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If you haven't noticed, then let me point out that I have made just a few (ok probably a thousand) rag quilts in the last few years.
I often have people ask what kind of scissors I use for the rag quilts so here is my 2 cents
A pair of scissors with a short blade is a must. You can try to cut the blanket with your regular sewing scissors but you will not be able to cut all the layers at once and you will have more holes in your blanket from cutting the seams. The seams are not to hard to fix, but who wants to resew what they already sewed once.
Your hands will be sore, but you can do it. If you are only going to make one rag quilt in your entire life, don't go spend extra money on nice rag quilt scissors because it will be a waste of money.
I have 3 examples of scissors that I know work better than regular scissors for rag quilts. Each of the following pictures are linked to Amazon as an Associate
I started out with this pair of scissors:
olfa 5 inch rag quilt scissors
They worked great. Especially when I was just doing a blanket every once in awhile. Then when I started to sell the blankets I realized that those scissors would not cut it. I would have blisters and dents in my fingers from the handles. These scissors were about $20.00. They are Olfa, so the Cadillac of cutting for sewing. My husband prefers these scissors over any others that we have tried (and yes he helps me clip a lot of quilts)
fiskars easy action rag quilt
These scissors run about $20.00 but can be found at Joanns and other fabric stores. So make sure if they are not on sale to print off a coupon so you can get the best price possible.
These scissors are great for thin clipping. Around the edge of the quilt, yes! Thin layers of only cotton, Yes! But if you're doing flannel or levi, don't even try it, unless you cut each layer individually. But that would be sooo tedious.
These next scissors are the scissors that I use regularly. I am very biased because I am in love with them.
Heritage 6.5" Rag Quilt Scissors
They are made by Heritage. These babies will cut through 7-8 layers of fabric at a time. They never make my hand fatigued. I am in love with them. They work like a charm. I do have one thing that I don't like about them (isn't there always something :) My hand slides up and down the handle as I am cutting. It does not hinder my cutting, just annoying.
Do not be persuaded to buy the scissors that look very similar. There are dupes out there that are not quite as comfortable. Its worth paying the extra $10-15 for the Heritage scissors. Promise!
*NOTE: as I sit here and go through this blog post 12 years later (WOW) my opinion hasn't changed. I still use the heritage brand scissors. I have a pile of 15 of them, because each time one pair becomes dull from clipping many, many blankets, I just buy a new pair. They are serrated and I haven't found a good scissor sharpener in my area that has done a good job sharpening. I would love to get them all sharpened! They're all stuffed in a drawer, and I have given several away over the years.
So all in all. I definitely would splurge and get the heritage scissors. Even if you don't make another rag quilt you will be grateful to have used these beauties. Some of my extra pairs have ended up in my husbands tools, in our car jockey box, and other random places. They not only are great rag quilt scissors, but also great scissors!
If you have any questions about these scissors or any others please let me know. I would also love to know if you have favorite pair of scissors and what they are used for (even if you don't have rag quilt scissors)
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