Tools for Cutting Threads

Sooner or later, we all have to cut out some stitches. Today, let’s look at four tools that are great for cutting out stitches and one tool you should never use.

Curved Point Scissors

Cuurved tips on scissors make it easier to isolate stitches for cutting. Different scissors have different amounts of curve. Ones with a more flat curve will be easier to use as regular scissors. Ones with steeper curves will make it easier to grab stitches.

Lift & Snip Scissors

Embroidery Scissors

When I cut stitches, I generally use embroidery scissors, mostly because they are close by. After cutting a few stitches, usually I rub vigorously to pull up the threads. Then I use tweezers and needles to tease out and remove threads.

The narrower the tips of the scissors, the easier it will be to find stitches to cut.

Scythe-style Cutter

These can be hard to find. They have a very sharp curved blade, like the Lift & Snip Scissors above, with a wooden handle. Keep them in a tube for protection.

Seam Rippers

Many sites and so-called needlepoint experts recommend and sell traditional seam rippers to cut needlepoint or cross stitch stitches. These tools are made to remove several stitches. The cutting edge is at the bottom, between the two points. Because of the length of the blades, it’s hard to lift a single stitch. Because of the placement of the cutting edge, it remarkably easy to cut the canvas along with cutting the thread.

I’ve never used this type of cutter without cutting canvas. The canvas can easily get cut without you noticing. And because the points are long, usually several threads will get cut.

Avoid these cutters!

Whatever cutters you decide to use, proceed carefully, so that you only cut stitches.