The question really is, “How do you open the stitching with a seam-ripper without jeopardizing the cloth?”. The ‘jeopardizing’ part needs a double emphasis. I have seen that, done that – ripped the fabric instead of the stitches!
Everyone owns a seam-ripper, ie everyone who sews. It needs absolutely no introduction.
A seam-ripper is a cutting tool with a specific use – that of cutting open stitches and removing the unwanted threads.
It is ‘the’ number one sewing tool, just after the most essentials – sewing needle, thread, sewing machine, chalk and scissors. And for some one who is a beginner, as essential as a sewing machine.
It is, not only for taking apart the wrong sewing turns; it is also used to remove those deliberate stitches you have made – the basting/gathering stitches used in gathering, quilting, etc. It is also an unavoidable tool for alterations – you have to take out all those old stitches. It removes unwanted embroidery stitches. Yet another use is as a buttonhole cutter.
Parts of a Seam-Ripper
Do you know what the different parts on a seam-ripper are there for?
The sharp point is used to lift the stitch off the fabricr; it also reaches corners easily and also picks up the stitches
The side edge is used to cut stitches.
The red ball (This is not there in all seam-rippers) is called the safety ball; it is used to slide along the seam as you cut the stitches continously, gliding down easily.Â
The best one have these characteristics –
It is very very sharp
The most important thing is to have a sharp seam-ripper. A dull seam-ripper is a disaster – it can frustrate you and also hurt. If it is sharp, it will cut cleanly without the need to apply extra pressure.
It is made of surgical steel
No other reason than safety.
It is ergonomically designed.
If you need to use it a lot, buy ones with an ergonomic grip – yes, they are available and in a suitably big size. The small ones can get tiresome after a lot of cutting.
Pain along Carpal Tunnel on hands are common among crafters and sewists. These specially designed ones have a nonslip surface. With this handy (literally) tool, you can lessen the pressure on your wrist and finger-joints. Very useful if you are into alterations. The kind of re-opening of seams this involves is a lot.
It is relatively long.
The main complaint about small ones is that you cannot reach some long tight corners with them. Long sizes is useful here.
It lasts long
Some become dull very fast and become useless. There is no way you will know in advance; even some very expensive ones fail in this section
Other bells and whistles
I love my seam-ripper (one of my many seam-rippers) with a small brush at the other end. After doing the cutting, there will be small thread pieces lying all around. Use this brush to brush them off.
Another plus is a cover – if you have the habit of rummaging inside your sewing box and this sharp tool is left open, you know what will happen. I do not think you want ‘pain’ involved in your hobby.
How to use seam ripper tool ?
The best start in successful unpicking is to keep the fabric taut as you cut. Best if you have someone to keep it taut
In the book Fabric Sewing Guide, it says to clip the needle thread every 5th stitch and then pull the bobbin thread out.
Pick the stitches with the pointed edge, and Try to lift and cut the tiny stitches on your seam-ripper edge. Ensure that  you are sliding the point of the seam-ripper between the thread and the fabric.
The problem arises when you start picking the fabric thread rather than the stitching thread, especially if the color of the thread and fabric match perfectly. One trick I have read is to rub some contrasting colored chalk on the seam – this will keep the stitches vivid against the fabric.
After cutting the stitches, do not forget to remove the small threads remaining
Sometimes it may be so tightly stitches that you cannot get inside the seam stitches at all – in this case you will have to pull apart the seam and open the stitches from the front.
How to use seam-ripper on a jeans?
This is not a functional question but a decorative one. Ripped jeans – the mainstay of fashion for a long time can be possible with your super simple seam-ripper. Just cut off the blue thread and pull them out leaving the white threads there (or just pull everything on sight and leave a hole there).
Some extra questions and answers:
Related posts : Essential sewing tools
What is the use of the small red colored ball in a seam-ripper?
The ball protects the fabric and slides easily along the stitches, and makes you move fast, as you cut the stitches.
Can I cut open seams without a seam-ripper?
Nothing matches a seam-ripper in its purpose, but you can use a thread snipper if you are in a tight corner; you can use these other tools also as a replacement – at your own risk.
How can you sharpen a seam-ripper?
I do not know. Considering how inexpensive it is, I would buy a new one with polished edges. If you absolutely want to your best bet is to try to sharpen it with the knife-sharpening stone.Â
