If you suffer from stiffness or loss of strength in your hands, you owe it to yourself to try something completely different: a pair of Fiskars Softouch scissors. And even if you normally don't have trouble with your hands, the Fiskars design could help reduce hand fatigue when you do lots of cutting.
Fiskars Softouch scissors work on a different principle. They use a spring to automatically open the scissors. You just need to close your hand to cut. Open your hand, and the scissors open automatically. When you're done cutting and want the scissors to stay shut, there's a convenient bright orange locking lever.
These unique scissors get their name from the soft, velvety-feeling rubber handles that cushion your grip. And because the handles are simple and straight, any pair of Fiskars Softouch scissors will work equally well for both right-handed and left-handed quilters.
I started some test cuts at the very back of the blades (for a good long cut), and some at the tip (for a short, precise cut). All the cuts I made were clean, with no fabric slippage.
The blades of the Fiskars Softouch appear to be a bit thick to do really precise cutting on small pieces, but I think that is more of a visual hindrance than an actual physical constraint.
Readers' Comments:
Loretta writes:
"I have several pairs of the Fiskars Softouch scissors including the new pinking shears. I have rheumatoid arthritis and they are the only scissors I can use without pain."
Cyndie writes:
"Thanks for sharing the info on Fiskars Softouch scissors. I had used (and raved about) them at my sister's house where we make porcelain dolls and clothing. I kept threatening to steal them...but she gave me a pair for Christmas!!!
"Everything you said about them is true, and more!!! Now I will have to find the smaller pair for myself and her!! "
Annette J. writes:
"I have a pair with the smaller blades and I absolutely love them. They are as sharp as sharp can be and have stayed that way now for the 5 years I've had them. Excellent product.
"Thanks, Loretta, for sharing about their pinking shears. Now I'll keep my eyes open for them and pick up a pair."
Teddy R. writes:
"I purchased the Softouch scissors a few months ago. They cut like a dream. I experience some pain in my hands and wrists at times and these scissors have allowed me to keep on quilting. I would never go back to regular scissors!"
Janet E. writes:
"I, too, love the Softouch scissors. My husband bought me the large ones for Christmas several years ago (without having to be asked). I loved them so much I bought the smaller pair also.
"Plus, my mother is left-handed and has a hard time finding good scissors made for left-handed people. So I bought her a pair and she loves them too."
Judy K. writes:
"I had less-than-successful carpal tunnel release surgery and am prone to a condition called 'trigger thumb'. I have found that the Fiskars scissors are the very best for my situation. That spring that pops the scissors open is worth its weight in gold to me.
"I have both the large pair and the smaller pair and I am delighted that Fiskars is using ergonomics in their scissors designing."
Ann Marie S. writes:
"I have both the large Fiskars and small Fiskars with Softouch handles and love them. The first time I used the large one was when I was in Hawaii learning Hawaiian Quilting and they were great for cutting the piece for applique."
Elaine G. writes:
"I recently purchased a set of Fiskars Softouch scissors - a large pair and a small pair - and found them wonderful to use. But sometimes the orange clip slips and the scissors open. I don't know what to do about it, as I could not do without the scissors for very long."
Julie B. writes:
"During college I was fortunate enough to work part-time in a busy fabric department. I loved it, but I have always had some trouble with my hands, and my hands would be stiff after every shift.
"My manager offered to write-off a pair of Softouch scissors if I thought it would help, so we opened a pair and I gave them a try. Wow! I never had a problem again, except when I was working with the other gals...everyone wanted to borrow 'my' scissors!"
Denise W. writes:
"I love the Fiskars Softouch scissors. After surgery on my hand while still in high school, I had not been able to cut well due to loss of movement and pain. Any cutting would cause swelling and discomfort.
"This was very upsetting to me, as I loved to sew. As I got older I would have my mom cut things out for me so I could make clothes for my children. Now with the Fiskars I can do it all myself. I am very pleased with this product."
Sherry Y. writes:
"I am left-handed and have never been able to find a really good pair of
scissors until now. I have both the large and small Fiskars Softouch and would not have any other brand."
