How to Use a Seam Ripper

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Duration:   6  mins

Megan Smith teaches you how to use a seam ripper properly without creating holes or tears in your fabrics. Learn the most efficient ways to use your seam ripper as well as see what seam rippers work best for specific projects.

Related Article: Essential Sewing Tools and Supplies

Reply to Tricia Fogden
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7 Responses to “How to Use a Seam Ripper”

  1. Julia Watkins

    This was very helpful information….and I am a seasoned seamstress!! 🙂

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  2. Suzanne Gabel

    If you have neither tape nor a lint roller handy, a Pink Pearl eraser will work also (I keep one in my little kit of needles, marking pens, presser feet, etc.). Just rub it gently on the fabric and it will pull threads out. Some newer seam rippers have an eraser-like tip on the cap just for this purpose. The only caveat is don’t use it on exceedingly fragile fabrics, as it can twist or pull out fibers. In this case, I use tweezers and take my time. I’ve learned (the hard way) that even a lint roller can damage delicates.

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  3. Clara

    On the “regular seam ripper”, the little ball goes between the two layers of fabric.Then you push it through the entire length of the seam without having to cut every couple of stitches first.

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  4. Tricia Fogden

    It is called a ‘surgical’ seam ripper because it is manufactured as a surgical blade not a ‘sergical’ as in serger! Very useful for seam ripping none the less.

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