When I was in a full arm cast I learned to use a razor blade and use the cast to hold down the fabric - I can whiz through seam ripping so fast it is ridiculous - Now, I use the side of one hand to hold down the fabric and the index finger and thumb to hold the seam up - the other hand holds the sharp blade and just whispers over the thread - inches go fast.... I was bored and desperate for quilting!! Now I get the quilters's stuff to do at all the meetings and just tonight took 50 blocks apart for a neighbor in less than an hour!