Declutter Challenge 2026 - Day 8 - Cutting Tools

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Last week we decluttered the garbage and started working with the capacity of our room by defining how much space a collection should occupy. This week we are continuing that strategy with our tools. But tools have an extra consideration and that is function.

And we are starting with our scissors, snips and rotary cutters.

Our tools accumulate as our skills grow and we experiment with different styles. Some are pretty and bright, others are antique and quaint. But you might also have had to search for the right pair. Having a comfortable grip can transform the cutting stage from a painful one to a great one…I know the lefties out there are nodding their heads. And having the right blade and and a sharp blade affects our accuracy so you might have tried a couple of different cutting systems, sizes and shapes.

More than any other tool, I think our scissors, snips and rotary cutters play hide and seek the most. One issue is that they are hiding in the mounds of clutter we have but another is that we transport them to another part of our room or home, and then they don't come back. And when it’s not there when you need it, you buy another set and then another.

Function is about where and how we use our tools. My serrated scissors and my pinking shears do two different jobs. This 60 mm rotary cutter and my 28mm rotary cutter do the same job but one works better when you are cutting a stack of fabric and the other does better on curves. My snips do exactly the same job but one sits beside my sewing machine and another I use in my sewing kit.

For Each Sewing Area You Have:

1. Set Your Timer

2. Define Your Capacity

3. Declutter What Doesn't Serve You

4. Remove Anything You Declutter From The Space

5. Remember To Go Through All Your Blades and Ask Yourself:

Is this item used HERE?

Look for:

• the dull ones

• the specialized ones for crafts you no longer do

• the ones you never use because they are uncomfortable

• the overused/broken ones

• 
  

After last week’s declutter I hope you are becoming more comfortable saying no to these items and you can let them go.

I have talked about sharpening several times. I use this brand of sharpener. I’ll leave the link below if you're interested.. The trick is to do it often, so that you only need to do a light sharpening-which is easier on the wrists. But if you have nicked your rotary blade, dump it.

Rotary Blade Sharpeners

60mm https://geni.us/NZMhjmc (AMAZON)

45mm https://geni.us/bFY2fji (AMAZON)

28mm https://geni.us/BMCA (AMAZON)

Old blades can be recycled with other metal products. Be sure to put them inside a tin can or wrap them in paper with a label first so your sanitation crew doesn't get hurt.

Lastly, scissors get dirty and dull. So take a moment to clean them with a light oil and, if necessary, contact the manufacturer about getting them sharpened.

While you are doing this challenge, you might want to watch these videos:

So how many scissors, snips and rotary cutters did you find in your sewing space. Post a photo online with the hashtags #declutterchallenge2026.

I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 9.