Last week we decluttered the garbage and started working with the capacity of our room by defining how much space a collection should occupy. This week we are continuing that strategy with our tools. But tools have an extra consideration and that is function.
And we are starting with our scissors, snips and rotary cutters.
Our tools accumulate as our skills grow and we experiment with different styles. Some are pretty and bright, others are antique and quaint. But you might also have had to search for the right pair. Having a comfortable grip can transform the cutting stage from a painful one to a great one…I know the lefties out there are nodding their heads. And having the right blade and and a sharp blade affects our accuracy so you might have tried a couple of different cutting systems, sizes and shapes.
More than any other tool, I think our scissors, snips and rotary cutters play hide and seek the most. One issue is that they are hiding in the mounds of clutter we have but another is that we transport them to another part of our room or home, and then they don't come back. And when it’s not there when you need it, you buy another set and then another.
Function is about where and how we use our tools. My serrated scissors and my pinking shears do two different jobs. This 60 mm rotary cutter and my 28mm rotary cutter do the same job but one works better when you are cutting a stack of fabric and the other does better on curves. My snips do exactly the same job but one sits beside my sewing machine and another I use in my sewing kit.
So here, understanding the capacity of your space, you want to declutter as much as you can but keep as much functionality as possible. Ask yourself:
Is this item used HERE?
After years of experimenting, I have found that I like one style of rotary cutter. So by my sewing table where I do the most cutting, I keep one rotary cutter of every size. And underneath I keep the blades that go with them. I don’t need to dig in another drawer. They are right here when I need them.
I keep my good snips close at hand. But I also keep another set of snips in a different colour by my ironing board. So when they travel, and they do like to travel, I know when they are not where they belong. I also have snips in my hand sewing station. Again, a different type so I know where they belong.
I keep my applique scissors with my embroidery supplies. The bottom line is keep them where you use them. And don’t hesitate to mark them with where they belong. And this includes retreat bags and hand sewing kits.
At my studio, I have another complete set of scissors and rotary cutters. With my longarm, I have a snips on the back and one on the front. At my sewing station, I have a good pair of snips at the machine and just a simple pair of scissors.
It's time to declutter what you do not use. Look for the dull ones, the specialized ones for crafts you no longer do, the ones you never use because they are uncomfortable. Chances are you are hanging onto several ones that have been overused (but you keep them just in case) I realized I had two rotary cutters that needed replacing. They had worn out parts that were making them difficult possibly dangerous to use.
After last week’s declutter I hope you are becoming more comfortable saying no to these items and you can let them go.
I have talked about sharpening several times. I use this brand of sharpener. I’ll leave the link below.. The trick is to do it often, so that you only need to do a light sharpening-which is easier on the wrists. But if you have nicked your rotary blade, dump it.
Rotary Blade Sharpeners
60mm https://geni.us/NZMhjmc (AMAZON)
45mm https://geni.us/bFY2fji (AMAZON)
28mm https://geni.us/BMCA (AMAZON)
Old blades can be recycled with other metal products. Be sure to put them inside a tin can or wrap them in paper with a label first so your sanitation crew doesn't get hurt.
Lastly, scissors get dirty and dull. So take a moment to clean them with a light oil and, if necessary, contact the manufacturer about getting them sharpened.
While you are doing this challenge, you might want to watch these videos:
So how many scissors, snips and rotary cutters did you find in your sewing space. Post a photo online with the hashtags #declutterchallenge2025. I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 9.