How to Care for Your Embroidery Scissors
By SUBLIME STITCHING Contemporary Embroidery Design since 2001 | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Keep your embroidery scissors sharp and rust-free with these practical cleaning and storage steps. Proper scissor maintenance extends tool life and ensures clean cuts.
Quick answer
Clean your embroidery scissors after each use with a dry cloth, oil the pivot point occasionally, and store them in a dry sheath or case to prevent rust and maintain sharpness.
Why scissor maintenance matters for embroidery
Embroidery scissors are precision tools. Dull or rusty blades can snag threads, fray fabric, and make clean cutting nearly impossible. Regular care keeps them sharp and rust-free, so every snip is precise.
The main enemies of embroidery scissors are moisture, lint, and neglect. Even a small amount of moisture left on the blades can cause rust. Lint from threads can build up in the pivot joint, making the scissors stiff or sticky.
Trade-off: Patina vs. rust
Some scissors, like the limited-edition FORGET-ME-NOT Scissors in Laurel Canyon Colors, are designed to develop a unique patina with use. The paint is meant to wear away over time, creating a hand-worn look. This is not rust—it's intentional aging. However, you still need to prevent actual rust by keeping the blades dry and storing them properly.
Step-by-step scissor care routine
- Wipe blades after each use: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the blades and pivot area. This removes thread lint, dust, and any moisture from your hands. Never use water or wet wipes—moisture is the fastest route to rust.
- Oil the pivot point regularly: Apply one small drop of sewing machine oil or mineral oil to the pivot screw. Open and close the scissors a few times to work the oil in. Wipe away any excess. Too much oil attracts lint. One drop is enough.
- Store in a dry sheath or case: Keep your scissors in a protective sheath, tassel pouch, or a dedicated case. Store them in a dry environment, away from humid bathrooms or damp basements. If your scissors came with a sheath (like the FORGET-ME-NOT Scissors), always return them to it after use.
- Tighten the pivot screw if loose: If the scissors feel loose or the blades do not meet evenly, gently tighten the pivot screw with a small screwdriver. Stop when the action feels smooth but not tight. Over-tightening can damage the blades or make cutting uncomfortable.
- Check for rust spots monthly: Inspect the blades under good light. If you see small rust spots, gently rub them with a fine steel wool pad (0000 grade) dipped in a little oil. Wipe clean afterward. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads—they will scratch the finish.
Product care note
- FORGET-ME-NOT Scissors - Laurel Canyon Colors: With loving use, the paint will slowly wear away over time creating a unique pair of hand-worn scissors. This means you should not worry about paint wear—it is part of the design. Focus on keeping the metal blades dry and clean instead.
FORGET-ME-NOT Scissors - Laurel Canyon Colors
