I'm not sure there's any right or wrong to using a seam ripper. The things you have to be careful for are definitely stretching or (BIG NO NO I HAVE DONE THIS TOO MANY TIMES) cut the fabric. I find that I go down the middle of the seam, but after seeing the idea of every 4th stitch or so to try that.

That doesn't necessarily mean that I am going to go sew a seam and then rip it out. I'm sure I'm going to have ample opportunities to use my seam ripper. They tend to multiply whenever I sew in a hurry.

M

I have only recently started using this technique & it is the BEST! I have been sewing for 36 years & this is the best tip I have ever seen. I clip every 4 or 5 stitches & it works great, no more pulling threads in the fabric or ripping the fabric.
Jo

As I said, I knew I would have opportunities to rip. Sewed several seams last night. Had to rip some and I love clipping every 4th or 5th seam. I didn't have to spend so much time pulling out all the little threads. It was great!

I use an eyebrow shaper. They come in a package of 3 and look somewhat similar to an exacto knife with a handle and cover. I bought a set at my local drug store in the "glamor" dept. (The one where if you buy the products you will instantly be gorgeous.) I really like the shapers in preference to my seam ripper which I bought. You use it to cut the stitches between the fabric.