Buttonhole scissors
Buttonhole scissors
Name/Title
Buttonhole scissorsEntry/Object ID
2025.1.638Description
Metal scissors with a cur out section in each blade and an adjustable screw between the handles, which prevents the blades from closing completely. By stopping the handles closing, the scissor blades can only cut the distance of the handle stop setting. If accurately measured, the buttonhole is cut the correct size.Context
It is very important that a buttonhole lies flat - if incorrectly cut it can ripple, be too large or small or become distorted. From the early 1800s it was recommended that the hole be cut with a chisel. A cutting chisel has one sharp end and one blunt end. A small piece of wood is placed under the material and pressure is applied to the blunt end of the chisel and the material cut. (Cutting chisels are still sold today). By the mid 1800s several different designs of button scissors had been patented.Category
Domestic, Tools