What You Need to Know About Seam Rippers

By Stacy Grissom

Let’s face it—diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend; a seam ripper is. I keep one in my purse, one in my closet, and a few in my sewing room. Here are some essential tips to make sure you’re using your seam ripper/best friend correctly.

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When you do have to rip-rip-rip, make sure to tear all the thread in areas where you backstitched. After that, you should only have to tear every third to fourth stitch. If a certain stitch is stubborn, don’t get frustrated; just move on to the one right behind or just in front of it. Remember that the blade is in the curve on the inside, not the pointy part. So, you want to follow through with your slicing motion all the way to the curve.

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For larger ripping sections, you can also pull apart the two fabrics and slide the seam ripper between them, from below the stitches. You have to be extra careful doing this, though. Otherwise, your fabric may end up with holes. Even though it can be incredibly frustrating to have to rip out stitches, always go slow and rip calmly. Angry ripping is likely to end in torn fabric.

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It is important to have a good seam ripper that is easy for you to use. That little dinky one that comes with your machine will just break, so it is worth it to invest in a better quality seam ripper—something that is sturdier and has a comfortable handle.

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.

Reply to Donna Y
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16 Responses to “What You Need to Know About Seam Rippers”

    • Customer Service

      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!

      Reply
  3. Linda Price

    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.

    Reply
  4. Monica

    Are there any professionals in your group who sew patio furniture cushions?

    Reply
  5. Donna Y

    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.

    Reply
  6. Lori

    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.

    Reply
  8. Mary

    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.

    Reply
  9. Cheryl

    Many good tips in this article and video! I didn’t realize that the blade is in the curve. Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Gail E. Kraft

    In the above pictures, you show a beautiful stitch ripper made of what looks like marble. Where can I buy one these?

    Reply
  11. Didge

    Thanks for the tip about ripping the backstitched part. Really good and helpful to read.

    Reply
  12. ADK Kate

    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.

    Reply