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Household and tailor scissors: a buyer's guide
Quick answer: Household scissors are straight everyday scissors (usually 4 to 8 inch), multi-purpose scissors are smaller for office, craft and personal care, and tailor scissors are long-bladed shears with an offset handle (7 to 12 inch) for cutting fabric. First-aid patterns include bandage and dressing scissors.
Household scissors are steady sellers for hardware shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and sewing suppliers. The range is wider than most buyers expect: everyday household scissors, multi-purpose scissors, heavy tailor shears and small first-aid patterns. This guide groups them by use, with sizes from the Scissors Town catalogue.
Everyday household scissors
Straight stainless steel scissors with two finger rings, used for paper, packaging, thread and general home use. Sizes are given in inches.
| Reference | Type | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| ST-975 | Household scissors | 6", 7", 8" |
| ST-976 | Household scissors | 5", 6", 7", 8" |
| ST-977 | Household scissors | 5", 6", 7" |
| ST-978 | Household scissors | 4", 5", 6" |
| ST-979 | Household scissors | 6", 7", 8" |
| ST-980 | Household scissors | 5", 6", 7", 8" |
Multi-purpose and angled scissors
Smaller scissors for craft, office and personal care. Patterns include ST-983 and ST-985 (5", 5.5", 6"), ST-987 (6"–6.5"), ST-988 (5.5"), ST-989 with coloured coated handles (5.5", 6", 6.5") and ST-990 (6"). The angular scissor ST-986 (5", 6.5") has angled blades for reaching awkward spots.
Tailor scissors
Tailor (dressmaking) scissors have long blades and an offset handle, so the lower blade stays flat on the table while cutting fabric. A large ring takes several fingers for control on long cuts. The range covers ST-993 (7"), ST-992 (8"), ST-991 (9") and the special edition ST-994 in 8", 10" and 12". Buyers selling to tailors and sewing shops usually stock 8" to 10" as their main sizes.
First-aid and specialist patterns
- Bandage scissors ST-981 (5.5", 6", 6.5"): angled, with a blunt lower tip that slides under bandages.
- Dressing scissors ST-982 (4.5", 5", 5.5"): straight scissors for dressings and first-aid kits.
- Shaving kit scissors ST-984 (4", 5", 6"): a gold-handled scissor used in shaving and grooming kits.
Ordering tips
- Choose sizes per channel: 7"–8" for home use, 5"–6" for office and craft, 8"–12" for tailoring.
- Ask for blade sharpness and smooth cutting to the tip; test on fabric and thin plastic.
- All patterns can be supplied with your own logo and retail packaging.
See the full range on our household scissors page.
Quick answers
What is the difference between tailor scissors and household scissors?
Tailor (dressmaking) scissors have long blades and an offset handle, so the lower blade stays flat on the table while cutting fabric. Household scissors are straight scissors with two finger rings for paper, packaging, thread and general home use.
What size tailor scissors should a shop stock?
Shops selling to tailors and sewing customers usually stock 8 to 10 inch tailor scissors as their main sizes. The Scissors Town range covers 7 inch (ST-993), 8 inch (ST-992), 9 inch (ST-991) and a special edition in 8, 10 and 12 inch (ST-994).
What are bandage scissors used for?
Bandage scissors have angled blades and a blunt lower tip that slides under a bandage without injuring the skin, which makes them useful in first-aid kits. Scissors Town supplies them as ST-981 in 5.5, 6 and 6.5 inch.