Tell me ladies and gents...is there an art to seam ripping. Do I have to take lessons on this subject? I have just ripped right through my finished block. Also do seam ripper dull? Do I have to replace them?
I have used mine a lot as I am sure others have.

I saw a youtube video that helped me. I will try and find it.

Edited to add:

I couldn't find the video but here is a blog that explains how I rip seams. Except I cut my threads about every 5 to 7 stiches. Works like a dream!!

http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/...am-ripper.html

I don't like seam rippers. They are all to dull for me,but I am in fast motion most the time anyway. :)

I actually use the seam ripper to pull out every stitch, after using it to cut the thread every 4-5 inches.
And I must say, I am getting very good at it with all the practice I get. LOL

I use the technique that SherriB uses. cut every 5 or 6 stitches and then pull the bobbin thread. Rips right out. Then I use my sticky lint roller to remove the short threads.
Sue

Yes seam rippers do get dull after a while. I usually get 2-3 when they are on sale at JoAnn's and keep them everywhere. That's one tool I can't live without! :shock: :lol:

They do get dull - and some of them come that way right out of the package!

I love my Clover seam rippers - they're sharp and they have a good tip for picking up stitches.

If the stitch length is short, I hold the seam apart with one hand and nick the first stitch showing, pull and nick, pull and nick - dreadful fun. ;)

I saw a tip on Sewing with Nancy one time and she put one end under the pressure foot of the sewing machine and pulled the fabric taut and THEN used the seam ripper. It was actually a huge help.

Seam rippers are dull to start with. I use a pair of Havel snip-eze for taking out quilting and a pair of thread snippers for taking out seams. Just snip a stitch every 4 to 7 stitches and pull the thread on the other side and out it comes. The pull the seam apart and snip down the middle method can distort your fabric edges.

+1.
Works exactly (and as easily) as advertised.

Of course, if you've got your stitch length down to 1 for some reason, then, no, not so much fun. Or easy. :wink: