“Why do you have so many pairs of scissors?”

“Why do you have so many pairs of scissors?” This is a question I’ve been asked on more than one occasion, which is a fair question, because I do have 8 pairs of scissors. Some might say that’s too many, but I think it’s just enough! If you’ve ever found yourself doing a group craft, you might understand one of the reasons it’s crucial to have multiple pairs so no one has to wait their turn to use the scissors. It’s also quite convenient to keep one pair in the kitchen for opening grocery packaging, one pair in the living room to open packages, one pair in the bedroom to cut tags off clothes, etc. - everything has a purpose!

But on top of all the scissors, I have several more types of cutting tools that I use for different materials and different projects. As a constant-crafter, having all these different tools allows me to make things I wouldn’t be able to without them, make many projects easier to complete, and allows me to enjoy the process rather than struggling through the cutting phase. Hence, this is my official list of my favorite cutting tools and what I use them for.

My all-time favorite scissors: Fiskars Classic Orange Scissors

You know them, you love them, they’re always there for you: the classic orange scissors can do it all. These are the scissors I use for anything and everything, they are a critical tool to many of my projects and one of my best treasures.

For cardboard projects: Cardboard scissors

Have you ever tried and struggled to cut through a big piece of cardboard? It’s hard to fit the scissors in and cut at the correct angle? That’s where cardboard scissors save the day! I use these to make intricate cardboard projects - like the dragon costumes I made for my husband and I for Halloween.

Paper Cutter: Fiskars paper trimmer

This paper cutter is small enough to use even when my desk is messy and my work space has been reduced to a corner of the desk. Since it’s small and mobile, it is the fastest way I cut a straight line on anything: cutting watercolor paper to size, cutting strips of paper to use to play charades or fishbowl, or making small cards and labels.

For fabric: Olfa Rotary Cutter

If you are an avid fabric crafter, like a sewer or a quilter, 1) I am in awe of you because me and the sewing machine are not compatible, and 2) you’re probably familiar with a rotary cutter. If you’ve never used a rotary cutter, I recommend you get on as soon as possible. For cutting any kind of fabric, including felt, this tool will make your life drastically easier. In particular, I love using a tiny rotary cutter because most of my projects involve smaller cuts with more precise shapes. 

For precise projects: X-ACTO knife

To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever purchased an X-ACTO knife for myself! I come from crafters on both sides of my family and both of my X-ACTO knives were taken from my parents’ houses (shh). But I would buy one for myself because they are perfect for cutting out precise designs or, to cut long straight lines, an X-ACTO knife and a ruler make a great combo.

For intricate designs or special materials: Cricut

While the X-ACTO knife is great for small scale precise cuts, once my Cricut machine entered my workshop, my life has never been the same. Not only has it revolutionized how I make custom t-shirts (a major upgrade from the copious puffy paint shirts I made in middle and high school), but I use it to make decorations, cards, labels, and to customize just about everything I gift or make for myself.

I have an older model, the Cricut Explore Air 2, and it still works like a dream - you can buy older refurbished models for a more affordable price!

Whatever tools you have, there is always a creative way to use them to make whatever you set your mind to.