The History of Pinking Shears

Although Louise Austin patented the pinking shears, other items, including pinking cutters and pinking irons, were in use during the 1890s. This scissor-like zigzag blade cutting tool minimizes fraying when cutting cloth. According to Pinkingshears.org., the name pinking shears is thought to have originated from the pink carnation. Its edges are ruffled or pinked."

Louise Austin

In 1893, Louise Austin of Whatcom County, Washington, patented the pinking shear. According to the "Mother and Daughters of Invention," "... although not the first pinking device, it may have been the first pinking shears, as earlier patents seem to refer to a pinking machine or device or tool."

Benjamin Luscalzo

In 1952, Benjamin Luscalzo of Chicago, received a patent for the improvement of the pinking shears. His invention ensured that when cutting cloth with the improved pinking shear, the cuts and the shears pivotal axis remained perpendicular as when cutting with scissors.

Pinking Shears Defined

The scissor-like device is a cutting tool. The blades are often described as saw-toothed, serrated or zigzag-edged. Unfinished cloth edges generally produce large amounts of fraying which eventually damages the edge of the cloth because weaved fibers become undone. Cutting fabric with pinking shears generally minimizes the cut fabric from fraying. The process of cutting uniform, angled cuts naturally shorten the fibers, causing it to not produce fraying as in straight cuts of fabric.

Uses

Although the main benefit of the pinking shear is to reduce fraying and prevent damage to the fabric's unfinished raw edge, it is also used to finish seam edges. Dressmakers steam open seams to prevent bulky fabric sideseams. The clean look of the pinked edge gives the open seam a tailored finish. The zigzag pattern is also often used for decorative fabric crafting projects such as fabric flower edges.

Shape

The pinking shear is also referred to as scalloping shears. A small ring handle accommodates the thumb and a wide ring opening accommodates two to three fingers. This handle type ensures a firm grip when cutting the fabric's raw edge and seams. Although the shears have advantages in most instances, they should not be used for cutting out patterns. The shears will leave an inaccurate outline around the cut pattern.

References

• Pinking Shears: The History of Pinking Shears
• "Mothers and Daughters of Invention: Notes for a Revised History of Technology"; Autumn Stanley; 1995