Best Seam Ripper? Techniques?
 

As a new quilter, I seem to be ripping out my seams a lot. At 63, my eyes aren't that great either, so I thought about getting one with a magnifying glass. Some even have lights. I also saw a battery operated seam ripper at Annies and was wondering if it would save me time. Has anyone used any of these or do you have a favorite seam ripper or method that you could recommend? I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

The way I rip my seams out is on onside of the fabric I pull out a seam about every 10 stitches or so. Then I turn it over and randomly rip out every 10 stitches on that side. After that I can open the seam very quickly and do not have to do every little stitch.

Next b-day is my 63rd, so I hear you about trying to see those tiny threads. :( I have extra light(s) around my sewing machine. You will get many suggestions on un-sewing. IMHO the easiest (for me) is to flip your seam over (bobbin side) and pick/rip about every 4th-6th stitch, then flip back over and pull out one long thread. My FAVORITE seam ripper is the white clover seam ripper.

I found a You-Tube video that showed an easy technique. On one side of you seam, use the ripper to cut one stitch every 7 or so. Then on the other side, just pull the thread out in one long piece. It works great and less tiny threads to have to pick.

rather than looking for light or magnification specific to the ripper, I would look at an over all solution for those problems.

I love my battery operated one it is very fast . It's my new best friend.there is a video on youtube . Electric Seam Ripper

Thanks for your responses. I checked out the you tube videos and the electric one looks really fast and would also solve my issue with my vision. I do have glasses, but they don't seem to help much with the small stitches. I also have extra lights, including a magnifying glass with light on my machine, which I love. I just have one more question for mary quilting. Have you ever cut your fabric rather than the thread with the electric ripper? I am doing some machine applique blocks for my first quilt top and would hate to cut the fabric and have to do the block all over again.

I like my Clover seam ripper and rips every few stitches on one side then pull the
thread on the other side. I just ordered a magnifying lamp. Can't wait. I'll let
you know how it goes.

I usually rip out every 5 or 6 stitches, you can then pull the back thread out in one piece. Purchase a Clover Seam Ripper. I got one a few months ago and just love it. Mine is abright teal seam ripper and a ball at the end. It is great to use to drag out those little left overs and help close up the holes.

I tend to "rip" out seams the Eleanor Burns way, with my smallest rotary cutter. I hold the item in my left hand and right to spread the seam open and take my rotary cutter (also in right hand) held upside down and touch the treads as i go along. works fine for me for most ripping out work.

I use my rotary cutter or a very sharp seam ripper. I also have a magnifying floor lamp with light that is essential for me.

Depending on what I am ripping out - if it is a seam then I have the electric ripper (got it at the Road to California show and LOVE it) if I am taking out quilting then I used my standard ripper and do the every so many stitches and pull the other side. The electric one is like magic, what used to take several minutes is now done in seconds and one side stays long. For those pesky little pieces I use the sticky lint roller.

I have the one that has a magniifier and a light I love it but sometimes I use a seam ripper or a box opner

I have the battery powered one, and it works best on straight seams. I tried it when I had to rip out some quilting but it didn't work nearly as well. I had to rip out binding and it zipped right along in nothing flat.

I got a LED lighted magnifier at the Des Moines, IA quilt show. That and my white handle Clover ripper makes this chore easier. I even use the lighted magnifier when hand stitching binding. It's called the Craftlite Dublin Magnifier Light.

I do mine every 5 stitches and then pull the thread from the otherside. This method has made me become a very happy ripper!

I beleive every quilter has a turn and ripping and i can speak from experience..in the beginning I was ripping alot. I think it comes with practice and that she is doing a great job already for asking for help......which is "looking for problems" Not sure why but that statement of yours sounded harsh.

Re the question about cutting fabric with the ripper --YES! I was given a new ripper for Christmas (the type with the rubber end to rub away loose threads) and started to rip out some wonky binding. I was amazed at how easy it was because the new ripper was so sharp, and the next minute I had sliced into the fabric as well. Obviously my old rippers had gradually blunted and I hadn't realised it - so be careful with a new tool.

I love my seam-fix which has a seam ripper but when the ripper is closed is a large white tip which is great for removing all those tiny threads left after following the steps above. No idea where it came from do a google search if interested.

I just use the ripper that comes with my machine. I also use that technique of every 6th or 7th stitch and then pulling thread from other side.

What helps me the most is the lamp that my husband bought me from Lowes. Very bright donut shaped bulb with a magnifying glass in the center.

I have never done the Eleanore Burns method of using the rotary cutter. But, when I was a kid, my Aunt taught me how to use a regular razor blade. I would hold one end of the fabric in my mouth and use one hand to hold the other end then cut the threads with the razor blade. Never cut the fabric or myself. Would I use that method today? No, nor would I allow a kid to do it.

I agree with Grammy Dwynn...including loving the white Clover seam ripper. I love those things!!!

I hear your pain. I have been going crazy today with black on black. I think those wonderful glasses that are magnifiers would be wonderful, but the price is very steep. Thankfully, haven't had to rip a whole lot on this project, but dread it when I do.