How to Properly Sharpen Your Cutting Tools for Sewing

If you’ve ever used a dull pair of scissors to cut wrapping paper, you know the frustration. No matter how hard you try to cut cleanly, the paper can tear and bunch. But when this happens to a sewing project, the result can be more than a nuisance; it can derail the entire project.

Thankfully, you don’t have to deal with dull cutting tools when it comes to your sewing. With the right supplies, tools, and techniques, you can ensure your scissors and rotary cutters stay reliably sharp and precise, making fabric cutting quick and effortless.

Techniques for Sharpening Your Scissors and Cutting Tools

To keep your cutting tools in optimal condition, try these simple tips with common supplies you likely already have at home.

Sharpen Your Cutting Tools with a Knife Sharpener

If something can sharpen knives, it can sharpen scissors and rotary tools, too. Consider using a knife sharpener for your cutting tools.

If you can, take the scissors apart and sharpen each blade on its own. Make sure you sharpen the inner side of the blade. Drag each blade across the sharpener ten times. Then, reassemble the scissors, and test the sharpness on a scrap piece of fabric. If the scissors or rotary tool still don’t cut cleanly, try using the sharpener a second time.

Sharpen with Sandpaper

Take some 180- or 220-grit sandpaper, and fold the sheet in half with the rough side out. Now, cut through the sandpaper, making sure that the entire length of the blades cut through. Once you’ve done this twelve times, test your scissors or rotary tool on some scrap fabric.

If cutting is improved to your liking, you’re good to go. If not, try again with a new piece of sandpaper.

Sharpen Fabric Scissors with Aluminum Foil

If you have heavy-duty foil, fold some into a sheet of eight layers. If you’re using standard-thickness foil, fold it into a 16-layer sheet. Cut with the full thickness of the blades to make little strips. Ensure the scissors cut easily through some scrap fabric before trying them on your project fabric.

Try Steel Wool to Sharpen Scissors and Rotary Cutters

Whether you use a fresh piece of steel wool or a well-used piece, it will work the same. Cut through the pad with the full length of the blades. Rinse off your cutting tools, then try them on some fabric. Repeat the process if they still don’t cut properly.

Sharpen Your Tools with a Sharpening Stone

Whetstones are time-tested tools for creating sharp blades. One side is coarse, and the other is rough. The stone requires oil or water for lubrication.

To use a whetstone, gently move the beveled edge along the coarse side of the stone about twenty times. Then, flip the stone over and do the same on the finer side. Inspect the blades to ensure you don’t have any nicks or chips, and test the scissors or rotary tool.

Use Sewing Needles to Sharpen Scissors

You can also use sewing needles as a sort of sharpener. For scissors, use the blades to grip the sewing needle. Now, proceed as though you’re cutting the needle by applying pressure to the handles.

The needle will glide across the blades from one end to the other. Keep doing this until your scissors have been sharpened. It’s important to use strong needles that can handle this technique.

Have Your Scissors and Rotary Cutters Professionally Sharpened

If you can’t achieve the sharp edge you want, you can always send your scissors or rotary cutters to be sharpened by professionals. You may have local shops that are able to tackle the job, but there are online services that can take care of sharpening cutting tools, as well. These services typically yield the longest-lasting, highest-quality results.

Sharpening Schedule

How often should you sharpen your cutting tools? In general, twice a year is often enough. Don’t forget that scissors must be cleaned as well, since dust, dirt, and debris can dull scissors just as much as regular use. With a little water and dish soap, you can keep your scissors and rotary tools sparkling clean.

Cutting Tool Storage and Use

When not using your cutting tools, keep them in their factory sheaths. If you don’t have any, you can use plastic bags to keep them dust-free. Don’t let them sit out in the open, as they can become subject to corrosion, which will not only shorten their lifespans but also make them worse at cutting as they age.

Never use your sewing cutting tools for anything other than cutting fabric. While you’re unlikely to use rotary cutters for general-purpose cutting, the temptation may be there for your scissors.

Sewing scissors are designed to cut fabric and shouldn’t be used for trimming flowers, cutting open packages, snipping guitar strings, and other such activities.

When to Replace Your Scissors and Cutting Tools

Unfortunately, no tool lasts forever. Some damage will be obvious, and if your scissors or rotary cutter has broken apart, then it’s time for replacements. One clue is if you have to sharpen your tools more often.

As you sharpen, you may be getting through outer layers of hardened metal to softer layers underneath. Additionally, the tools’ blades will get thinner with every sharpening, and at some point, there won’t be enough structural integrity to cut properly.

For scissors, you may find that the blades don’t align anymore. Even if you tighten the tension screw down, once the blades are too worn, they won’t line up due to the repeated grinding away of material. The blades may also feel smooth and rounded off, or even shorter than they once were.

Get Quality, Long-Lasting Cutting Tools at GoldStar Tool

Clean cutting is essential for getting your sewing projects to look professional. Whether you need to replace old, worn-out tools or want to stock your sewing kit with quality pieces, turn to GoldStar Tool.

We carry an extensive range of cutting tools, from scissors and fabric-cutting machines to swatch cutters and hot knives. You can also find all the parts necessary for maintaining them.

If you have questions or are unsure about which cutting tools you need, contact the experts at GoldStar Tool today.