when I tried to rip out a practice seam my stitches were too small for the end of the ripper to fit underneat. Are my stitches too small maybe? I think it's 2.2 and I have a Janome 6600. It's the default and I never changed it. Or am I doing it wrong?

I have tossed out a couple of seam rippers that were way too big to use. I know my stitches weren't too small I am not sure why they make them so wide and bulky?

This one got rave reviews here a while back so that's why I got it. They were 50% off at Joann's today. I rip quite a few seams so I needed something better.

That happens. And you can stretch fabric if you are not gentle.

We had a speaker at our guild that said she used the cheapy eyebrown trimmers that are two for a dollar at dollar stores. my friend and I have tried them, and they are great. The idea is like using a razor blade, but these little things have a handle and are not dangerous. Put a little tension on your seam, pulling it apart and then use the eyebrown trimmer like a razor blade.

If I do use a seam ripper I use a Clover brand

I shouldn't admit it, but I have always used a small rotary cutter. I saw the tip about the eyebrow shaper/trimmer on a video and now I use it because people panic when I use the rotary cutter.

I usually use my Clover seam ripper or the one that come with the sewing
machine. The Clover has a a nicer handle. I use an even smaller stitch
length - 1.8 on my Janome 6600. I find it easier if I turn the seam ripper on
the side rather than straight down...the blade is flat against the fabric
instead of perpendicular. See what I mean? And I unstitch every two or
three stitches then pull the thread on the other side. It's very easy.

And my favorite is the red and cream FONS AND PORTER. I enjoy ripping seams with it.

OK where are all the people who loved the Gingher. lol. If it doesn't work out for me I'll return it. It was half price but that still makes it $12.50.

I love my little folding Clover seam ripper. It is made in Germany but Clover is the distributor in the US. I can put it in my pocket and keep going without loosing it.

ali

I have Ginger seam ripper and am not impressed with it. I use small scissors most of the time.

I've never had a problem with the cheapies so that's what I use. :)

Hey, you are in great company. I just watched Eleanor Burns use probably a 45mm rotary cutter to rip her seams out. She stated that her mother used to use razor blades but Eleanor thought the rotary cutter was safer.

Great minds must think alike! :D :D

I removed a pillow/pocket off of a quillow yesterday but did it with my small (10mm I think) rotary cutter. I use that a lot for ripping. Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day does that on her show.
i do have seam rippers but they are difficult as you say.
Oops, there you go!

Oh that's funny hahahaha. I don't have them but I have just about every seam ripper made. I think they all came from Joann's and they do the job!! I do love Gingher scissors though :)

I use this one: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...DID=xprd140434
They don't show the cutting end, but it's like a surgeon's lancet. I can get the smallest of stitches. BTW, I have a Janome and I feel 2.2 is too small for my eyes. I up it to 2.4 and 2.6 on items that aren't getting stress...

I broke the tip of my best seam ripper while using it to pry a hard-to-get-to battery from something -- yeah, I know, but it was near by and I was frustrated. So I replaced it with a relatively expensive one with an ergonomic handle. I don't remember the brand -- the handle is two shades of purple -- it feels good, but it's as dull as a butter knife! I replaced that one with the old standby blue-handled Dritz, but I don't think the blade is as narrow or sharp as my old one.

I use an Exacto knife. I use these for so many things, so I always have one handy. With a new, sharp blade, the stitches come out very easily. The point is tiny if needed for small places.

I still use a rotary cutter at home, but in public I use the eyebrow trimmer. Life is easier when women aren't panicing about the rotary cutter. LOL

The new surgical seam rippers aren't used the way you are used to using them. They are used like a zipper. You zip the seams open, you don't pick them out and it works in seconds. The Gingher is the cream of the crop of this type. I have several, some with a handle and some without a handle. The eyebrow trimmers work pretty good but they dull very fast.

Doesn't those surgical rippers distort the fabric if you have to use them zipper style? I imagine there would be some pressure applied when you
open the two pieces to rip. :?:

It's so sharp there isn't any drag on the fabric. I haven't had any problem removing straight stitching. I suggest practicing on scrap stitching first before zipping open a seam on a quilt block. I haven't cut any fabric, so far, using one.

I think some tools are perfect for certain situations. It feels very good in the hand. I like my Gingher ripper for reverse engineering my serging a lot. It rips a regular sewing stitch (2.5 setting on my machine) well. For quilting, I use a Clover because it has a really narrow point.

So you run it in the seam? Pull the pieces apart a little and then cut through where the thread is? I looked on youtube for videos but didn't see any.

I use a moustache trimmer. Excellent.

I love my Gingher seam ripper with the pretty purple flowers :thumbup:

When I have to rip I use a mans mustache trimmer. you just start the seam to be ripped and then pull and run the trimmer down the seam, just like you were shaving. It really works. Learned this at a retreat a couple years ago. Kept hearing a buzzing sound from across the room. Finally had to go investigate and she was using it to unsew seams. Stopped and bought one on my way home from retreat. Mine is a Wahl brand. Bought it at Walgreens.

I bought 5 seam rippers off ebay for 99 cents a piece. They work just fine and if I put one down and it hides on me I am ok with it.

The Clover brand I use has a weighted handle that makes it comfortable to use. The tip is small enough to use on most any seam. I was at a swap meet several months ago and found a lady that had sewing notions. She had these rippers so I bought one for all the girls in my bee. They all loved them as much as I do so I was a hero that meeting.

I have the same machine and mine do not seem to be too small, try a 2.3 or 2.4 and see if that will help. if not check with the place you bought the macnine, maybe it just needs an adjustent. I hope this will help you . Have a great day.

I bought one too and I hate it! :thumbdown:

the best seam ripper I have ever used is combi cut it has tweezer on one end. here is the web site www.hometownquiltsupply.net/product-p/50418.htm - Cached

I use a Clover, too, and it's nice and thin. But when I paper piece (or to be more correct - UN paper piece!) I use an Olfa curved point trimmer and use it like a razor blade Lilrain said.

2.2 shouldn't be too small - I have had trouble with 1.5 when paper piecing - good luck

I bought one from Fons and Porter and I like it a lot, it takes out even the smallest seams. You girls realize that these thngs we use are designed by men that do not sew, Ha Ha

Mine is a folding seam ripper very small, and I think I bought it at Michaels or Walmart, just can't find another but sure would like to, it is the smallest I've seen.

My favorite is the one that came with my Husqvarna. It is gray - less than $5 at their store. I bought an extra for those times the original decides to wander away for a short vacation!

Hi Gale
I have that seam ripper & I love it! I also have the scissors and they cut like cream!!!!! Your stitch might be too small, I use 2.5

If I were to use a blade to rip seams I would end up cutting my fabric. Then I would really be mad!!!!