Thread Clippers & Folding Scissors: What Are They? Why Use Them?

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Ever heard of “thread snips” or “sewing snips” and thought, “What in the world are those?”

Here at First Stop Cosplay®, we call them thread clippers because that’s what they do best: clip threads! (Also known as thread nippers, snippers, or cutters; they’re simply tiny thread scissors.)

Wanna know what the best thread clippers are?

Well, we’ve got some in store for you — literally! They’re for sale in our essential tools shop. Buy ’em, try ’em, and leave an honest review, because we know you’ll love them as much as we do!

What are thread clippers?

If you’re new to sewing, you should note the importance of keeping your projects neat and tidy throughout the process. Loose thread tails can get caught in your machine and mess up your seams, creating more work! Not to mention, they’re sure to make your final project look unpolished. Manage those pesky threads by clipping them every time you’re done sewing a seam (with the exception of certain special cases, like gathering).

A pair of thread clippers oriented diagonally with the open blades pointing up toward the top right corner. The thread clippers are color blocked; the handle's top half is lime green, while the handle's bottom half is navy blue.

Thread clippers are small, precise cutting tools designed specifically for trimming excess thread. They offer convenience and control as you cut, ensuring a clean finish on your projects. Do yourself a favor and invest in a quality pair to set yourself up for success!

Why use thread clippers?

Unlike larger fabric shears, thread clippers are compact and perfect for quick, accurate snips. They help you stay in the zone, in the rhythm, in the flow — quick and snip-snappy like a true professional. Plus, their ergonomic and lightweight design reduces hand fatigue during long sewing sessions. Sew until sunrise or until you’re cross-eyed (whichever comes first).

Thread clippers are versatile, too! Although you don’t want to use them to cut fabric (that’s what fabric shears are for), they take care of fraying edges in a pinch. Can they double as seam rippers? Maybe if you’re careful, but we wouldn’t recomment it. Don’t worry if you need one — we sell seam rippers, too.

A First Stop Cosplay branded canvas pouch with the zipper open. The pouch contains all the essential sewing tools that come with our FSCO Starter Tool Set. Peeking out of the pouch from left to right: fabric shears, thread clippers, 60 inch measuring tape, safety pins, a black fabric marking pencil, two hand sewing needles, a tomato pin cushion, 100-pack of glass head pins, a 12 in beveled transparent plastic ruler, a seam ripper.

The FSCO® Starter Tool Set.

Need all the essentials in one cute-ass canvas pouch? We’ve got you covered!

Product Recommendations:

THREAD CLIPPERS

A pair of thread clippers oriented diagonally with the open blades pointing up toward the top right corner. The thread clippers are color blocked; the handle's top half is lime green, while the handle's bottom half is navy blue.

Our high-quality thread clippers are designed for precise cutting and durability. With sharp, fine blades, they are perfect for snipping off threads cleanly without pulling on your fabric. Their spring-loaded ergonomic handle ensures comfort even during prolonged use, making them a must-have tool for any sewing kit.

Why you’ll love them:

  • Efficient & Fast: Snip stray threads with ease thanks to these clippers’ spring-loaded action — no need to open them like traditional scissors.
  • Comfortable: Their ergonomic shape keeps your hands stress-free while you sew.

Specs:

  • Length: 4.1″
  • Metal handle and blade
  • Razor-sharp blades for precise trimming
  • Spring-loaded for effortless cutting

You’ll find these clippers included in our FSCO® Starter Tool Set and FSCO® Travel Starter Tool Set — because you never know when you’ll need to sew on the go!

FOLDING SCISSORS

Five pairs of folding scissors in various orientations. From left to right, their colors are: red, orange, lime green, blue, and black.

Need something more portable? Something that won’t accidentally stab you while you’re sewing last-minute cosplay in the backseat of a car? If so, our small folding scissors are the perfect choice!

These scissors come in multiple colors and fold into a compact size, making them ideal (and safe) for on-the-go sewing. The sharp blades handle thread or fabric cutting, and their foldable design means they’re easy to store in your canvas pouch, con bag, or suitcase.

Why you’ll love them:

  • Portable: Compact and travel-friendly, they fit anywhere.
  • Sharp & Versatile: Easily cut loose threads or small fabric edges.

Specs:

  • Folded dimensions: 3.5″ L x 1″ W
  • Unfolded dimensions: 4″ L x 2″ W
  • Plastic handle and metal blade
  • Random color selection

You can find these scissors in our FSCO® Needle Book Kit and FSCO® Travel Starter Tool Set.

Goodbye, Thread Tails!

Don’t be a fool — buy the right tool to trim your thread and fraying fabric! It makes all the difference, we promise. 

Are you Team Thread Clippers or Team Folding Scissors? Let us know in the comments, or share what other tools you use! While you’re here, check out our selection of essential sewing tools for beginners. Don’t forget to explore our sewing patterns, which are designed to teach you more about sewing so you can level up your skills and create garments that scream VICTORY!

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Keen to keep learning? Visit the FSCO® Sewing Academy for more free educational content, or join our Discord to connect with a community of sewists. Say hi on social media — we post updates all the time and love getting tagged in your progress posts. 💙

Written by Karina M.

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