Originally Posted by
Jakers1
I don't rip the seam from the inside, I do it from the outside. At the end of the seam I want to rip, I take the seam ripper and take out about 3-4 stitches. I then go about an inch down, and cut the stitch. I have enough then to grab and pull, and the thread comes out. I turn over the seam and lift the loose thread, again cutting a stitch around an inch down and pull out the thread. There are no little bits of thread and the fabric does not wrinkle. Works for me.
I mostly ripped "by hand" too, when garment sewing. It's not as easy, using 100% cotton fabric, which is more tightly woven. Some danger in tearing or distorting. It all depends on the seam and fabric, I think. As far seam rippers, I knew to use it that way but often don't, again because I'm afraid of cutting the fabric.