quiltyjax

I was taught that if you cut the stitches of your unwanted seam between the the two pieces of material you would stretch the fabric making resewing accurately difficult. So since I took up quilting 15years ago I have unpicked this way.
Keeping the fabric flat, using a stitch cutter/unpicker cut the first then every 3rd/4th stitch by sliding the narrow pointy bit underneath the thread then lifting. Do this right along the seam, turn the fabric over, lift the under thread free, take hold and gently pull. It will pull out right to the end of the seam. The two fabrics are apart, and remain undistorted - especially good if unpicking bias seams.
I was slow to start with, but with practice I got better. In fact it's probably my best quilting technique!! .
Hope you understood my explanation - it's really difficult to put into words something you do automatically.

aeble

Thanks everyone for your replies! When the temperature drops to one I can safely take my daughter out for a walk in, I'll head over to the mall and pick some up. Never thought to look in the shaving isle! The young guy in the hardware section of my Wal-Mart looked at me like I had two heads when I showed him what I was looking for.

It sounds a lot scarier than it is. It really isn't that difficult and I've never cut the fabric or myself. Although, I have to admit I've never used it on something as delicate as a light silk or something like that.

I pull out a couple of the initial stitches on the end of the seam and then while pulling the two pieces apart (very gently so you don't distort the shape of the fabric--especially if it is a bias cut!) you just run the blade along the stitches holding the side of the blade that isn't sharp. Because your hand is holding the fabric above where you are cutting and you are cutting away from yourself, there is really no risk of cutting yourself.

I tried using a 'real' stitch ripper once in a class because the blade made the person teaching me nervous. It took FOREVER. Way too painful for me to sit there that long removing stitches.

aeble

Thanks for sharing. I think I understand the method you are describing. I only do this when working with really delicate material. Like when I was making the dresses for my sisters wedding this summer. I find when working with cotton, as long as I don't pull a lot on the fabric when pulling it apart to show the stitches I don't distort the fabric at all, but admittedly it is possible to do.

Scotlass

I haven't read all of the replys to this question so you may already have your answer, but that blade looks like the ones I use in my hair cutting razor. You could find them at the Beauty Supply in your area. They are thicker on the top than some blades making it easier to hold onto.

fish92241

I use an exacto knife and love it. I borrowed one from my husband's tool box and liked it so well I never gave it back. It also has the advantage of being able to snip off a section when it gets dull. Lasts a really long time that way.

lindy

I use my smallest rotary cutter.

mic-pa

They are used in box cutters, my DH used them at the store where he worked and we have one here at the house. Never thought to use them as a seam ripper LOL

Lv2sew2011

If you have Sally's they have them to. Sally's sells Cosmetology Items and I've bought some of those blades before there...

aeble

Found them at Walmart. A little difficult to find, but I was able to get them in the automotive area of the store. They also had them in the hardware section, but they were more expensive! Weird.