Why I NEVER use a seam ripper
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2024
- Okay, so sometimes a seam ripper is pretty useful. But I actually don't use it as much as I use this one other tool....Here are my best tips and tricks for "unstitching."
#sewingtips #sewinghacks #sewingtools #sewingtutorial #sewingtipsandtricks #sewing
Maybe they told you to use a seam ripper, but did they really teach you to use it to go under each stitch? I was taught to use it similarly to how you use the razor blade. The little red bal has to go under the stitches to prevent the seam ripper from cutting the fabric. This way it is as fast as your method, but much safer.
That was my thought ... you don't pick out individual stitches along the whole seam.
Every time I've ever tried it this way, it rips through the fabric! I feel you have much less control with this method. To each their own though! 🤷🏻♀️
That’s why he’s my same ripper as well.
@@french.meadows same, using the “safety ball” I’ve gone so quickly that I just ripped into the fabric to the side of the seam 🤦🏻♀️ maybe I need to develop my muscle memory/control but it’s definitely not idiot proof 😭
With the razor blade approaching flat from the top it seems like it’s more out of the way vs the seam ripper inserting it’s pointy end into the fabric itself.
Have you tried working with scalpels rather than seam rippers? They are still razor sharp but give your hands a lot more control.
YES!! Scalpels are so much better! And, they have a handle. Plus, they have a cover that you can put on to keep from cutting things other than threads. Amazon has them $10 for a box of 10. They have different types of blades, curved, straight, etc. Best thing ever. And, they come to you sterilized! LOL!!
I've started using a scalpel a lot in sewing, and they're amazing. They can get at
This brings back memories. My mother had a small folding razor that she used to open seams. I had forgotten about that.
What! A new channel without a million videos to binge watch! Subscribed. Please make more. 💕
Thank you! I'm so glad you're here to join me! 💞
I always rip fabric with the seam ripper too! Now I use tiny embroidery scissors, but maybe I'll give the razor a try!
I tend to use a cross between the traditional seam ripper and a razor blade - a Surgeon Blade seam ripper. I feel that the shape of the surgeon's blade seam ripper gives more control with it's pointed blade rather than a razor blade. Of course, the surgeon's blade is still a super sharp razor type blade and can cut through your skin if you aren't careful.
These come in huge packs so you can swap them if they’re even a bit dull. You need a sharps container for them, I use a vitamin bottle with a slot cut in the lid. (For needles and pins, a pill bottle with a hole punched with a nail.) No sharps loose in the garbage!
Thank you for mentioning proper blade disposal! These are definitely important to have if you use a lot of them. I don't have one but I use an old mints tin 😀
Everywhere I've worked has used razor blades too. Seam rippers are nice and i use them at home when I'm sewing for myself but they dull quickly which slows you down. If you're sewing 40+ hours a week and need to always have an extra sharp blade a pack of razor blades makes sense.
This is the thing I have learned today! Thank you, looking forward to more tips!
I'm so glad it was helpful!
I have used razor blades for the last 20 years or so for countless shirt deconstructions and I've never cut myself. Can't remember every cutting a garment except at the top of the pocket on soft flannel fabric one time. I have also become friends with razor blades because they are fantastic at cutting foam board with my old June Tailor Short Cut. And of course I keep a supply of seam rippers at hand also. So glad you pointed out that there is an alternative! And I will investigate the scalpel idea, too. Sounds great.
My mum always used a razor blade, because there was no alternative - I’m sure the seam ripper was devised as an alternative.
The fact that you just said you’ve cut yourself so many times is an indication to me, I’ll stick with the same ripper ha ha but thank you for your demonstration. I was taught to ,like you, between the seams,use a seam ripper with the little ball on the short end under the stitching and the pointy pokey end on top of the stitch.
If you do a lot of hand sewing your fingertips become pretty desensitized 😅 what's one more cut? But your caution is wise
I use a razor blade too! Sewing for 50+ years and I was converted a few years ago. I either use a tool called a third hand, or the presser foot on my sewing machine, to assist. I do use a seam ripper once in awhile (sharp and with a red ball) if needed, but the razor blade is my favorite. I also put masking tape on my work desk, mounted sticky side up, to catch all the threads I pull out. Static electricity makes dropping threads difficult in the dry, desert climate of Arizona! I don't know why it took me so long to do this!
Wow! This would have saved me so much time, hopefully I can use it in future projects!
There is a seam ripper that has a blade that is curved like a blade, it’s my favorite one. Left the traditional seam ripper years ago. My mom always used a a razor blade!
Interesting! Mom taught me to sew in the 1970's and she used a razor blade to rip out. I didn't start using a seam ripper until I bought a Pfaff in the 90's that came with a seam ripper.
This is how my grandmother unpicked . Thank you for the reminder.😊
You're welcome! My mom always had a tool like this in her sewing kit and I never knew what it was for until I learned this 😅
Thank you for your demo and good fortune with your sewing but no thank you on the razor blade. In fact, with over fifty years of sewing clothing and quilts I won't "slice" any seam apart seam ripper or other tool. Exception to that rule is denim. Any other type of fabric it's pick stitches apart while separating the two fabrics or pick every forth or so stitch on one side and pull the second thread. Little threads are easier to get out than blood, spit will do that, or fixing a hole.
I'm very excited about your new channel!
I have used a blade almost exclusively for over 20 years. I much prefer the blade. I did learn to use it while working several years in alterations and would never consider doing without blades. There’s a learning curve. Best to practice on scraps or something until comfortable. Ultimately, use whatever you are most comfortable with.
I ordered some scalpels a bit ago to use, but they have a curved blade so they are easier to get under the stitches. My hands are big, my eyes are old, and I mostly sew Barbie clothes, so I think the razor would be too dangerous for me lol
I use a scalpel. The 10 blade has a hook and slices easily. They come in a big pack and cost very little per blade.
This is what my mom always used! To me it's like a marriage between the seam ripper and the rogue razor blade 😛
Where do you get them?
@@igivemomhugs8171 off Amazon
I think the seam ripper is safer and if done correctly it’s really fast.
She picked with the ripper. I was not taught that way. I place the ripper in the seam with the lil ball under the stitch n the sharp point over the stitch n push.
@@sararamos3903 yeah and it goes smoothly for me. Knowing me using blade will only lead to bloody fingers lol
I do alterations and use a razor blade 90% to rip. The other 10% is 2 sizes of seam rippers & very fine point nippers. It does take practice, but it’s worth the time to learn. I angle the blade towards the wrong side of the garment in case I nick it. When that blade slices thru thick topstitch thread it makes a very satisfying sound!
You might want to consider dulling out the sharp corners on these blades in this application. This way you've got less chance of both cutting yourself and damaging the fabric. You might also want to consider using one of the box-cutter handles designed for these blades. That will give you more to hold on to and even more in the way of protection from cutting yourself.
At work, I used a replaceable blade with a handle, I think it was a French design. But at home, I always use razor blades, they're so much faster than seam rippers and don't slip like the seam rippers can.
Yeah, you can use a seam ripper the same exact way you're using the razor blade.
Exactly, that's the way I was taught to use a seam ripper, way back in the early 1970's. And that little red ball is to protect your finger from getting poked.
@@TheRozylass I think it's to protect from snags on the fabric?
@@queencailo When I was taught how to use them the larger blade went along the fabric and the little bead protected everything else. But times change and new ways are discovered.
I think the razor method stretches the fabric out of shape. I prefer the stitch ripper😍
Ooh thanks, this is such a great tip!
Blood remover? Can you explain? Thank you.
Blood remover from fabric? What's the name of the product? Thanks.
I've been using razor blades for decades...depending on how much I have to pick out.
Not a sewing pro, but glad this was recommended. I love skilled artisans make something. The music tho 😭 it’s not the worst, but like why.
Does a razor blade work well on knit fabrics?
It does but it's a lot easier to cut a hole with the blade by accident, so I typically stick to the seam ripper in this case!
What is the advantage over seam ripper though?
So when I discovered that you could seam rip with razor blades it was a total game changer. A seam ripper is actually really difficult to use if you think about it compared to a good sharp razor blade. And that's coming from somebody who has Parkinson's
I use a razor blade also. Works so much better for me.
Nice that razor works for you. I gave up on using a razor after needing to get stitches for the third time.
I use a seam ripper that is like a small blade fixed to a handle. Half seam ripper and half blade. I don't cut myself with it, while it's not safe for me to use a razor blade. I've also used a scalpel with to good effect. I need the safety of the handle. Its different for everyone.
Why is it better than a seam ripper?
Exactly! She doesn't really say. I suppose we are supposed to understand that it is (much?) quicker, once you're used to it?
I wish she had mentioned too, but I think the blade is gentler on the seam.
Because she was never taught how to use a seam ripper correctly. You can pick individual stitches, or you can rip that seam.
th-cam.com/video/Q9UUHXTCveI/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=SewingTutorialsByAgeberry
For me it is a lot faster! I worked in alterations for a long time, and when you're paid by the piece, taking out stitches as fast as you can is really important! Most industry professionals use this method for this reason.
Sharper & faster
If I MUST use a ripper, I lay the fabric flat, sewn sides together, and sever stitches on one side only, about 1-2" apart. The other thread can then be pulled free in once piece, similarly to opening a serger seam.
That’s what I use all the time so much faster ❤
So.
1. You can cut yourself.
2. You can cut the piece.
3. You can get blood on the piece.
Seems like you have listed only downsides and not really told us where the advantage lies over the seam ripper and what disadvantages the seam ripper has? At least not clearly and explicitly.
From your demonstration and the fact you mentioned the "5 seconds" I suppose using the blade is quicker? At least in cases where the fabric allows ots use and where you don't destroy either your own skin and get blood on it or the fabric.
So. Does it really have a net positive just by being faster? After weeks of practice and sliced fingers?
Ah yes sorry for not being more explicit! This is my first YT video :) If you are taking out stitches 8 hours a day for your job and are paid by the piece, it is absolutely a net positive because of how much time it will save you. People working in alterations predominately use this method. Also, we have blood remover :)
That’s what my mom used instead of the a seam ripper. 😁
oOoOoOo an look at inside the industry 👀👀👀👀 brb going to the craft store
SHOUT OUT TO THE DB ALTS STAFF! 🎉
Those who get it, get it 😎
Hey is the singer 1507 a good sewing machine
I personally hate singer sewing machines and would avoid them like the plague