It can also be helpful to have two rippers, one smaller and one larger (some have both sizes). If you can find one that is pretty, even better!
Happy ripping!
Related video: How to Use a Seam Ripper
Have something to add? Leave a comment or email editor@nationalsewingcircle.com.
How do you sharpen a seam ripper?
Hello,
You can sharpen a seam ripper by using a tool called a bead reamer, which can be found at most craft stores, or a needle file, which sometimes comes with jeweller’s tools, and can also sometimes be found at the hardware store. Place the tool alongside the cutting edge of the seam ripper at a slight angle and gently push upward in a sweeping motion away from the main bulk of the seam ripper. Repeat a few times on each side of the seam ripper’s cutting edge, then test the results.
Hope this helps!
How do you use steel wool to sharpen a seam ripper?!
Hello Lynda,
Here’s the link to the video:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/how-to-sharpen-seam-rippers/
Please let us know if you have any further questions
Sincerely,
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
That video only shows how to use a seam ripper not how to sharpen a seam ripper. https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/how-to-sharpen-seam-rippers/
The little red ball is a life saver! If you’re going to rip (cut) the seam stitches by running your ripper between the 2 pieces of fabric letting the blade cut as you go be SURE to have the ball to the underside so you can see the point and make sure you are not letting it poke through the fabric. If it does the blade will then follow the point and cut your fabric. But this is by far the quickest way to rip an entire or several inches of a seam.
Are there any professionals in your group who sew patio furniture cushions?
None of the videos mention what the little red ball does! Some rippers have them and others don’t. I found the one with the little ball tip to be the best.
I am loving this website. So helpful for me as a beginning sewer! I didn’t know that the curved part was the cutter either! I will experiment later. First time I used the tool, I got frustrated and just started the project over… luckily it was a simple beginner one.
I got seam rippers from Quilty Box.
Thanks so much for the informational video…I have been ripping the wrong way for ..umm…well lets say way too many years. I am mostly self taught and never knew the proper way to use a seam ripper. We are never too old to learn.
Many good tips in this article and video! I didn’t realize that the blade is in the curve. Thanks!
In the above pictures, you show a beautiful stitch ripper made of what looks like marble. Where can I buy one these?
Hi, Gail. I believe that seam ripper is actually made from wood. Here is an Etsy shop that has several similar looking seam rippers for sale:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/489750351/wooden-handle-seam-ripper?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-craft_supplies_and_tools-sewing_and_needlecraft_supplies-cutting_tools&utm_custom1=20f1dd8d-ecda-49b0-ac02-879d7d945c1f&gclid=Cj0KEQiAnvfDBRCXrabLl6-6t-0BEiQAW4SRUGEcR9o5aYac1DeNlKjrR1X7qbUkrkVV7Nx5LPU8hJwaAjHg8P8HAQ
[https://img1.etsystatic.com/141/0/11738329/il_570xN.1122146561_bhnc.jpg]<https://www.etsy.com/listing/489750351/wooden-handle-seam-ripper?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-craft_supplies_and_tools-sewing_and_needlecraft_supplies-cutting_tools&utm_custom1=20f1dd8d-ecda-49b0-ac02-879d7d945c1f&gclid=Cj0KEQiAnvfDBRCXrabLl6-6t-0BEiQAW4SRUGEcR9o5aYac1DeNlKjrR1X7qbUkrkVV7Nx5LPU8hJwaAjHg8P8HAQ>
Wooden handle seam ripper<https://www.etsy.com/listing/489750351/wooden-handle-seam-ripper?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-craft_supplies_and_tools-sewing_and_needlecraft_supplies-cutting_tools&utm_custom1=20f1dd8d-ecda-49b0-ac02-879d7d945c1f&gclid=Cj0KEQiAnvfDBRCXrabLl6-6t-0BEiQAW4SRUGEcR9o5aYac1DeNlKjrR1X7qbUkrkVV7Nx5LPU8hJwaAjHg8P8HAQ>
http://www.etsy.com
Hand turned wooden handle seam ripper. This ripper is made with a piece of curly maple wood. This seam ripper was hand turned by myself and features a large seam ripper on one end and a small seam ripper on the opposite end. The ends are reversible and store inside the handle for safe and easy carrying. This item makes a great gift for yourself or any friends who may want a unique item for their sewing kit box
You may be able to find others online as well. I found this one by searching for ‘wooden handle seam ripper’.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the tip about ripping the backstitched part. Really good and helpful to read.
Another point to remember (pun intended 🙂 ) is that seam rippers get dull over time so don’t be afraid to watch for the sales and have a replacement one on hand.