

So Premax came up with an alternative. A slightly thinner, lighter pair work by using negative force. They also contain a curved blade to allow better control. They're made from stainless steel too, so won't go blunt, and due to their design won't need tightening. Of every pair I tried in the course of making this post, these definitely seemed like the most advanced, clearly crafted just for this purpose.
I thought this post would end there, however a friend of mine heard about what I was doing and sent me a pair of these:

 

Double Curved Sewing Machine Scissors

At first I didn't really get it, why would a pair specifically made for sewing machines help me? But then I tried them. They allow you to snip threads in a cross stitch frame like a dream, and they just work so well with the curved blades. Sure, they'll need tightening, and they aren't the easiest pair to get your head around initially, but maybe sometimes you should try something a little out of the box, because these scissors are a dream.

Read more...