All Things Ripping | Episode 95

In this episode, The Opinionated Quilter shows multiple ways to unsew/rip. She also gives tips on making it easier and more efficient.

[@leonanowland3017]

When my mother was teaching me to sew she always did my ripping. I felt bad that she had to take out my stitches so I tried very hard not to make mistakes. I'm in my 70s now and think of mom every time I rip.

[@theidiotquilter]

I always learn something useful from your videos. I love your matter of fact style and you are not afraid to call out an injustice - which you do in a very logical and fair manner. I have referred many of my subscribers to your channel - and they know I only do this for channels I really believe in. Thank you for your very informative videos.

[@karenrepka393]

I went over to the scalpel type ripper a year ago and love it! I agree and use your preferred method. Started my adventure in quilting 10 years ago with early retirement. I recently found your channel and have learned so much! Thank you for your excellent attention to detail.

[@GeminiPeg]

I keep a scrap of batting beside my machine to put ripped and cut threads on.

[@marinaabad4995]

Maureen, you forget to have a bright light, and for us oldsters, a magnifier. I love my Ott magnifier floor lamp. Great to see stitches. Also prevents a lot of mistakes in cross stitching. Seam ripper blades get dull, so be sure to have sharp one. When the thread doesn't cut cleanly or hard to do, replace the seam ripper. I saw a recent episode of Tiffany's Quilting Life where got the seam ripper replacement for one of those fancy wooden ripper/stilletto combo. She said her blade was so dull.

[@lesliefatout4731]

I'm pleased to see that at least one other quilter in the universe rips one stitch at a time - I thought I might be the only one!

[@ccreel64]

Thanks for sharing these methods with us Maureen! ❤ I use all of these methods save the first you showed for ripping a block piece. That one simply doesn’t work for me. Looking forward to your Gammill update.

[@juliaconner5445]

I've been sewing and ripping for decades and have always used the pick-every-third-stitch method. I like your method though, and will give it a try next time I reverse sew. I have a cross stitch sampler in my sewing room that says As ye sew, so shall ye rip. Love your videos!

[@pooie0116]

Usually this method 8:00 - For me, it's so much easier, quicker and less potential of damaging the fabric. Thanks for yet another great video!

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I either use my rotary cutter to rip seams or I use the seam ripper and pull out every 3 stitches or so. I have never seen your preferred method before but I will likely try it in the future.

[@80657]

To be honest, I really don't mind ripping. It's all part of the craft. I don't have a long arm or anything like that. My daily sewer is my antique singer 66-6. If I quilt on machine I get out my singer brilliance with a walking foot and just straight line quilt....I'm not picky. The only picking I do is when I mess up on a block. If I mess up 3 times I take a break.

[@suebennett3715]

I’m going to try your favorite technique Maureen, I had never seen that before. I have a lint roller ready too! Quilters are known by the threads we wear!!

[@jenmckitrick]

I don't mind ripping. By ripping, I can undo my mistakes. How nice! I use a Clover seam ripper too. I do all the things you mentioned, depending on the situation.

[@yvonnephillips4680]

My first quilting class my teacher, I had to rip a few stitches and my teacher asked me "have you got a seam ripper?" I pulled out this rusty old thing. She straight away went and got me a Clover seam ripper off the shelf and I was so grateful. It goes with me everywhere. I will try your method for ripping quilting stitches. 😊🇭🇲

[@blairseibert1778]

Thank you Maureen. I use the method of "breaking" the chain every 4th or 5th stitch. None of this every other stitch for me! Sometimes I just pull on the other side and it gathers the stitches as well (especially if I'm pulling out loose stitches when my machine acts up.

[@BanburyGal]

I always use your preferred method as I dislike the mess that other ways leave on my fabric as it's much harder to clean up.

[@leahholland6272]

As I was seam ripping while teaching last week, lighting was the key! The studio is light by a while bunch of spot lights directed at the sewing stations, so not all areas have great illumination

[@judyfargo8162]

I was surprised to find out that the little ball thing on the ripper goes underneath the seam when you open up the fabric to rip the seam. At least I think I'm remembering it right. I used it upside down for years. I think some people use an electric clipper as a ripper.

[@normatulloch376]

great video

[@deafsetter]

As @angelroost said, not mentioned are mini hair clippers. That is my go to, for unsewing a lot of stitches. VERT fast. Wouldn't work for the quilting stitching, but is great for undoing seams. If a small amount, I'll try your pop method.

[@C123abc]

Thanks for the video! I've used all these methods depending on the circumstances. I've never thought of using tweezers before so thanks for that tip. I've also used the blade (from Kai scissors) on jean seams and it works well but the blade dulls quickly. Some use an electric thing but I have no desire to spend money to try that.

[@terridrimel1056]

I pretty much use the same technique as you. When I learned to sew garments back in the 70’s, the seam ripper was IT for removing stitches. :)

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Thank you once again Maureen! Love that you share multiple, effective ways of getting a job done rightly! Looking forward to your follow up on Gammill. I shared your video with every Gammill owner I know and hope they are following to get your response. You are SO appreciated💕🧵

[@bethkoch11]

My method is prehistoric, it comes from learning to garment sew many decades ago. I rip every 3rd or 4th stitch, then turn it over and rip out a few on the back, and they all come apart. It makes lots of little threads, but it's the way I'm used to doing it. I've tried sliding my seam ripper between the two pieces as you did with the gray fabric, and I've ended up poking holes in my fabric, so I stick to my tried and true method which works fine for me.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

You always should do what works for you.

[@catslikewitches1332]

I always use(d) your preferred method, too. Especially with sewing (uhm unsewing) clothes, one has more control over the fabric and it stays nicer - in my opinion. Take care 🤗 - Europe 🌷

[@HelenaE99]

❤❤❤

[@diannaskillen845]

To remove quilting, I go between the backing and the batting with a rotary blade. The batting protects the quilt so no chance of accidentally damaging the top. Super quick.

[@theopinionatedquilter]

Many people like that way. Whatever works.

[@MarkCampbell553]

I would love to see the trick of using the rotary cutter to de-sew.

[@angelroost]

Not mentioned is the battery powered sideburn trimmer. Is it scary? Can you cut your fabric? The answer is, you get a feel for it and if I have a large amount of unpicking, I love it. I don't get annoyed by unpicking. I see it as another step in the quilting process, like cutting and sewing, and let it be.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

I’ve ruined many a fabric trying ‘rip’ or undue a line of stitches at a seam. Slow and steady wins the race; I now unpick stitch by stitch!!😢

[@colettesorrells9015]

❤❤

[@jennrea4275]

Why wouldn’t you open the layers and go in the middle of the quilt to expose the centre of the stitches where they were made, as you did at the end of the video? The book on tape comment cracked me up, I remember those. 😂Audiobooks are what most people utilize now or refer to recorded books. Look forward to Monday mornings and definitely looking forward to the update Video from Gammill. Thanks for the content have a great week.💕

[@Paul_Sheila]

Your preferred way is mine.

[@valeriebigley8759]

I have used all of the methods that you mentioned. For me, my favorite depends on the situation. And yes i like to settle in and get comfortable listening to something. ❤ Do you have any tips for ripping out black thread on black fabric, or thread that matches so closely that its hard to see?

[@marinaabad4995]

A bright light with a built in magnifier. It's the only way I can see it.

[@suekelly840]

On the standard seam ripper, does it matter if the little red ball is on the top or the bottom?

[@helenpeddycord2241]

That’s a GREAT question! Yes! The red ball needs to be inside the seam, on the bottom, as to prevent cutting your fabric. Don’t ask me how I learned that😂😂😂