How to Use a Seam Ripper CORRECTLY
I’ve been upcycling clothes for two years now. And you probably know that if you sew at all and especially if you upcycle, that you’re undoing a lot of seams. So you need a seam ripper.
I just found out today that I’ve been using this little tool wrongly all this time - and I bet you have been too!
Tools and materials:
- Seam ripper
1. The seam ripper
I’ve always used the sharp pointy side to cut through stitches one at a time.
The problem with that is not only is it slow, if you’re using a lightweight fabric it can create holes in it as well.
It never even occurred to me that this little red ball had a purpose.
2. The seam
So here I am about to open the seam on this pair of jeans.
Usually, I’d have the ball facing upwards and I’d be hooking the stitches from underneath.
3. The rip
Now watch what happens when I have the ball face downwards...
Yep, it just rips through the seam so quickly, without damaging the fabric at all!
How to use a seam ripper correctly
You can still tear lightweight fabrics if you’re not careful. But shout out to creator @orlyshani for this little trick. I saw her doing it in a video and my mind was blown.
I could have saved HOURS over the last two years if I’d known this. But hey, I guess that’s what happens when you’re self taught.
So tell me - did you know this, or is it as much a shock to you as it was to me?
Next, learn How to Give Your Jeans the Tilted Pockets Look.
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Paola, I've had my seam ripper for years, and never noticed that there were directions! Thanks for sharing this.
I sew, my mom sewed, my daughter sews & my grandma was a professional seamstress, and yep, I was holding it upside down!