Scissors have been around for thousands of years, with the earliest known examples found in ancient Egypt. While the basic design of scissors has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, there have been many variations and adaptations to suit different purposes. One such adaptation is the stork scissors that are commonly found in needlework and embroidery, which have a unique design and an interesting history.
The Origin of Stork Scissors
The exact origin of stork scissors is not known, but it is believed that they were first made in Europe during the 19th century.
According to various sources, the first stork scissors were created in the 19th century and used by midwives as clamps to stop the blood flow in a newborn baby’s umbilical cord after birth. The stork scissors were not actually scissors, but a clamp for the umbilical cord of the baby. The National Museum of American History has uncovered a pair of stork scissors that belonged to a midwife in Italy, as well as gold and silver colored stork shaped scissors that were part of a midwife kit in Buffalo, New York around 1920.
The tradition of storks delivering newborns appeared in Alsace in the 1850s, and scissors in the shape of a stork began to appear in the early 20th century. The stork scissors were practical for both medical and sewing purposes, and midwives would often store their medical kit and sewing kit together, providing ample opportunity for the stork scissors to jump back and forth. Eventually, the stork scissors landed firmly on the sewing side of the fence and became a popular tool for embroiderers.
Prior to the invention of scissors, people used clamps and pincers to cut fabric and thread. However, these tools were not very precise and often led to frayed edges and uneven cuts. Scissors, on the other hand, allowed for much more accurate and uniform cuts, making them a valuable tool for tailors, seamstresses, and other craftspeople.
The transition from clamps to scissors was not immediate, however. It took time for the technology to spread and for people to adopt the new tool. Some early scissors were made without a pivot, meaning that the blades were fixed in place and could not be adjusted. This made them less versatile than modern scissors, which have a pivot that allows for easy cutting and adjustment.
As scissors became more popular, they began to be made in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different purposes. The stork scissors were one such variation, designed specifically for use in crafts and needlework. With a long history and are seen as a symbol of craftsmanship and attention to detail, they are often used in traditional crafts such as embroidery, cross-stitch, and lace-making, and are a staple tool for many artisans and hobbyists.
The Use of Stork Scissors in Crafts and Needlework
Stork scissors are particularly well-suited to crafts and needlework due to their small size and precision. They are often used for cutting thread, fabric, and other materials, and can easily fit into tight spaces and corners.
One of the unique features of stork shaped scissors is their sharp, pointed tips that allow for easy and precise cutting of small details, such as the ends of threads or the edges of lace. The curved shape of the blades also makes them ideal for snipping close to the fabric without damaging it.
These scissors are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, and gold-plated metal. They can also be decorated with intricate designs and patterns, making them a popular gift item for crafters and needleworkers.
Modernization of Stork Scissors
While stork scissors have a long history, they have not remained static over the years. As technology has advanced, so too have the materials and designs used to make scissors.
Today, many scissors are made with high-quality stainless steel blades that are sharp and durable. Some are also designed with ergonomic handles that are comfortable to hold and reduce hand fatigue during extended use. In addition, some modern stork scissors are equipped with features such as spring-loaded handles or safety locks to prevent accidental cuts. These innovations have made stork scissors even more versatile and user-friendly, ensuring that they remain a valuable tool for craftspeople and hobbyists.
As the popularity of crafts and needlework continues to grow, there is no doubt that stork scissors will remain an important tool for many people. However, there is also potential for new innovations and adaptations to make stork scissors even more useful and versatile. For example, there may be opportunities to incorporate new materials or technologies into the design of stork scissors, such as 3D printing or advanced polymers. Additionally, there may be ways to improve the precision and accuracy of stork scissors through new blade designs or sharpening techniques.
I noticed when you post photos of projects you mention that some of your fabric was “original Silkweavers” and I’ve seen so many ladies in Facebook groups complaining about not receiving orders and having issues with things. I was wondering do you still recommend Silkweaver as a fabric resource? 
This week’s question came in the form of a lovely note I received in my email from Madeline. I won’t paste the whole note here, but her question was about spot cleaning linen …
