One of the biggest factors in how long your scissors stay sharp isn’t how often you use them, it’s what you’re using them on.
Natural fibres like cotton and linen are relatively gentle on blades. They allow your scissors to cut cleanly without putting too much stress on the edge. But once you move into synthetics, stabilizers, interfacing, or coated materials like paper, things change.
These materials tend to be more abrasive, even if they don’t feel like it at first. That’s why paper often gets singled out in sewing advice. Not because it’s uniquely damaging, but because it’s one of the most common coated materials people reach for.
The real takeaway? Your scissors don’t just respond to use, they respond to the type of use. Being intentional about what you cut and the tools you use can make a noticeable difference in how your tools perform over time.
We spent last week at h+h (@hhamericas ) talking scissors, sewing, quilting, maintenance, fabrics, and, most importantly, meeting and reconnecting with new and old friends!
A few highlights:
🧵 showcasing upcoming releases for the first time
🧵 seeing people react to the new tools in person
🧵 watching Cornelius Quiring (@corneliusquiring ) teach live demos all day
🧵 meeting makers who have followed us for years
🧵 meeting brand new friends discovering LDH for the first time
Watching someone test a pair of scissors, hearing them talk about their projects, or seeing that immediate “wait… these feel DIFFERENT” reaction never gets old.
We say this all the time, but good tools are really about supporting the creative process. And getting to witness that process up close all week long was such a gift.
Thank you for making h+h americas feel so thoughtful, creative, and welcoming.
Next up:
Quilt Canada in Winnipeg, June 18-20 🇨🇦✂️
Come say hi if you’ll be there!
Welcome the Bloom Series Lightweight Fabric Scissors in green, engraved with Canadian milkvetch.
These Lightweight Fabric Scissors come in 8”, 9”, and 10” models, feature industrial stainless steel blades for strength and durability, paired with a blunted tip for added safety when working close to your fabric.
As our lightest pair of fabric scissors, they reduce hand fatigue and allow for quicker, more fluid cutting, especially useful for repetitive tasks like trimming seams or cutting smaller pattern pieces!
Finished with recycled plastic handles that contour comfortably to your grip, they’re built to support the way you actually make.
Do you prefer a lighter scissor for detail work, or something heavier for stability?
We’ll be at h+h americas (@hhamericas ) 2026 (Booth #2433) from May 6–8 ✂️
Here’s what’s happening: – Free on-site engraving on snips – Live demos at the booth and online with @corneliusquiring – An exclusive show special – First look at our Bloom Series
If you’ve ever been curious about upgrading your tools, this is the place to start. Stop by and talk scissors with us!
When you’re working with small pattern pieces, tight curves, or layered fabrics, the weight and balance of your scissors matter more than you might expect. A lighter blade gives you more control, especially when accuracy counts.
For these fabric tulip keychains (tutorial by @thesweetstitches ), we reached for our 9” Bloom Series Lightweight Fabric Scissors in Green engraved with Canadian milkvetch, or Astragalus canadensis.
They’re designed for exactly this kind of work: detailed, repetitive cutting that still needs to feel comfortable from start to finish. If you’ve ever found your hand getting tired halfway through a small project, this is one of those subtle upgrades that changes the experience.
What’s your go-to handmade gift for special occasions like Mother’s Day?
Have you ever gone to oil your scissors and paused for a second to think… wait, does it actually matter what kind of oil I use?
Short answer: yes… and also, not as much as you might think.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense when you’re standing in your kitchen or sewing room holding a bottle of oil.
There are two main types of oil people tend to reach for: Machine oils (like sewing machine oil) and vegetable-based oils (like canola or other cooking oils).
Machine oils are synthetic and specifically engineered for moving parts. They’re designed with additives that improve lubrication, reduce friction, and help parts move smoothly over time. This is the same kind of high-grade oil we include in our Maintenance Kit, and it’s what’s used in our factory during production.
Why does that matter?�Because your scissors are a moving mechanism. The pivot, where the blades meet, relies on smooth, consistent motion, and machine oil is built to support exactly that.
Some quick advantages:
- incredibly stable over time
- handles heat from friction well
- penetrates small moving parts easily
On the other hand, vegetable and seed oils are natural, plant-based, and surprisingly effective in the short term. They’ve even been used historically in engines and machinery, and have their own strengths:
- very high viscosity index (they stay consistent across temperatures)
- biodegradable and accessible
- great in a pinch
But they also come with a tradeoff: they can oxidize over time, which means they may thicken or become sticky… and yes, potentially a little rancid if left sitting. So what does this mean for your scissors?
If you’re at home and just need to clean and lubricate your scissors, using a small amount of cooking oil is absolutely fine. It will do the job. But regardless of what you use, this is the most important part, always wipe your scissors clean after oiling! This removes excess oil, prevents buildup, and ensures nothing transfers onto your fabric during your next project.
@corneliusquiring with all of the tool maintenance facts!
Quality scissors are designed to last, but even the best blades need proper care. Dull, sticky, or misaligned scissors don’t just slow you down, they can strain your hands, damage fabric, and make projects feel frustrating instead of fulfilling.
Good scissor care:
✂️ Keeps blades sharp and aligned
✂️ Prevents rust and residue buildup
✂️ Reduces hand fatigue
✂️ Protects delicate and expensive fabrics
✂️ Extends the life of your tools by years
In other words, caring for your scissors is one of the simplest ways to elevate your entire making experience.
The LDH Scissors Maintenance Kit includes premium oil, a reusable oiling & cleaning cloth, and a visual care guide, all designed and packaged to extend the life of every LDH tool.
Say hello to The Bloom Series Fabric Scissors, which are built for versatility and strength. With thicker stainless steel blades, these are designed to handle heavier fabrics like canvas while still maintaining a smooth, clean cut.
They’re a great all-purpose option and they come with a safety cap so they can be easily stored in your sewing bag without worry.
The Bloom Series Fabric Scissors feature recycled plastic handles, shaped for comfort and balance, so whether you’re cutting pattern pieces, trimming seams, or starting something entirely new, they feel good in your hand from the first cut to the last!
To make things even more sweet, The Bloom Series is part of our new donation campaign! For every pair sold, we’re donating $1 to Eco Justice, a non-profit that uses litigation to protect the environment. Learn more at ecojustice.ca! 🌸
It’s time for another giveaway baby!!! I’ve partnered up with LDH Scissors to send one of you a pair of their Ergonomic Scissors! How to enter (Instagram only):
✨ Like this post
✨ Follow me @chelsea_b_porter
✨ Follow @ldh_scissors
✨ Leave a Comment
✨ Tag friends for extra entries (1 tag = 1 bonus entry)
⭐ GIVEAWAY RULES & DISCLAIMER:
No purchase necessary. U.S. & CANADIAN residents only. Must be 18+.
Void where prohibited. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Instagram.
Winner chosen at random and announced on my Instagram stories April 22nd
Good luck, friends!
Our Bloom Series has officially launched! 🌷
Inspired by spring blooms and the quiet reset that comes with a new season, this series introduces three brand new colourways, each one tied to a flower and engraved directly onto the blade: Blue Eyed Grass, Canadian Milkvetch, and Trilliums. These subtle details really make your tools feel personal.
They’re also part of our new donation campaign! For every pair sold, we’re donating $1 to Eco Justice, a non-profit that uses litigation to protect the environment. Learn more at ecojustice.ca!
But beyond the beautiful new colours, this launch is really about how you cut!
We’ve introduced two distinct types of fabric scissors in the Bloom Series, each designed for different making styles:
🌿The Bloom Series Lightweight Fabric Scissors are all about ease and control. They feature thinner stainless steel blades and compact handles, making them incredibly comfortable for longer cutting sessions. The knife-edge blades slice through light and medium weight materials, giving you more precision with each cut.
Each colour is available in 8”, 9”, and 10”.
🌿Then there are the Bloom Series Fabric Scissors, which are built for versatility and strength. With thicker stainless steel blades, these are designed to handle heavier fabrics like canvas while still maintaining a smooth, clean cut. They’re a great all-purpose option and they come with a safety cap so they can be easily stored in your sewing bag without worry.
Both styles share thoughtfully designed handles, shaped for comfort and balance, so whether you’re cutting pattern pieces, trimming seams, or starting something entirely new, they feel good in your hand from the first cut to the last.
Fresh colours, new tools, and a reminder that sometimes a small change, like the right pair of scissors, can shift your entire creative rhythm.
Which colour are you reaching for first? 🌿
