This is so completely obvious now that I feel embarrassed posting it. But at the time it was a revelation and maybe there is someone out there that this tip will help!
I have been using the same seam ripper for years and on a whim bought a new one with a slightly larger handle. Wow what a difference - not the handle, but the new sharp blade. It made such a difference in ripping seams compared to the old one which was obviously blunt. It's never a nice job to do, but so much easier with a decent blade, and less likely to pull and damage fabric
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I know to change needles and sharpen scissors but for some reason it never occured to me to change my seam ripper. |
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Brilliant. Why didn't I think of that?
1/27/06 9:32 AM
I try to pick up one at every other 1/2 off notions sale. Speaking of, Hancock's is this weekend....
1/27/06 11:26 AM
I'm with you -- obvious now that you mention it, but I'd never thought of it, either. I'll pick a couple up tomorrow!
1/27/06 11:15 PM
I have a seam ripper that has a brass handle and is part of a set, so I'd rather not toss it. Dremel sells 2 different sized sharpening stones for chainsaws, and the smaller one makes my seam ripper work like new! I put a touch of oil on before I sharpen and it only takes a couple of sweeps. Just something to keep in your back pocket if you have a seam ripper like mine that you'd rather not dispose of.
1/28/06 6:48 AM
I buy new ones, then forget to toss the old ones. I might as well try to use a butter knife.
1/28/06 9:15 AM
I have one of those surgical seam rippers that you can change the blade and I love it. Just for that reason.
1/28/06 9:46 AM
I sharpen mine too, I'm a dentist, and the tiny ceramic sharpener for dentists' instruments works great. If you have a dentist or hygenist you are friendly with, you might be able to borrow/buy one. When I have a lot of ripping to do, like last week when I completely recut a pattern from the waist up after sewing all the darts and seams, I use a scalpel virtually identical to the ripper with the replacable blades.
1/28/06 11:53 AM
A very good point! (pun intended)
1/29/06 3:18 PM
I know just what you mean about being almost too embarrassed to post this - a year or so ago I lost the one I'd been using. It came in the tool kit with my brand new sewing machine - about 20 years ago. The new one was such an improvement! I am still embarrassed at how that surprised me.
1/29/06 7:15 PM
I had the same 'aha' when I lost mine a few years ago. Now I have 3 of them floating around the house (all sharp!) Another good 'seam ripper' was a pair of small suture scissors from when my son had 5 stitches last year. I don't recommend the stitches but the scissors are great!
1/30/06 11:08 PM