My Jim bought me some needle pullers, and they work great. When I know I am close to the seam allowance, usually do just two stitches or even one. It slows me down a bit but, I have loads of time. Most anything made of rubber will work. Some folks cut up their old dish washing gloves, but if you don't have any, just see if the local quilt shop has some like mine. They came in packs of two, and Jim got me four of them.