Best tool for unsewing?
 

Most of my seam rippers, stitch removers/cutters, etc. have gotten quite dull.

I'm going to be buying some replacements soon, and would like to have some opinions on what 'make and model' you prefer - and why.

At the moment, my favorite tool is a very narrow pointy manicure scissor.

I really like the Havel snip-eze snippers. The points are tiny and they're very sharp. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846


For taking out quilting the other tool I find invaluable is a small Ott light. It's small and very bright so you can open it and put it right over the stitches. You can see black thread on black fabric with this little light. http://www.joann.com/ottlite-led-fli...prd_02444446a/

I bought a seam ripper that I can't live without. I can't remember the name of it, but you can buy it here: http://www.havelssewing.com/seam-rip...pro-18950.html It is so worth the extra cash. You can buy extra blades, but the blade that came with it still works fine after one year. Gingher makes a similar type seam ripper and I bought it, but the blades aren't sharp at all. It doesn't work well. Don't waste you money on it IMO.

I guess it's called Ultra-Pro Seam Ripper With Extra Blades: "The World's Best Seam Ripper".

I have this one also, and it is super great, you do have to 'pay attention' to what you are doing because the blade is O.M.G. so sharp it is scarey !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so much better than the Gingher that I got first (very heavy)
I also have several of the ordinary ones for a quick rip.

My favorite is the tiny blue handled one with the red ball from Dritz. It is 3 1/2" long. The 'ripper' part is very narrow and sharp, perfect for getting under those tiny stitches. Small enough to not be cumbersome in my hand. I 'cut' every 4th or 5th stitch on the top, then turn it over and starting at one end, pull the back thread completely off. Most of the tiny threads from the front pull off when either ripping or when the back thread (the bobbin thread) is pulled off. It is quick, and no sharp blade used. I don't trust myself to not cut myself or the fabric. I used to use a sharp blade or my serger seam ripper and spread the fabric seam apart and cut the threads, but stopped because I didn't like the feel of the blade it in my fingers. Now I just grab under those stitches and snip them clean with my little ripper.

Carol Ann Waugh, who teaches the Craftsy courses on "Stupendous Stitching" and "Stitch and Slash" says the cheap, little ones are best; sharp, little and when (if) they get dull, easy and inexpensive to replace.

I have the inexpensive Dritz also and it works fine. THe only thing is my eyes aren't what they used to be so I just ordered one yesterday that is lighted. No ratings on it so I don't know what it will work but was 50% off and very affordable.
http://www.joann.com/the-seam-lite-l...er/xprd602457/
By the way, all joann.com notions are 50% off (other things on sale too) so I stocked up on 505 spray and got a couple of other things. Free shipping with $35 order with code AMB210.

Quite honestly, I prefer razor blades. They are extremely cheap and very sharp.

I love the Clover brand seam ripper from Nancys Notions, DO NOT BUY the Fons & Porter, I had 2 and the tips snapped off. Thankfully I wear glasses. The other thing I like is a battery operated mustache trimmer! Its' about 3 or 4 dollars (same thing as the pretty ones in the quilt stores) but much cheaper!

The little blue NanaCsews2 mentioned is also one of my favorites. My other favorite is the little foldup one, but the LQS where I got the one I lost didn't have any more when I went in to get a replacement. Don't recall the mfr. but I had seen it online somewhere.

I have broken quite a few seam rippers (finally learned to NOT use them to pry up the bobbin cover plate!!). My favorite now is a pair of scissors that come to a point tinier than any seam ripper. No name, not sure where I got them. But I panic if I can't find them in my sewing basket.

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Wahl® Pocket Pro® Horse Clipper/Trimmer<O:p></O:p>
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http://www.doversaddlery.com/wahl-pocket-pro/p/NA-1852/#ProductTabs<O:p></O:p>
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She has some neat southwest patterns also, check them out, she is from <ST1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Roswell</st1:City></ST1:place><O:p></O:p>
http://jmichellewatts.com/<O:p></O:p>
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I have been using one of these for 2 years, love it, the cover is the top cover or a handle extension. <O:p></O:p>
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That's what I use now--my son's old mustache trimmer and it is fast! You have to be careful though--it will cut fabric!

I have a couple of inexpensive seam rippers, a Bernina seam ripper, and a very expensive seam ripper. They all do a good job. When I have to get a replacement, I'll go with an inexpensive one.

I use a pair of gold Mundial Stork scissors. They have a nice sharp point and make quick work of a boring job that I seem to be expert at...

Thank you for the responses. I've learned about some new items that I had never heard about.

Someone in one of my quilting groups loves those eyebrow shaving tools. The are sharp, cheap, and bought at Walgreen's and such.

ali

I have this one too and love it.

This is my favorite, too! It stays sharp for a long time and the point is plenty fine for everything I've ever tried to do.

Me too! I have one just for un-sewing, especially embroidery. You have to be careful with it when you're using it to un-sew quilted areas because it will cut fabric - I had to put five little appliques on the back of one of my quilts because I got too exuberant with the hair trimmer. :p

I also like the Clover brand seam ripper.
Also use my rotary cutter to "unsew"...do have to be careful usinig it, but very fast!

My favorite seam ripper is the Fons and Porter one with the fat red & white handle. You do have to be a bit careful not to break the tip off, as mentioned before. I broke one I took to a quilt guild meeting in my purse without the cap. I like it so much I have bought several of them, and have them all over the house. My only issue with them is the caps do not stay on, not even for two seconds! I have taken to taping them on when not is use. I wish they would sell them with caps which were useful!

Ok ladies, if you are squeamish don't read any further........... All right I warned you, this handy dandy seam ripper (and it is handy and dandy and does a wonderful job!) is actually a blade and handle used by farmers and vets to castrate baby pigs and other small animals. I used one for years working in the farrowing house. So if you want to save mega $$ and have access to a store that caters to the farm community. Go there to purchase your seam ripper and replacement blades. Of course you miss out on the fancy packaging. Hope I was able to save you some $$ without grossing you out. Handle carefully they are, of necessity extremely sharp.

I laughed at this :D My screen name on my old (now defunct) knitting board before I crossed over to the dark side ;) was 'Frogknitter'. Rip it rules!

My favorite is a #11 scalpel.. They are sharp, cheap, and work well.. I also like tweezers to pull the threads..

I have one that is lighted. Didn't know I needed one with a light until I bought it. Now I wouldn't have any other kind.

I have the one that is lighted and with a magnifying glass!! I love it.

http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Bright-...ds=seam+ripper

I use Peggy's Stitch Eraser ...looks like a moustache trimmer, but bit bigger -----it works wonderfully!!!

I like the Havels's snip-eze too, but they are pricey. Bernina makes the best seam ripper I have ever used. I keep a few extra on hand.

I don't even know what kind mine is, has blue handle, been using it for years.

An pair of inexpensive reading glasses from the pharmacy, although you can buy them anywhere. When I can REALLY see those little stitches I have no trouble ripping them right out with almost any of my ripping tools.

I actually use my rotary cutter to cut the thread in seams. Works great and quick...no, I've never accidentally cut my fabric.

M~

I agree with JCrow - http://www.havelssewing.com/seam-rip...pro-18950.html, this is the best seam ripper I have ever used, be sure to purchase new blades when you purchase it. I took the binding off aking size quilt in about 20 minutes using this scappel knife. Highly recommended!!!

I just bought a new seam ripper 'gadget' called 'seam-fix'. It's a seam ripper but on the end of the lid is a ball that 'grabs' the stray threads after you rip out a seam. It works wonderfully. They list a youtube sight on the package: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXyot_s7Bhc.

I have the dritz and another brand, forget it's name, and either one works for me. I don't need an expensive one or a fancy one, any works for me, lots of experience unsewing.

I have one that has a magnifier and a light attached. It's great for black on black. Can't remember the make but it's in all the quilt catalogs. I also have a Clover which i like a lot.

I like my Gingher (really sharp) and mustache trimmer and yes, you do have to be very careful & not get over confident with the trimmer.

The item I use most for seam ripping is a "travel toothpick", it's sometimes called a truckers toothpick. You can buy them at Walmart, 2 in a package for a couple of dollar.

I still love singe edge razor blades. They are inexpensive, sharp and can be replaced at the first sign of dull. They are readily available at Wal Mart's razor departments, any drug store and the hardware store. froggyintexas