These snips have a curved blade and can be easily stored in a closed position with no strain on the spring.
Klein Cutlery
CAN BE USE BY LEFT HANDERS

The proper way to use appliqué scissors is to insert the duckbill side of the blade between the fabric you want to cut and the fabric underneath that will remain uncut. This enables you to cut the appliqué fabric close to the placement stitching without inadvertently cutting the fabric underneath.  The duckbill will be underneath the pointed blade with the duckbill between the appliqué fabric and the background fabric and the pointed blade on top of the appliqué fabric.