Monday, July 2, 2007

Seam Rippers: Friend or Foe


Seam rippers. We all have them, and we all dislike using them. Is there anyone out there that likes using a seam ripper? I didn't think so. What constitutes you pulling out your seam ripper and tearing that seam you just spent effort putting in? Oh, and we know it takes ALOT more effort to take a seam out than to put on in. I have a friend who will rip an entire block apart if the finished size is 1/8" off one way or another. She does not get much finished, but what she does get done is extremely precise. I know of others that won't rip a seam when it is extremely obvious that seam needed to be ripped. Where is the line?? I have pulled out my trusty seam ripper many times and feel that every time was necessary. I am better at not needing to pull it out, but I always know it is there. I used it recently on an applique piece. It can be your friend or your foe, it all depends on how you look at it. I guess I am mentioning the seam ripper because of my post from yesterday "In the Beginning". My trusty seam ripper has been there all along and I think it never gets credit. So, what about you? Is your seam ripper your friend, there when you need it, or your foe, either over used or never used??

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Me and my seam ripper are not friends, but he silently waits for me in case I have to use it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Bren!
Oh the seam ripper!! In my early sewing days, when seam ripping ("seamed") to be all I did, I would sew with the shortest stitch length...all those teeny tiny stitches, oh that was a mistake! Now I stitch with a larger stitch length! I have to say I don't like "the frog stitch" "RIP IT RIP IT" but will do so if I must.

HsKubes said...

lol... I made a similar post last year sometime. My seam ripper is not exactly my closest friend but it sure can help me out of a 'tight' spot. ;o) I avoid calling on its service, if at all possible.

~ Christina

Unknown said...

I have one next to my sewing machine and one next to my hand stitching. I'm a real "fuss pot" when it comes to my seams, so it gets a little use, but I suppose I'd have to say it was my friend. I can't imagine trying to remove a seam without it.

Darlene said...

I'd like to think that my seam ripper and I are friends. He or it she is always ready, willing and able when I'm in need. It can "unsew" a seam almost as fast as I can sew it. LOL

Ode to the Seam Ripper needs to be written. ;-)

Kim said...

I taught my husband how to use it, so if there's something BIG that needs ripping (like borders I decided I don't like after all), I hand everything to him while he's comfortably ensconced in his recliner, watching TV, and away he goes. Wish I could market him--I'm sure I'd make a fortune!

Sue said...

I hate ripping seams! Thankfully I don't need to very often. Depending on what it is that needs to be ripped, I'll often cut pieces and just make a new element rather than rip!

Rose Johnston said...

I have two of them and half the time i cant find either lol but they r not friends...they r just useful little sewing implements that from time to time need to be used

Libby said...

Not my favorite step by any stretch of the imagination, but I will do it from time to time *argh* The best one came with my sewing machine . . . it's small, quick and efficient *s*

meggie said...

I like mine. Regard it as a trusty friend. I dont like to have to call on it, mind you. But while I am not overly fussy- finished is more perfect than unfinished perfection, - I will rippit if something is way off.

Chookyblue...... said...

I hate it when I have to use my seam ripper but I do love mine...You need to get a Clover seam ripper they are amazing........brought another one while at the carft fair....

Lynda (Granny K) said...

My friend 'Jack the Ripper'! If I have to, i'll use it, but only if I really need to.