HOW TO DO UNPICKING AND SEAM RIPPING? - Is there a difference? And what’s the red ball for anyway?

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4 жыл бұрын

Ever wonder if there is a difference between seam ripping and unpicking in sewing? Is it the same? And what's the red ball for on the seam ripper anyway?
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Пікірлер: 458

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Ok my friends, are you a seam ripper or unpicker? And who's never seen the red ball trick before??

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

🤣 Rushing is when is when I tear holes seam ripping! 😂

@chrissy24-7 4 жыл бұрын

Used to be an incorrect dream ripper... Lately an unpicker, but thrilled to know it is just as tricky as I found it to Seam rip, and that the red ball always goes in the fabric! (I thought it went the other way to protect fingers lol)

@cielleschmiedel-lapointe2620 4 жыл бұрын

At the alterations and repair shop I used to work at, we would actually use razorblades to seam rip. Time management was more important than carefully un-sewing every project we received. It was surprisingly easy to get used to.

@fortysomethingbadgirls2173 4 жыл бұрын

For your favorite wood seam ripper, a beam reamer will sharpen them as they dull.

@SherylFZsmom 4 жыл бұрын

@@fortysomethingbadgirls2173 Do you mean a bead reamer? I would think a round file of some sort might work, but a bead reamer is a very fine file. I have a few dull ones around here. I'll have to try that, just in the interest of science. Hmmm

@gemmaghoukassian5350 4 жыл бұрын

My tip/10 cents: try to get into the habit of always gently steam ironing the seam allowance after you’ve taken out the stitches and before re-stitching. Pulling out stitches will leave small holes, and steam ironing will loosen the yarns enough (in most fabrics) to realign the fibres back into position. If the holes are large, gently massage the seam as you go. This is especially important in delicate materials. There’s nothing worse than getting big holes in your seam allowance because you’ve unpicked and restitched a seam too many times! 🙂

@kingcheryl1654 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate you saying that un-sewing is a part of sewing. My mom used to say "As you sew, so shall ye rip." lol

@Tser Жыл бұрын

You can sharpen your seam ripper, instead of tossing it the first time it gets dull! You can sharpen the blade with a round needle file with fine grain. A bead reamer is also a good choice. Just use a bit of honing oil (mineral oil) and use a light touch with a fine-grained file, and test the sharpness on some scrap fabric as you go. Watching some sharpening videos for anything (like knives or scissors) can show you the basics of how. Be sure to clean all the oil off afterwards, since you don't want that on your sewing project. Keeping the blade clean between projects (and thoroughly dry after cleaning) will also help it stay sharp longer. I like rubbing alcohol because it dries so fast. Obviously seam rippers are cheap and they're made to be disposable, unfortunately. The metal is not high quality so they're not going to last forever, even with sharpening, but it definitely extends their life. I think it's worth it to save them from the landfill for a while, at least! And since they are cheap and destined for a landfill, if you screw up the sharpening during the learning curve it's not too big a deal and at least you tried, haha.

@LynHannan 4 жыл бұрын

I am both! Mum taught me before I started Secondary school! In year 8, I actually taught my sewing teacher about the red ball! She was gobsmacked! It was actually quite funny - I had stitched a seam too narrowly so had to redo it. For some reason, the class was really quiet, and everyone heard me ripping the seam and literally thought I was just pulling it apart. My teacher simply pounced on me (I'd never known her to move so quick!) to stop me "ruining" my work, and just stared at the mostly undone seam that had only taken about 8 seconds to do so far. She really startled me as I was very quiet and shy back then; but she asked how I'd done it so quickly and neatly, and had me demonstrate it. She turned it into a class lesson, having everyone stitch a seam in some calico (from the school's stash!) and practicing ripping it! She actually took me out of our classroom to show the class next door! In the hallway, she quietly told me that I could have simply stitched another line of stitching and left the other one in place as it was a straight seam - but she was very glad I didn't! She was so effusive in her thanks to me, and appologised for startling me - she knew that I was a year or two advanced in a lot of my sewing skills and experience, but she just reacted to the sound! These days, I need to use an unpicker/ripper with the widest handle I can find for my arthritic fingers, but guess what? The end of it is dome-shaped and made of a grippy type of plastic that is specifically for rubbing over the ripped seam line to pick out all the tiny bits of shrapnel - how cool is that?!

@misssol1807 3 жыл бұрын

I have one like that I bought simply for the “good grip” factor but only now I realise that the rubber is meant to be a debris catcher!!! Thank you for this cool tip. You just made my day. 😳👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@donningdesigns1721 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting comment, If words were fabric, one could see clearly how nicely you draped it around the body (content) and gave it a flow. After a very long time, I saw something in comments that was pleasant to read.

@MuzakFavo 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely story! Thank you for sharing!

@nikiTricoteuse 3 жыл бұрын

Great story. Well done that teacher for not being too proud to learn from one of her pupils. Love that she told you how you could have redone the seam in the corridor and didn't try and use it as a way to "reclaim" her authority. Would love to know the brand of the seam ripper with the sticky bit please. I altered curtains for a charity so always had mountains of cut thread and used a washable lint roller which was brilliant and that l absolutely reccomend. Would like something on a smaller scale now that l've retired though.

@LynHannan 3 жыл бұрын

@@nikiTricoteuse Yes, she was lovely! I think she wasn't long out of teachers college, because she looked young; but I think that I wasn't overawed by her because she seemed closer to my age. She also taught art, drama and filled in for English! My unpicker doesn't have the brand name on it. It's 13cm/5" long with the handle diameter of 2cm/.75" wide. I've just done a google search for large-handled unpickers - "Sew Easy Seam Ripper (premium selection)" is exactly what I have and am familiar with that brand. Hope this helps you!

@reginaromsey 4 жыл бұрын

When I had a sewing store that sold seam rippers either individually, or wholesale I always bought by the box. This was not always because they went blunt, but because the pixies who live here and take one of a pair of socks from a dryer load also take the rippers for protecting their herds of dust bunnies. I wish there were a way of sharpening them because the pixies only return the blunt ones!

@babybear5001 4 жыл бұрын

If you have an engineering shop or know a mechanical engineer they might show you. Rat tail needle file or folded over emery paper should do it. No promises though

@kimfrazee4443 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! I can't find ANY of mine right now! I asked my neighbors, and NONE of them have one either! Unfortunately, I'm going to have to go to the store. :(

@KatSperlingBooks 4 жыл бұрын

OK, I just love this comment :D. Good to know that I'm not the only one who has a house full of magical creatures ;).

@lorib1696 4 жыл бұрын

@@KatSperlingBooks Same here. I know it's not any of the humans that live in this house because they have all denied it.

@bunhelsingslegacy3549 3 жыл бұрын

@@KatSperlingBooks I'm definitely going to start blaming the pixies and the dust bunnies, the actual bunny has no use for my seam rippers but there are at least 6 of them in the house and I can usually only ever find one and I buy a new one every year or so. Then again I've been saving my basting threads for reuse lately so I've been using a darning needle to pick out the threads!

@StellaMariaGiulia 4 жыл бұрын

Turns out I didn't know what seam ripping was, I've always unpicked my seams. I usually unpick every few seams from the middle, as you suggested, and gently pull the thread off. My fave are the ones where you find the right end and pull the thread it unchaines itself, so satisfying

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Yes!! On a chain stitch or overlock stitch! It's magic!

@MystiDawn 3 жыл бұрын

I'm definitely a seam ripper lol I kinda found out about the red ball myself, almost on accident lol after stabbing like 3 holes in the fabric, I was frustrated and didn't pay attention to what direction the seam ripper was, and just happened to have it on the inside, like this. And it glided through and I was like 'well darn, look at that...' lol

@lynnzettlemoyer9230 3 жыл бұрын

This!!! Your opening sentences in this video need to be heard by every. new. sewer! When I started sewing and complained about having to rip, my mother would say over and over, "ripping is part of sewing." Really, it's a life lesson. Don't get upset - figure out what you did wrong, pick out the mistake, and figure out how to do it better the next time.

@janisbrunst4226 4 жыл бұрын

I’m an unpicker. All these years (76 years old) and never knew what the little red ball accomplished. Thank you!

@tarafoley6030 3 жыл бұрын

Me too! 62 yrs old, been sewing for 54 of them & never even heard/saw any hint of this trick. Shocking, since I've done theatre work, gone to school for design & ran my own sm. business.

@Marialla. 4 жыл бұрын

Seeing your curly black hair, your blood-red lips, and your snow-white skin makes me think in this video that you look just like what a grown-up Snow White would have looked like! Who knows? Maybe she remembers her days of wearing rags when she developed the skills to mend, and now likes to keep her royal gowns looking their best with her own needle!

@wifeoftim 4 жыл бұрын

One of my daughters said Evelyn looks like a princess! And that is met to be a compliment!😊

@Fernando-kb5wh 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, she’s really pretty!

@kimfrazee4443 4 жыл бұрын

I've thought that too. I adore her.

@AndysLegacy915 3 жыл бұрын

I have thought MULTIPLE times she looks like Snow White. lol

@MsDawn0113 4 жыл бұрын

My grandmother taught me to pin down the fabric (one side of the seam) to an ironing ham to help keep tension on the fabric.

@janagatton6084 4 жыл бұрын

What a great idea! I was just thinking how cumbersome it would be to adjust tension to both pieces of fabric and seam pick or rip at the same time! I’m going to buy two hams online right now- one for my travel and one for my home machines!

@katievickie9589 3 жыл бұрын

I put mine under the presser foot of my machine for a quick way to put tension on the seam.

@1rahmaan 3 жыл бұрын

@@katievickie9589 I do too!

@idontcare1481 3 жыл бұрын

Now I have to google ironing ham. Thank you

@zeylah4531 2 жыл бұрын

I always pin to my leg because I don't have fancy tools. Just needles, thread and a thimble and seamripper.

@diamondgrrrl572 4 жыл бұрын

I use an eraser to gently pull loose threads when I rip a seam 😁 works like magic

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Ooh great tip!!

@els1f 4 жыл бұрын

Okay, I'm gonna have to try that one 👍

@TheWanderingWife 4 жыл бұрын

Diamond Lady I do that too. I keep a big white eraser in my sewing supplies.

@ArtLenLa 4 жыл бұрын

I did have a ripper that had a rubber end, which was handy also. I broke it and lost it, though.

@janetcasas1182 4 жыл бұрын

I use a small lint roller from the dollar store. It is a great size to carry in my travel sewing kit.

@raraavis7782 4 жыл бұрын

I‘m an unpicker. I kinda knew about seam ripping, but it’s too nerve racking for me! I‘ve managed to accidentally cut holes in fabric, just removing scratchy labels 😆

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, me too!! 😂😂

@refashionrose9499 4 жыл бұрын

Unpicking is one of my favourite things. I find it so relaxing. When I am refashioning I unpick everything I can 😁. So here’s why... I sit in my rocking chair with my stitch ripper and a pair of tweezers with a bowl close it hand then I pull the seam. Using the tweezers to remove the old stitches as I go and putting them in the bowl. Whilst doing this I play something I love on my phone. It’s as good as meditation for me 😘

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

I agree! It's in the same category as hand sewing, it there's alot, it's a good thing as then you can just relax and enjoy it! ❤

@wehaveasaying 3 жыл бұрын

I feel like maybe you and I could help each other out. You like unpicking and, judging by my last project, I apparently enjoy doing things that need unpicking. Instructions said to sew the front panel to the rear panel and after an hour of pinning and measuring and obsessing I finally managed to sew the right and left sides of the front panel together. For an encore, I sewed the waist onto the garment so that the seam was on the outside instead of the inside. Fabric and thread were the exact same shade of midnight blue and I was using the smallest stitch the machine does. NASA reports that the web of obscenities I wove can be seen from the International Space Station.

@michellecornum5856 4 жыл бұрын

I knew what the red ball is for. Let's talk about taking out Overlocker seams. There is a right side and a wrong side for the stitches. On the right side of the stitching, you can use your picker to lift just the threads that come out of the needles. Once these are picked up, they can literally be pulled out. It will gather the up the fabric, but that is temporary. You will know that you have the right side because they can be pulled EASILY. Pull out one, then the other, for four thread Overlockers, then the threads that are cast over the edge of the fabric are just laying there loose, ready to be lifted away, no extra picking to be done.

@toreybangi6669 4 жыл бұрын

I like using a lint roller to get all my stray threads after seem ripping!

@marisameans9859 4 жыл бұрын

oh wow!! i've been sewing (off and on) for 50+ years and my mind is blown. I grew up seam ripping by unpicking... and never knew what the ball was for. Thank you!!

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

😄😄 Right!! I'm happy to share it with you! You'll have to test it tomorrow.. on scraps first! It can be tricky! ❤

@marisameans9859 4 жыл бұрын

@@Evelyn__Wood your seam ripping was one of those OMG moments...what? that fast? i had to laugh at myself ... but you never know what you don't know...and that little red ball - i thought it was some sort of 'protection device' that made no sense. you're never too old to learn something new.

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

I know! I used to think that too, but then the long spike is the most dangerous with no protection! 🤣 Something for you to try tomorrow!

@amyeklund746 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, Mom taught me how to properly unpick but I never knew you could rip out a seam like that. And I also didn't realize that seam rippers would dull over time. Makes sense. I'm going to replace my old one now!

@preciousypenguino 4 жыл бұрын

Omgoodness! My mouth fell open at that awesome long rip! Like peeling a long strip of wallpaper in one go haha!

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@jehsgarcia7190 3 жыл бұрын

Same here. Literally.

@kitssewingkit 4 жыл бұрын

i honestly mostly just use my tiny embroidery scissors, since i keep them handy more often than my seam ripper. When i do use it, its definitely a case by case basis. One of my proudest seam ripping moments was when I was working in my uni's costume shop, and one of my tasks for the day was to take off the collar from a shirt and sew the collar stand back up. I ripped through that collar seam like butter and was finished in about 5 minutes, most of which was picking off all the little fluffy threads. My boss was surprised I finished so quickly, which was really satisfying lol

@kitssewingkit 4 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if they're available everywhere, but the brand Dritz makes a very nice 'ergonomic' seam ripper that's a nice shade of purple. It's so much more comfortable than those tiny hard plastic ones

@Maellen 4 жыл бұрын

I have three because I'm always misplacing them, or I should say, my feline assistants find new places to storage them. But yes, my workshop costume teacher gave us the absolute basics on tools and tool maintenance before we sewed our first button, we had to learn about every single "essential" tool. I find even today that it really is the smartest approach.

@Marialla. 4 жыл бұрын

"Feline assistants find new places to storage"! ROFL!! This is too true, for every cat owner!

@aliciabashir408 3 жыл бұрын

I also have three! Currently trying to find at least one of them... 🤷🏻‍♀️

@nitanice 7 ай бұрын

First time I tried to use one, I saw a video where the lady undid the first few stitches and then used her presser foot as a clamp to hold one side. Just brilliant and made it a LOT easier!

@kimlightfoot 4 жыл бұрын

I discovered recently that a fingernail scrub brush works amazingly well on soft fabrics and heavy fabrics to remove a seam ripped thread line. Just have to brush the area in soft small circles and the denseness of the fingernail brush just scoops them all up super easy. I do that to my ironing board as well, when picking loose threads, nothing sticky left behind, and it even manages the cat hair on the board as well lol

@fjolliff6308 3 жыл бұрын

I imagine that a lint brush should work too? If there are any tips for finer fabrics, please let us know!

@01doha 8 ай бұрын

I saw someone use a clean white eraser, it does work quite well

@bonniecolleenpappin8807 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I enjoyed that. I do my seam removal a bit differently. I cut the bobbin stitches every 5 or 7 stitches along the seam. The top thread just pulls out. There is a lot less fluff and as the seam ripper is almost parallel to the fabric the chance of damage is less. Keep up the good work.

@lisanicholls8771 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant. I’m 67 years old and have been sewing since I was 14. And NEVER KNEW ABOUT THE LITTLE BALL. 😊 Thank you.

@katherinemorelle7115 4 жыл бұрын

I’m definitely an unpicker, I didn’t even know you could rip seams like that until just now. Also, I call it a Quick Unpick, because that’s what my nana called it. Also, it’s fun to say. You gotta try to say it really fast, and the rhyming sounds cool, imo.

@nikiTricoteuse 3 жыл бұрын

That's what l know them as too. I think Quick Unpick was originally a brand name and gradually became a generalised name for them. A bit like Sellotape has become a name for clear adhesive tape.

@adamreynolds9816 4 жыл бұрын

I always thought the red ball was like the cork on Steven Martin’s fork. Safety first. Love this tip!

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Safety for the fabric! 😄

@MsDawn0113 4 жыл бұрын

Oklahoma, Oklahoma , Oklahoma!!!!! 😃

@gemmaghoukassian5350 4 жыл бұрын

Lol

@ingajonaityte7038 3 жыл бұрын

I have only ordered my first sewing machine and decided to watch few videos so I know where to start once it arrives. I feel so lucky I came across your channel it is absolutely amazing to someone who knows very little about sewing!! Your videos are so full of positivity and step by step guidance that I can't wait to start learning to sew. Thanks for being such an inspiration :))

@eleonore59830 4 жыл бұрын

My seam ripper from 1978 still work really well because my grandma hate them so rarely used it lmao. I mostly use unpicking because I am too clumsy for seam ripping, I would probably rip the fabric or hurt myself haha.

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

🤣 I need one that lasts that long!

@AndysLegacy915 3 жыл бұрын

I love that you do these central topic videos, I always learn so much. I definitely WAS mind blown by the seam rip red ball demo.

@kimlightfoot 4 жыл бұрын

So, My grandma taught me that "It is not a sewing project until you have used your seam ripper" Then she said, replace them every five years so they stay good and sharp lol. Thirty five years later, I have seam rippers, and everything I sew has had them used on them, every single thing roflol.

@teresas.3979 4 жыл бұрын

Well, I suppose I should replace mine more often then. My red one is so old I think I got it in 1992.

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂 And I do agree with Grandma on in that every project likley gets is seam ripper use!! ❤

@marymendoza3351 4 жыл бұрын

Wow Evelyn, you are a master at that seam ripping thing! In America, it’s a seam ripper which as you described is literal. But going forward I’ll use the name “unpick” which makes a lot of sense. I have no technique because I’ve messed up so many projects but glad to know what the purpose of that little ball thing is about, ha ha ha.....Happy Sewing Everyone!!! 👗✂️

@magwayen5476 4 жыл бұрын

My mind blew when you did the seam ripping technique!

@miriamgladen9615 8 ай бұрын

Be better soon and stay full of strength and hope.

@jburch5752 4 жыл бұрын

Because of the virus, I've anted to try my hand at making masks. I've watched several of your videos which have helped me get up to speed. Your videos are great. I'd never used a sewing machine in my life before. I've gained a great admiration for those who sew. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

@camilapais2904 3 жыл бұрын

I've *just* finished unpicking five denim seams i realize now i could have ripped. Dammit!! 😂😂 So far i only knew how to unpick, and apparently I've been doing it right!! Thank you, I'm loving your content!

@Evelyn__Wood 3 жыл бұрын

At least your ready next time!

@m.kayewilliams2550 4 жыл бұрын

When I saw this, my jaw dropped, and then I cried over all the hours I have spent picking and not ripping. What a fantastic find, especially since after years away from sewing, I've pulled out the old machine to do masks - so I'll be using this tip A LOT! Thanks so much.

@briallenrose3241 4 жыл бұрын

Meter meter fabric carry a beautiful wooden handle seam ripper that has removable blades

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Ooh sounds like what I'd like, thankyou I'm going to look it up!!

@cindyn8822 6 ай бұрын

I have become friends with my seam ripper 😀. I have learned today the term I use, is unpicking. Thank you so much for being my inspiration and for helping me become re-acquainted with sewing. I just love you. You are so delightful! Thank you for being so relatable. I wish you better health and happiness, my dear “friend.” I’ll keep looking forward to your posts.

@karlisgama7316 3 жыл бұрын

I recently bought a begginers kit and a ripper came in it. It's THE BEST I've owned; all of mine except one were so blunt. But this new one is quite sharp and has a kind of silicon like handle, wich is sooooo useful to use as an "eraser" pulling away the little threads when you rip the seam. The brand is Fiskars and the model is the Begginer's Sewing Set. I really loved it. English not native language, sorry 'bout the grammar/spelling. ;)

@els1f 4 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, I know that tool! That's the one I use when I'm frustrated and then i rip into the fabric I needed while trying to fix the weird ripples in my uneven sleeve. Then I 🤬🤬 a bunch and try again tomorrow. 😆 The one I have was REALLY tiny for my hands and they would cramp up. I took it out of the plastic base, drilled into a dowel, and used epoxy to make it a big comfortable wooden tool. It's so much more comfortable 🙂

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Yes I hate the small ones too! I'm not that handy with a drill, but that woukd be a good way to use all those too small ones I have! 😄

@mjbe 4 жыл бұрын

Kenneth D. King uses old vintage handles for some of his sewing tools. Pretty and easy to tell apart from others in classes. It was on a Threads video I saw.

@els1f 4 жыл бұрын

@@mjbe was it in this video?! 😮 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z-CXdKxerazcppc.html Because that blew my mind 🤯 Thanks for sharing, I never heard of threads 👍

@scrapcathy868 3 жыл бұрын

Birch make a big one that is great for hands. I'm sure other brands do too.

@irEyERWO 3 жыл бұрын

Oh my god! That's what that red thing was for! Thank you so much for this since I've been refashioning my clothes and unpicking the seams has been my least favorite part. This is going to make my life so much easier!

@Evelyn__Wood 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Just be careful not to rip!! It's easy to make a mistake!

@paulaneary7877 3 жыл бұрын

OMG! I have been sewing for 30 years and I just learned how to use a seam ripper and what the little ball is for!

@misssutherby1027 Жыл бұрын

Vivienne Westwood learned her craft by unpicking the seams of garments to see how to put the pieces together. I unpick clothing whenever I have to go somewhere and wait. I find it therapeutic. The Cover unpicker is the best one I've ever owned and my go-to. Love that you show this one.

@clairevero 4 жыл бұрын

The other day I had no luck with my seam ripper it fought me every step of the way so I gave up and grabbed a scalpel and job done. In my defense I was pretty ticked off at the time.

@EmpeROARFabulous 5 ай бұрын

I’m always so proud of myself when I watch one of your videos and already knew those skills. This is not one of those! I’m always so glad when I watch one of your videos and think I probably won’t learn anything but am very wrong. This was one of those!

@sandieking9007 4 жыл бұрын

I've been sewing for 40 years, and never knew this! I am an unpicker, but will practice the seam ripping technique. Thanks for the tip!😎

@live4god4 4 жыл бұрын

I am floored!!! I have never seen any one use the seam ripper that way.

@noire1001 3 жыл бұрын

I use a small wooden dowel with polishing compound on it to sharpen the blade of the unpicker. If you spin it in a drill it works even better. It gets the blade sharper than it was when new. Much better than throwing them away.

@fjolliff6308 3 жыл бұрын

I wonder if dremel has something similar that could be used? Thanks for the idea!

@juilahenry1807 Жыл бұрын

I've been sewing for 50 years and didn't know about the red ball purpose! 🎉

@Venus-bb7cd 3 жыл бұрын

I learned something new! I need a seam ripper with a red ball.

@poundedclown 3 жыл бұрын

I've just found this video. I've only been sewing for 6 weeks since the arrival of my nephew. Tonight I've spent hours unpicking a baby t-shirt I'm attempting to sew (I managed to find every incorrect way of attaching arms before I finally worked it out). If only I had found this video a few hours ago I may have saved myself a lot of time and stress

@Hiker_who_Sews 4 жыл бұрын

I use both techniques, and figured out the reason for the little ball end the hard way. Lol. I'm also the person who still uses a seam ripper to open my button holes. Please don't hate me.....I'm nearly 70 and it's a very old habit that just won't die. Thanks, Evelyn, for all your wonderful videos!

@AnnaYV 2 жыл бұрын

I unpick mine but before this video I didn’t realise I was doing a good thing 😂 your videos have helped me so much, thankyou 🙏🏼

@Midlife_Manical_Mayhem 4 жыл бұрын

oh my.... 35 years of sewing "experience" undone (or ripped??) in a very few minutes. so glad to learn the correct manner. i don't even know where my seam ripper is because i end up just unpicking, stitch by stitch, with a pin.

@emmastromgard9415 4 жыл бұрын

I once learned from a professional sewer to unpick every other stitch on one side of the fabric. Then just separate the two pieces. On the other side you now just draw the whole thread away, and you have just one side to clean from small piece of thread. It is a bit timeconsuming, but so satisfying to just lift away the “nondamaged” thread..

@viejitaaa 2 жыл бұрын

My eyebrows raised so high and my eyes got so big when I saw how to use the red ball! All those sewing classes I took in school and that was never mentioned!

@jacquelinelmiller Жыл бұрын

The red ball has a purpose! Actually looking forward to trying this! Thanks!

@sudieswader3995 4 жыл бұрын

I am a picker! My mom was in the '60's to '80's. I helped by pinning patterns down, and picking out seams - which I called ripping. I'd never seen ripping until your video! So fun to learn something new. And of course I had no idea what the red ball was for until today either. P.S. I don't have any projects going, but I love watching your videos. Some people are into cooking shows, I am into your sewing videos!

@lemonlyjane 4 жыл бұрын

This has changed my (sewing) life!!! Thanks Evelyn!!

@luciatat4084 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, I had no ideea 😂 that red ball was for this or that you could do this at all...I just unpicked my seams. So nice to learn all these things! Thank you!

@paulenelongley1277 3 жыл бұрын

Ive been an unpicker but next time I need to I will be a seam ripper... thanks for teaching in such a neat, cute and informative way.

@stephanieloffler8566 4 жыл бұрын

Well, in Germany it's called "Nahttrenner" (maybe more unpick than seam ripper translated). I am an unpicker, but I also am aware of the seam ripping method. Really love you videos! Sewing, tipps/technique and thrifts 😉 Regards and take care, Stephanie

@Marialla. 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! I learned ALL the wrong ways to seam-rip and unpick. It is so nice to see a better way! Maybe I won't hate it as much any more.

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

🤣 Not wrong, there's a time and place for all methods, but just other ways that might serve you better! You now have a new trick to try!

@nancyhurt7145 6 ай бұрын

I’m a ripper for sure, but years ago I learned to use a razor blade and that’s all I reach for now. Doing bridal and prom dress alterations for years, ripping was 90 percent of the process and the razor blade made it so easy. I’ve never cut holes or ruined a piece, but I learned to take time to enjoy each step in the journey!

@dhines3804 2 жыл бұрын

I love that I always learn something from your videos!

@mariakaragianni863 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a very straight forward tutorial. I love your positivity ❤️

@yarnovah Жыл бұрын

You’re never too old to learn a new trick! I’m 70 and just learned about “ripping” vs “unpicking” from your video. I was taught to remove stitches by cutting about every fourth one or so with my seam ripper (I’m in the U. S.), from the top, and lift the threads up. My ripper that I’ve had since about 1974, is green like the dull one you demonstrated and doesn’t even have a red ball. I just bought several new ones and am looking forward to using them!

@shaywally Жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining all of this and the red ball!

@ashleighalexandra1290 4 жыл бұрын

The video I didn't know I needed. 😄 Thankyou so much x

@tammyfournier5288 2 жыл бұрын

I have gotten my hubby to pull his round files out and sharpen mine! He keeps them nice and sharp for me!

@lynnejones257 4 жыл бұрын

Once again thank you for a great video. Keep safe and well. All the best Lynne

@catherinerw1 4 жыл бұрын

I bought a nice ergonomic seam ripper so I could put pockets in commercial dresses! Then of course I found the original one that came with the sewing machine (old-style small). Very fiddly job undoing narrow overlocked seams! (And yes I was unpicking not seam ripping... was on stretch jersey).

@sherryg7722 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. Never saw the little red ball method before and I been sewing for 60 years. My mom taught me to turn the seam to bottom of the sewn seam. This would have an easier way of pulling the thread. If you did the removal of thread this way you didn't have all the tiny threads. Love all your helpful info. God bless happy sewing. Sherry from Alabama, USA.

@jeniferalvarez2914 4 жыл бұрын

So helpful! I didn’t know there was a certain way to use the seam ripper.

@iagonizante Жыл бұрын

Wow I actually gasped when i saw you ripping that seam and the unpick just gliding along :O

@carleneparker9709 4 жыл бұрын

If you hold a rotary cutter with handle upwards and blade down and seam open with a little tension you can rip out a seam quickly by just touching the threads with the blade. I do it all the time and never cut my material because I'm just touching the threads. You can use your presser foot to hold down one side of the seam. This may sound gross but it works my mother would wet her fingers and grab the little threads and put them in her mouth as she was pulling out the thread pieces and then when she had a bit she would discard the ball of thread and start again until all the thread ends were removed from seam. I have to admit I do it sometimes because otherwise its a pain and the thread wants to stick to your hand.

@ediebegonia Жыл бұрын

I've always managed my picked out threads this way. Otherwise I get so frustrated trying to discard all the little threads one at a time while they stick to my fingers.

@ElanorKella 4 жыл бұрын

I named mine Jack the (Seam) Ripper :D and always have him at hand. I've heard about the red ball function but didn't try it yet. Also try to unpick only one thread if possible and save the other for basting - this usually works until I got too frustrated with the process

@SherylFZsmom 4 жыл бұрын

Jack, lol

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂 Jack!

@fjolliff6308 3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to have to start calling my unpicker "Duck". Since it unpicks rather than "Goose" who gets picked.

@negan1445 3 жыл бұрын

This was so helpful. Thank you x

@amylenkowsky8681 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks I didn’t know what the red ball was for

@ramrakk Жыл бұрын

Fabulous tutorial, thank you!❤

@labdian 4 жыл бұрын

I loved the video. Very helpful. Thanks, Evelyn!

@simple4kill 4 жыл бұрын

For some reason I just absent-mindedly thought about that red dot today, as I attacked a seam, and I came to no specific concluson. Now it seems like such a common sense thing .. but I guess it isn't that common, haha. P.S.: I'm new here, and I binged majority of your videos! Thanks for having me 💕

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching! 😄😄

@MildredRHolmes 3 жыл бұрын

Me too, new here and binge watching. Learned some things, mostly bout different fabrics. I do traditional sewing of my tribe's regalia. We use many of the finer fabrics, silks, satins, velvets. Broadcloth. I like this channel cause it reminds me of my mom and aunties when they'd get together to sew.

@MildredRHolmes 3 жыл бұрын

Both ways. Lucked out. My mother and aunties were seamstresses. Learned lots from them. I did figure out the red ball trick after surreptitiously checking them out. Being a "bull headed teen" meant lots of figuring things out the hard way. 😁

@TheSarahmartha Жыл бұрын

I did not know about the red ball!!! Thanks!!!

@jacklynlaperriere8212 4 жыл бұрын

I totally use your unpicking method. Yes, I knew what the ball was for 😊

@nataliehildebrand5007 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for amazing advise. I've learned from your videos. And Now i know the use of the little red Ball.

@deannastevens1217 4 жыл бұрын

I didn't find out what the red ball was for until I had been sewing 20+ years. I slashed many a seam with that sharp end. Thank you for this video. I do both. More Unpicking than ripping. But I call it picking out my seams. But I'm weird. and mostly self taught. :D I Love your Videos.

@faylowery8693 4 жыл бұрын

great information and I did not know that red ball had a use. Thank you Evelyn from Montana USA.

@patyake307 3 ай бұрын

I did know and love this method.

@J3unG 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant!! So useful, your technique videos.

@erikaradcliffe3436 2 жыл бұрын

I have autism and adhd so I find myself making the mistake of stitching the wrong part of project no matter how many notes I stick on it and at first I was picker and I find it taking me a week just to complete one project but now that I know what that red ball is for I hope it help me move faster when fixing my mistakes. As we all know fabric is not cheap and I do everything not to waste it ( I have probably 15 bag of just scraps) so this has helped me alot.

@martaroxx 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Evelyn, i should have watched this Video so much earlier. I don't know how many hours i spent unpicking overlock stitches 😮😵 I love your Videos. Greetings from Germany 💕

@ladyhawc03 4 жыл бұрын

Hey..I've used the "red ball method"..but, didn't know I was using it correctly..yeah me!!😋😋. Also, I've used a less sharp seam ripper & did damage, too. 😭😭. Thank you for the sharing your tutorial.

@Evelyn__Wood 4 жыл бұрын

I think EVERYONE had done damage at some time!! I'm glad you liked video 😀