DebbieJJ

I just watched this little video hint, and I almost wish I had a seam to rip out right now..... https://thequiltshow.com/daily-blog/...319a0d865e4e90

How did I not know this after sewing for 50 years?

schoolteacher

Still have to be careful that you don't cut into the fabric. I find that it helps if you open the seam and hold it tight. Place the ripper and away you go.

Barb in Louisiana

Very interesting. I am going to check that out with all my seam rippers as soon as I start sewing later today. I am very confident that I can sew a seam that needs ripping without any effort at all. After all, I always do. lol

Seriously, I have never known what the little ball was for. I did wonder at times, but never even looked it up. Now that I have stated I will be sewing and most probably ripping, my sewing should go perfectly today. I'll post an update when I actually get to test this method.

dd

So I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. I never knew. That's not what I was taught so I guess the Home Ec teacher's didn't know that either.

Onebyone

Unless the seam is short or on bias I rip it out by hand. I have never torn or distorted fabric this way. Done in about a second. It shocks the devil out of other quilters seeing me do this. LOL

ManiacQuilter2

Yes, that has been around for quite a while. Nothing new. It is just leaves a lot of tiny threads. It has been used more for sewing than quilting. I prefer to clip the threads on the side that may be discarded and then pull the bobbin thread out. Much less mess especially if the piece is going to be toss with all the tiny thread remnants still attached.

Tartan

I also prefer to clip every 3-4 stitch on one side and then pull the thread on the other side. This way prevents the strain on the fabric and after a quick press, the fabric is good as new.
I used to put the little ball end under the stitching and rip until it cut a hole in the fabric.

misspriss

I wish I had a nickel for every time I cut the fabric. I do the 3-4 pick and pull the tread. You need to be careful with the razor too.

RugosaB

I never even thought of using it THAT way! (I've been sewing for 50 years)

25 years ago I worked at an alterations shop and the gal there taught me to rip out a seam with a knife. I've never slipped and cut into the fabric, or my skin, but there are some places I use my seam ripper.
Will certainly give this 'upside down' way a try next time. Thanks

vondae

Just goes to show we didn't learn everything we needed to know in Home Ec Class. Interesting!!