Pinking shears are used for cutting woven cloth. Cloth edges that are unfinished will easily fray, the weave becoming undone and threads pulling out easily. ... True dressmaker's pinking shears, however, should not be used for paper decoration because paper dulls the cutting edge.

Are pinking shears effective?

Pinking shears are the scissors with the nearly mystical power to prevent fraying on raw hems by cutting fabric in a zigzag pattern. They also are useful when you need to reduce fabric bulk on seam allowances, and they make a great pattern that can add flavor to the edges of sewing or even paper projects.

Does pinking stop fraying?

Today, pinking is easier, as you can use pinking shears (specialized scissors) to cut with. If done correctly, pinking reduces fraying. ... The way that pinking shears work is by cutting a row of small zigzags or triangles.