Seam rippers are designed to be used to actually split the thread between the seams, hard to explain. You can cut the first few stiches (about an inch) and then separate the two fabric pieces, you kind of pull the fabrics away from each other and run the ripper down the stiched seam, it is VERY fast, but you have to be extremely careful as you can actually rip the fabric (which I have done mayny times) so the safest but most tedious method is the Sherrib tecnhnique described above, I use tweezers to pull out the threads but I am going to try the lint roller technique, or if you can get your hands on a hemostat (a surgery implement) those are fantasic for pulling out all these little threads.

I have so many seam rippers, it's not funny!! Even my hubby has one to remove my hair from the beater bars of the vacuum and steam cleaner!! He opens DVD cases with his and so many things I just can't list them all!! Incredibly useful tool!!!

Same here, I am very good at it. LOL

I use this technique, too. I clip about every 5 stitches, then pull the bottom thread.

I really like the Clover seam ripper that is pictured, because the point is very sharp. I won't buy a Dritz seam ripper any more, because the point is blunt compared to the Clover. But I've started buying the Clover with the flat handle. The white ones always seem to roll away, and they end up under the furniture, with me on my hands and knees trying to find them.

I like the surgical steel blade seam rippers. They zip open a seam like a zipper. I usually use a rotary cutter to open a long seam. The regular seam rippers are more for breaking threads in a seam that can distort the fabric if the thread is pulled on too much.

How do you use the rotary cutter to open seams?

I've seen that method. Gives me the willies. And that surgical steel blade death tool - I'm scared to be in the same room with it. One friend loves it. Another likes using the rotary cutter method. I can barely breathe when they put blade to seam. :shock: :shock:

You hold the block in one hand, holding the seam open, and you nip at it with the rotary cutter. It's insane. I've got a pretty steady hand but there is no way I'm ever trying that. I'll take my time and pick out every stitch if I have to. :wink:

SherrieB: Thanks for posting the link for the seam ripper tute. I've been sewing for years and years and didn't know this trick!

The rotary blade will only cut the thread, odd as that seems, it works. Try it on some scrap seams and see. I have never cut fabric while using the cutter as a seam ripper. Just touch the blade to the thread as you pull the seam apart. I have a small Fiskars 28mm rotary cutter from long ago and use it for a seam ripper but I'll use any rotary cutter laying near me.

I never use a seam ripper, stopped many years ago when I just made clothing, ruined too many wip. I just use scissors now, I have more control. I pull two pieces of fabric apart with my hands and get the scissors in the seam and snip just a little, then do it again etc, until I have the seam taken out.