Shop Scissors Blog

Reversible Cotton and Wool Scarf

With January only about half over, there’s still plenty of time to make a beautiful new scarf to last the rest of the winter. This easy, reversible scarf features one side that is soft warm wool and the other cheerful cotton. The best part is that one size fits all, as this scarf makes the perfect gift!

You will need…

• Lightweight wool or wool-blend fabric
• Lightweight cotton print fabric that is complimentary to the wool
• Cutting mat
• Clear quilting ruler
• Rotary cutter
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Iron

1. Lay the wool fabric on a cutting mat and use a ruler and rotary cutter to cut the fabric to the desired length. Repeat with the cotton fabric, using the same length.
2. Place the right sides of fabric together with the cotton side on the top. Sewing on cotton is easier than wool, since it minimizes slipping. Pin the fabric together at each end and at regular intervals in between to hold the pieces in place.
3. Use your sewing machine to machine-stitch all four seams, leaving ½-inch opening in the middle of one short end.
4. Careful not to cut your stitching, clip the corners at a 45-degree angle so they will be sharp corners when you turn the scarf right side out.
5. Turn the fabric right side out and press the seams with an iron.
6. Use a slip-stitch the close the opening.

Make a Paisley Scarf

Looking for something new to wear on New Year’s to spice up your wardrobe? Why not make a paisley scarf? These scarves gained popularity in the mid-19^th century have never lost their appeal.

You will need…

• Scissors
• Rotary cutter
• Paisley silk charmeuse, about ¼ yard
• Cotton batting
• Cashmere
• Disappearing-ink pen
• Pins
• Iron

1. Using your rotary cutter, cut the silk into an 8-by-36-inch piece. Cut the cotton batting and cashmere to the same size. Lay the fabric on top of one another, with the cashmere face up, the silk face down on top of it, and the cotton batting over the silk. Pin all three fabrics together.
2. Leaving one short side open, sew around three sides using a ½-inch seam allowance. Clip the corners with the scissors or rotary cutter and turn the scarf fight side out. Use your iron on a low setting to carefully press the seams flat and press in the seam on the end that is open.
3. Use the disappearing-ink pen to mark a 3-inch long line approximately five inches from the end of your scarf, that will serve as the buttonhole. Sew along the side of the line using a tight zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. When you reach the end of the line, leave the needle in the fabric, lift the foot and turn the fabric. As you start sewing, overlap your stitch so it overlaps the line you have just sewn and sew along the other side of the line. Overlap your stitches again at the end.
4. Use your rotary cutter to cut down the center of the buttonhole, being careful not to cut the threads at either end, where they overlap.
5. Using a needle and thread, hand-sew the open end shut.

Selecting the Right Scrapbooking Tools

Scrapbooking has grown into an extremely popular hobby in recent years and is, for many, a fantastic way to relieve stress and express a creative side while at the same time creating a great keepsake. One of the difficult parts of beginning this new hobby is finding the right equipment that will last for hundreds, if not thousands, of scrapbook pages. Here are a few tips to help find the right paper cutter for your scrapbooking needs.

While there are numerous options available for scrapbookers, the two most popular paper cutters are arm paper cutters and rotary cutters. Both are compact and easy to use.

Arm paper cutters. This paper cutter uses a pivoting arm that has a blade on it. The arm is brought up and then back down to cut through the paper or photograph. These paper cutters have been used for many years and while there have been changes made to improve safety, the design has not changed in many years. Unfortunately, the inexpensive arm paper cutters tend to make crooked cuts, which make them less popular with scrapbookers.

Rotary cutters. These paper cutters are the more popular cutter of choice for scrapbookers. Rotary cutters, which resemble a pizza cutter, use a round wheel to cut through paper and photographs. The blades can be easily changed so you are assured of a sharp cut every time. You also can purchase blades that will give you different kinds of cutting patterns.

Corner rounders. Though less popular than the rotary cutter, this cutter makes simple the task of rounding the corners of pictures and paper, a small change that can hugely effect the appearance of a photograph and overall scrapbook.

For more scrapbooking tips or to purchase a rotary cutter or replacement blades, please visit us online at ShopScissors.com.

Rotary Cutter Safety Tips

Rotary cutters are a great tool for making precise cuts through multiple layers of fabric and can save you a substantial amount of time when compared to a simple pair of scissors. However, they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Use these eight tips to stay safe and accident-free while using your rotary cutter.

1. Always wear shoes while cutting fabric. It may sound like an odd suggestion, but each year many people are injured when open rotary cutters are accidently dropped on feet.
2. Make a habit of closing the rotary blade after each cut.
3. Keep the rotary cutter out of the reach of children and when not in use, inaccessible to children.
4. Keep a safety kit nearby in the event an accident does happen. Be prepared!
5. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted while you are cutting. Turn off the television and stay focused on the task at hand.
6. Purchase grips. This small investment will keep your hands clear of the rotary blade and keep you safe.
7. Cut away from you.
8. Keep this list of safety tips taped by your table to serve as a reminder that safety should always come first.

To purchase a rotary cutter or replacement blades, visit us at ShopScissors.com.

Tips for Cutting with a Rotary Cutter

Growing up, my family believed it was important that I be well-rounded. I learned to play piano and sing, took dancing classes, practiced my art skills with sketching and oil painting (artwork that hangs in my parents’ home to this day), learned to cook, and learned to make clothing and blankets on our family sewing machine. However, what really changed my world (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the point) was when I started quilting and bought my first rotary cutter. However, there are some tricks to using this tool most efficiently. Here we have shared just a few.

1. Use clean, sharp rotary cutting blades. Change blades the moment you notice the slightest amount of dullness or any nicks. You’re really not doing yourself any favors by saving money and using dull or damaged blades.
2. Using the right blade for the job. If you quilt frequently you should definitely consider having many options for blades, based upon the type of cutting you do. A 45mm blade makes a good all-purpose cutting tool. For cutting through many layers, switch to a 60mm. If you are cutting around curved templates, try the 28mm or 18mm.
3. Attach the blade properly…and carefully! Push the cutter along a fabric-less matt with just two fingers. If it rolls smoothly and easily with no wobble, it is attached properly. If it takes more force you know it’s too tight and you need to loosen the screw. Also, double check to make sure you have just one blade…an easy mistake to make.
4. Cut on your dominant side. Make sure you always cut on your dominant side. For example, if you are right-handed this means holding the cutter in your right hand, the ruler in your left and cutting on the right side of the ruler.
5. Clean edges often. As you cut strips of fabric, the fabric will shift slightly. Make sure that you clean up the edge by making a cut at a 90 degree angle to the edge every so often as needed.

For more information or to purchase a rotary cutter, visit us online at ShopScissors.com

DIY Wedding Series: Wedding Invitations

One of the first things that come to mind when planning a wedding is sending out invitations. It wouldn't be much of a party without guests, so the invitations have to be clear, and creative.  You could decide to have a professional put them together complete with a keepsake box, precious multilayered invitations, R.S.V.P cards, and a hefty bill. Or you could take matters into your own hands by creating your own wedding invitations.

Start invitations early, as soon as you know the venue. Go to your local craft store or flea market often and keep your eyes peeled for bogo sales and clearances. Whatever the deal take advantage, without sacrificing quality.  When shopping for supplies, I suggest getting a good pair of scissors (for curling and cutting) as well as a pair of rotary cutters. They are inexpensive, but apply a really rick texture to the edge of paper, making them look elegant and unique. The blade is made with titanium bonded blades, making them 3x harder then stainless steel-guaranteed to last a lifetime.

 

 

Feature Friday: Titanium rotary blade refill

It's never been easier to add a creative edge to your crafts--just check out this easy-change rotary blade refill with a pinking edge.

Product Details:

• No touch safety shield for quick and easy changing
• Includes instructions for changing blade
• Titanium blades
• Pinking blade

*Crafty Tip* Hosting a back-to-school Moms gathering? Buy some patterned cardstock and make your own invitations.

Get crafty with rotary trimmers

Need precision cutting for your crafty escapade?

Sometimes a regular scissor won't do. Rotary trimmers offer more options for cutting curves or unusual angles.

Product Features:

• Titanium bonded blades 
• No-touch safety shield for safe and easy blade replacement
• The blades stay sharper for longer
• Covered by ACME limited lifetime warranty

Capture holiday memories and share them for a lifetime

Whether you love to scrapbook or share your memories with a collage of frames, it gives you satisfaction to share your family memories with others. But sometimes you need some help to fit your photos in their new showcases...

Scissors and rulers don't always help out when you need to cut precise lines and curves. Having a rotary cutter on hand makes it possible.

Rotary cutters and trimmers are engineered for precision. The Titanium bonded blade is three times stronger than stainless steel and a no-touch safety shield makes for quick blade changes.

Product Features:

• Versatility - the cutter works with straight edge and patterned blades

• Precisely cuts through paper,card stock, photographs and fabric  
• Covered by Acme United limited lifetime warranty 

Rotary trimmers are safe and simple to use

Think of it as a pizza cutter for your cardstock.

The 45 mm rotary trimmer precisely cuts through paper, cardstock, fabric, photographs, felt -- whatever medium you're working with. It's equipped with a no-touch safety shield to change blades. The titanium bonded blades stay sharper longer.

• 45 mm Refill Blade:Includes instructions for changing the sharp, titanium blades
• 45 mm Pinking Blade:  You can add a creative edge to your paper crafts with the pinking blade
• 45 mm Scallop Blade: Instantly adds a touch of sophistication
• 45 mm Wave Blade: Add to your arsenal of creativity with the wavy-edged blade