Unpicking meandering fmq.
 

What would be the most "gentle on fabric" method for unpicking a very large portion of fmq meandering?

Google "skinning a quilt".

I would, using the ripper tool, cut every 5th or so stitch on the back side. Continue on for 12 to 18". Then pull the other side of the thread and it should pull out. You could start and stop at any point. I do this if it is a lot. That way you are not picking out each stitch. If you still have the quilt on the frame, then start with the top portion. If you could pull up the back thread when you start, then you can pull it after you have cut the thread on the top. I know it is not what we care to do but sometimes it is necessary. Be patient with it.

I do it the way ragamuffin suggested. I haven't had it in a frame though.

I always unsew everything like ragamuffin said. Fast and easy on everything.

Thanks Prism99, unfortunately skinning is not an option as I would like to leave the SITD in place. This poor project has been through enough (all my fault and errors) without being completely dissasembled. The SITD is keeping it well together and I think it needs to stay that way but thankyou for the suggestion and the link. Thanks Ragamuffin and jingle, that's the method I was going to do but just wanted to be sure there wasn't a better way.

i like to use a sharp seam ripper, a dull one makes it too hard