:? Hi all need your help. What is it with seam rippers. I want to get a new one. The price I see is from $1.79 to $24.99. What is the difference? Don't they all just rip seams. I know some have mag. on them, some have lights. The ones I am talking about are just regular rippers. The one I have now has a sharp end and the other end has a round ball. Does the ball go between the fabric and the seam? Sounds dumb I know but.....

There are better seam rippers out there...I have a Clover that folds in half and I love it, it has a nice fine blade for ripping out stitches. I also have a couple of bigger "brutes" that I paid alot for, but, are not near as sharp and seem to be a bit bulkier to handle.

I use the cheap Wal Mart kind. Works great.

I like the little white ones that came with my Janomes. I even purchased one from my dealer after I broke one (stepped on it with shoes on). Sometimes I wouldn't mind a better handle though.

i like the clover handle bigger than most-- also it is sharp--i watched a fellow quilter unsewing a long seam once she got a couple of inches going then she pinned one end to her machine cover used it like a third hand--i have copied this several times since--i think i have mentioned i have a degree in unsewing !!!

http://www.daystyledesigns.com/seamripper.htm This is the one that I have used for the last 3 years, and it is still lovely n sharp, wouldn't be without it. Definitely worth the few extra pennies :thumbup:

first = the razor portion of all of them is about the same and like all cutting tools, they go dull after a while = since I like sharp ones, I buy cheap and replace every couple of years. I do like ones with a larger handle because I have large hands. Also - I never thought about putting the ball end between the seam and the fabric, I just figured that the ball was to keep me from piercing the fabric from that end of the moon shaped blade...a safety thing.

Speaking of Seam Rippers, didn't someone (a long time ago) give instructions for sharpening a seam ripper? I don't mind getting new ones, but never seem to remember to buy one, then when ripping, wish I had!

I always prefer the seam rippers from Clover, either the brown flat ones or the white round-handle ones.
They have the smallest point for getting into tiny/close together stitches and have the sharpest edge, in my opinion

I have several in various locations. They are replaced a couple times a year, just like replacing needles and rotary blades, for best effect. I buy them 2-3 at a time when I can find them on sale or at a good price. They are my favorite stocking stuffer.

Jan in VA

This is the one that I use as well. I like the way it feels in my hand and the sharp end seems to be the right size and shape. I'm thnking about getting a couple more so I can keep one with the sewing machine I take to classes and have an extra one.

the best seam ripper Ive ever had is Havels......... it has replaceable blades and works great. I use it for everything, including frogging out longarm stitching!

I have one with replaceable blades too. I use it all the time (unfortunately), blade is super sharp.

Oh, I agree! The Havel's pro seam ripper is one of the best tools I have. Super sharp and the shape of the blade is great.

http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=281

Clover and Fons and Porter makes very sharp seam rippers. I have lots of those to take to classes and sewdays because they are easy to replace. I use the best seam rippers for home. Gingher surgical seam ripper is my favorite. It opens a seam like a zipper. Once you use a super sharp seam ripper the cheap ones will be like cutting with a dull rotary blade. I don't understand having just one seam ripper.

(In reference to the seam ripper with blades)



I think I'd be afraid to use that one. Looks scary!

I use the Havel's as well and love it. Even worked on ripping out PPing stitches.

I have one like the Havel's but not that brand. I know I paid less than $3 for it. I had a tiny little one with the same type replaceable blade that I got at a quilt show like this one: http://www.getcreativeshow.com/shirl...#Seam%20Ripper but it's so small I can't find it! I like the longer handle on the Havel type but my little one was good, too. I damage the fabric more with the other type ripper than the tiny razor blade type.

When instructing young 4-Hers I told them a seamstress (quilter) is only as good as the # of seam rippers he/she has! Made them feel better about making mistakes. I must have 4 or 5 laying around everywhere! LOL. One of my criteria is get one that has a flt side--that way it won't roll away from you!

I would like one of the ones with the lite.

The one I had with the light wasn't very sharp and it was heavy.

That is my favorite as well. I was introduced to them in a class on reverse applique where we used them as cutting tools.

I have one of those. I think I bought for taking out embroidery stitches. It is a little scary at times, and I don't use it when my hands are acting 'sloppy.' I have some nerve problems and get cramping and dropsy on occasion. :( It is a great tool for serious stitch removal though.

So interesting ladies. Never thought about different seam rippers. Thanks for the info.

I just purchased a Clover seam ripper - brown handle for $3.40 from a quilt store. The people in the BOM club say it's the best one out there. So I'm giving it a try.

When I notice that it's getting difficult to 'RIP' the thread on a seam, I know it's time for a new ripper.

The inexpensive ones are fine with me. I prefer a slightly bigger one when I'm at home...they don't get lost that easily.

Ohhh......I do have at least 4 around the house !

I just use the Walmart ones, I have them everywhere, every room in the house, my purse and most of my totes.

For years I used a single edged razor blade for ripping seams and I sewed clothing for the public. Now I use my small Olfa cutter, pull the seam apart as much as I can and touch it and the threads part company with the item. The little white handled cutters that came with my machines take forever, wish I could buy single edge razor blades. Have to be careful no matter which you use, I have cut myself with them many times.

Carol J.

Here's something that a friend shared with me. She went to RiteAid and bought some eyebrow trimmers, they come several to a package. She gave me one and it works like a charm! It has itty bitty tiny teeth on it, no sharp blade or point. The chance of damaging your fabric is vastly decreased.
I hope by telling you this that the price on them won't jump!

I use an inexpensive one. I use the side with the ball inside so I can watch the sharp end. If you can hold the 2 pieces tight enough, the seam ripper will push right thru quickly.

Could you find single edge razor blades at Freight Express? You might also try upholstery shops, we got them by the boxful (100) till my DH decided he liked the (snap-off blades) box cutters better--and he's even discovered the seam ripper(?!!)

I leave my seam rippers put away and use my rotary cutter blade, especially on paper piecing unsewing. Then I use a piece of tape to get out the cut threads.

I have never found one that I like but I do have a tiny pair of very sharp scissors. I use those. They fit between seams as well as under threads. They are Havel's.

I found a razor blade holder, use to scrap paint off windows, at a paint store. It's small and very lightweight. It is the perfect size to hold a razor blade to unrip.

I like ones that have a smaller point to rip with. I have a bigger one and it is much harder to slid into a stitch and not catch on the fabric.

The ball part goes to the back of the seam you are ripping. It keeps you from slicing through the fabric. You need to add a little tension to the fabric I sort of grip each side and with the ripper in my right hand sort of just touch the thread with the inner razor edge, the tension on the fabric will help pull the threads loose and you can go on readjusting your hands as needed. The sharp point is good for picking out threads on jams or double sewn seams. I use just an inexpensive ripper, as they do get dull and need to be replaced. Here is a tip if you are right handed and know a left handed sewer, when your ripper gets dull, trade and you will have a new sharp edge to use. Same trick works with potato peelers.

hi I'm sure there are different grades, some better than others, but I get plain very serviceable rippers in bulk from Cleaner's Supply or WAWAK. That way I have a seam ripper in every part of the house. Can be as cheap as 50 cents depending on how many you buy. Stock up and take orders so you can take advantage of their one price shipping.

you can find these too at WAWAK. So now you can order blades and seam rippers and only pay shipping once. They also have a wonderful thread cutter. It's blue and it's so sharp.

My personal favorite is Clover brand. They seem to stay sharp longer that any other. Nice handle and SHARP point.

I am not familiar with FE but will search it out and see what I can find. I used to use the blades all the time for cutting stencils as well as ripping seams.

Carol J.

these are mine,

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-71932-1.htm

and have added to them LOL