So, I know I have mentioned before, my seam ripper Jack and I are good buddies.
In fact, Jack has many friends- he needs helpers so he doesn’t get tired with all the work to do!
There are a lot of seam rippers on the market- do you have a favorite?
And then, the REAL question is, how do you rip out seams?
Yes, there are many different ways.
Some people rip out each stitch, one by one.
Some people rip out stitches, a few here, a few there and then pull the bobbin thread out to get the rest.
Check out this Youtube video.
Others use the curved end in the seam and rip along the seam creating little stray pieces. Check out this video. It looks awkward, but it works well, once you get it started. And for me, it works better when you hold the pieces up in your hand, not flat on the table.
Do you have one way to rip? I do use a variety of methods depending on the seam, the number of cross seams, etc. Well, that, and my mood!
If I only have a few stitches to rip, I just pick them out with the point of my ripper.
For a longer seam of stitches, I like the method of using the curved edge and ripping along my seam.
It goes so fast that way. You just have to be careful not to poke a hole in your fabric!
And for long stretches where there are a lot of seams, I may do a little combo ripping as sometimes the curved edge of the seam ripper can get caught in the seam allowance.
And this ripper helps to clean up the stray threads.
You know what else helps with seam ripping? A extra sticky pet lint roller!
Oh, and one other thing. A few of my seam rippers are old.
Most quilters like to be frugal, but guess what? Your seam ripper can get dull, just like your rotary cutter blade. So if your seam ripping is not smooth, get a new ripper!
You deserve it!
Happy quilting,
Kate
p.s. Two things:
1. Craftsy’s last day of the Dog Days of Summer sale is today. Click here to save up to 50% on classes! And it is not just my class- it is all quilting classes! There are some really great classes there. I am currently taking a class on machine quilting with Jacquie Gering.
2. Our August giveaway will start on Wednesday August 13th- so check back!