A seam ripper is a sewists friend. Learn how to use a seam ripper properly in this Learn to Sew series from Hooked on Sewing.
A seam ripper is actually used for more things in sewing than just ripping out seams (as the name implies). You’ll also use a seam ripper for cutting out button holes, trimming thread from seams, and removing stitches.
There really is a lot to learn about seam rippers. There are different types of seam rippers and they serve different purposes. The important thing to know is that a seam ripper is your friend. You will use it often. (And not only to rip out mistakes!)
Different Types of Seam Rippers
There are basically three types of seam rippers: forked head, curved blade, and stilleto.
Forked Head Seam Ripper
The forked head seam ripper is the most common type of seam ripper used by sewists and crafters. It has a sort of U-shaped blade where one side is slightly longer than the other.
The shorter end typically has a plastic ball for protection. And the curved area between the forks is very sharp.
But did you know the forked head seam ripper is more often than not used the WRONG way? True story!
The short fork with the protective plastic ball is designed to go into the seam, under the thread. More often than not, it’s used incorrectly by sliding the longer fork under the thread. But, more on how to properly use a seam ripper in just a moment.
Curved Blade Seam Ripper
The curved blade seam ripper is used most often by professional fashion sewists. It very much resembles a surgical scalpel. The blade is incredibly sharp and exposed. It should be used with great care.
The pro to using the curved blade is that it can cut through threads must faster and more efficiently. I caution you about using the curved blade seam ripper as a beginner sewist.
Again, possesses an extremely sharp and exposed curved blade. Even though I don’t recommend this type of seam ripper, you should be aware that it exists. Who knows? Someday you may prefer it!
For now, stick with the Forked Head Seam Ripper for safety sake!
Stilleto
The stilleto is most often used for picking stitches in quilting. This awl shaped tool is perfect for removing quilting stitches. The awl or stilleto allows the quilter to carefully and safely pick the thread without damaging the quilt.
The stilleto helps to prevent pulling or distortion of the quilting and keeps the quilt safe from potential damage caused by a seam ripper.
Also, a stilleto can be used to help guide fabric under a presser foot. Thereby keeping your fingers a safe distance away. It can also be used to pick seams that may be too small for a seam ripper, turn applique edges, assist with turning corners and more.
My Favorite Seam Rippers
Here are the seam rippers I have used and some of my favorites:
Seam Rippers
A list of my favorite seam rippers.
The handle of this seam ripper has an ergonomic design. Because of the shape, I feel like it gives me more control over the use of this tool.
This seam ripper has the sharpest blade of any seam ripper I've ever used. The handle has an ergonomic design, which, quite frankly, just makes it easier to use. AND the blade is replaceable! Yep! the blad slides into the handle and is secured via a magnet.
The Dritz Fine Blade Seam Ripper is probably one of the most common styles of seam rippers. It is the type of seam ripper that was included with my sewing machine. It's a handy little seam ripper!
This seam ripper by Clover has a slim ergonomic handle. The handle is longer than the Dritz brand seam ripper.
How to Use a Seam Ripper
Now that you know the three basic types of seam rippers, let’s learn how to actually use the Forked Head Seam Ripper.
Remember when I said that most people use this tool incorrectly? It’s true. And for many years, I used it incorrectly too. It wasn’t until I was watching a quilting video and noticed the instructor using the seam ripper “upside down”, that I decided to look into how to use a seam ripper properly.
I was kind of dumbfounded. How could I possibly have been using the seam ripper wrong all those years?
Video Tutorial
Here’s a quick video tutorial showing how to properly use a seam ripper. Please feel free to watch the video on my YouTube channel. And, while you’re there, please subscribe to my channel.
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How to Use a Seam Ripper the Right Way!
What was I doing wrong? Well, notice how the seam ripper has a round plastic little ball on the short end of the fork? I was using the seam ripper with the ball on top of my seam.
But, that was totally wrong. I mean, it certainly ripped out the seam, but there were plenty of times when I ripped more than the seam.
So, that little red plastic ball is meant to go down towards the inside of your project. You see, the ball protects the fabric and allows you to smoothly slide the seam ripper through the stitches.
If you place the pointed edge down towards the fabric it can get caught and rip the fabric. The sharp edge should go up and away from the fabric.
Materials Needed
To practice using a seam ripper, you will need:
- scrap fabric
- thread
Tools Needed
- seam ripper
Instructions
Step One: Stitch a Seam
If you don’t have a seam that you need or want to rip, then use your sewing machine to stitch a seam. You may want to use contrasting thread as that will help you to see the stitching better.
Step Two: Grip The Seam Ripper
Take your seam ripper and grip it in your hand like you would a knife.
Step Two: Insert hook
Insert the short fork with the plastic ball tip in between the two pieces of fabric at the stitch line where you need to rip out the seam.
Step Three: Push
Holding the seam ripper almost parallel with the seam and fabric, gently but steadily push the ripper along the seam. Make sure the top fork of the seam ripper is pointed away from the fabric. The round plastic tip will help the seam ripper to glide along just under the seam.
Step Four: Finish
When you have ripped out the seam or portion of seam that needed to be ripped out (removed or undone), simply pull the seam ripper out from under the stitching.
How to Use a Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is a sewists best friend. Knowing how to use the seam ripper properly will save you a ton of frustration.
Materials
- scrap fabric
- thread
Tools
- seam ripper
Instructions
- If you don't have a seam ready that you want to "rip", use scrap fabric and contrasting thread (will help you to see the thread better) to sew a straight seam.
- Take your seam ripper and grip it in your hand like you would a knife.
- Insert the short fork with the plastic ball tip in between the two pieces of fabric at the stitch line where you need to rip out the seam.
- Holding the seam ripper almost parallel with the seam and fabric, gently but steadily push the ripper along the seam. Make sure the top fork of the seam ripper is pointed away from the fabric. The round plastic tip will help the seam ripper to glide along just under the seam.
- When you have ripped out the seam or portion of seam that needed to be ripped out (removed or undone), simply pull the seam ripper out from under the stitching.
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More Sewing Tips
Did you learn something new about seam rippers today? I hope so!
You know, it doesn’t really matter where you are in your sewing journey. We can all learn something new. Even sewists and quilters who have been sewing for years, find a new tool or new way of doing something that helps to make them a better sewist.
Here are some more sewing tips that might be of interest to you:
- How to Clean Your Sewing Machine
- How to Wind a Bobbin (the right way!)
- How to Use Seam Allowance Guides
- How to Use a Rotary Cutter
I can’t believe I didn’t know this after all my years of sewing (and a lot of unstitching 🤭). This is a game changer! I dread ripping seams but honestly can’t wait to try it now!😂
Thanks for all your tips, I love them.
When I learned there was a “right way” to use a seam ripper, I was skeptic at first. And, hey, old habits are hard to break! But it is a game changer!!
Pam Baker
Hooked on Sewing
Right after watching the video, I needed to open a bag of bagels with a taped opening impossible to open without a tool. The seam ripper used properly was perfect! Thanks!
Evelyn, this is so funny! Thank you for sharing!! Who knew a seam ripper could have so many uses??