One of the projects in my e-book Lavender Honey & Other Little Things is an embroidered scissor pull.

The term “scissor pull” garnered a lot of questions. What’s a scissor pull? How do I use it? Why do I need one?

It occurred to me that maybe you know it by a different name, like retractable scissor leash.

I call it a scissor pull because it’s something you hang your scissors on and… pull.

What’s a scissor pull and how to you use it? Essentially, it is a retractable reel (the same kind used for work badges and the like) only instead of dangling a name or security badge at the end of it, you clip your embroidery scissors to the end through one of the finger holes. Then you clip the reel part of it to your clothes – to a pocket, a button placket, or just to the neckline of a T-shirt. And there your scissors hang, ready in an instant any time you need to take a little snip.

Scissor pulls are a very convenient way to keep your embroidery scissors attached to you during a work session. I use one every day, and I love it!

The only inconvenient thing about them is that I forget to take mine off, so I end up eating lunch with my scissors dangling over my plate. Not a big problem with sandwiches, but a little inconvenient with soup!

You can use a plain retractable reel for a scissor pull. There are plenty of different types available on the market, and you’ll often find them sold in sewing, quilting, or needlework shops in the notions section. You’ll also find them available in bulk in different online shops that sell lanyards, key chains, and the like.

Some of them even lock, and only retract when the little button in the middle is pushed.

Some needlework shops sell decorative scissor pulls, too. I think it’s more fun to make my own – and quite a bit less expensive! Many of the fancy scissor pulls I’ve seen in embroidery shops run upwards to $15. I estimate I can make more than 6 embroidered scissor pulls for about the same price!

So that’s a scissor pull! You can find information on how to embroider some cute ones in Lavender Honey & Other Little Things, or you can drum up your own, for a unique little tool you’ll never want to be without.

A fun weekend project – try it!