Karen Kay Buckley Tools at Linda's Electric Quilters
Karen Kay Buckley is one of the most respected teachers and tool designers in the quilting world, known particularly for her work in hand applique and precision cutting. Linda's carries her signature Perfect Scissors line and heat-resistant template plastic. Companion cutting tools live in the Famore scissors guide, and appliqué adhesives in the fusible web guide.
Perfect Scissors
Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Scissors are engineered specifically for applique work — micro-serrated, non-slip blades that hold fabric precisely while cutting, eliminating the tendency of smooth-blade scissors to push fabric away. Available in four models:
- Small — 3.75" curved micro-serrated non-slip blade (Red) — the smallest and most precise; ideal for detailed applique trimming, tiny pieces, and close work
- Medium — 5" knife-edge multipurpose blades (Orange) — the versatile mid-size for most applique and general cutting tasks
- Large — 7.75" knife-edge multipurpose blades (Pink) — for larger cuts, fabric trimming, and general sewing room use
- Bent Handle — 8.5" micro-serrated non-slip blade (Dark Teal) — the bent-handle design allows cutting flat on the cutting mat without lifting the fabric; essential for cutting stacked layers and seam allowances
Perfect Heat-Resistant Template Plastic — 100pk
Karen Kay Buckley's heat-resistant template plastic is the standard for iron-over applique templates — thin, stable plastic that can be ironed directly without warping or melting, making it the ideal material for creating reusable applique templates that hold their shape through repeated use. The 100-pack provides a generous supply for any applique project library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do micro-serrated blades change about cutting?
Grip — the fine serrations hold the fabric against the blade instead of letting it slide ahead of the cut, so curves and points come out exactly where drawn. On slippery batiks and fine appliqué shapes the difference is the whole game.
How does heat-resistant template plastic get used?
Iron-over prepared-edge appliqué — cut the template, wrap the fabric's seam allowance over its edge, press with starch, and the plastic holds shape through the heat where ordinary template plastic warps. The result is perfectly smooth turned edges, reusable template after template.
Which Perfect Scissors size first?
Medium — the 5" knife-edge covers general appliqué and everyday trimming, and reveals whether your work skews small (add the Red Small) or flat-on-mat (add the Bent Handle). The colour-coded sizes make building the set over time simple.
