World’s Best Seam Ripper (For Every Kind of Seamstress)
Fellow quilters, and fellow humans, it’s time we talk about something no one really wants to talk about: how we all make mistakes. It’s true. I make ‘em. You make ‘em. I heard a rumor that sometimes, even Chuck Norris makes ‘em. So as long as we’re going to make mistakes, we might as well fix them in style. Even imperfect people (so… people) deserve the best mistake-correctors out there. It’s without shame and with joy that I present to you…
The BEST Seam Ripper: A review for mistake-makers of all kinds.
Since I’m so very well practiced in the art of making and correcting mistakes, I have gathered a lot of info on seam rippers. I’ve tried them all for you, so even though you make mistakes, buying the wrong seam ripper doesn’t have to be one of them.
First, there’s something you should know about seam rippers...
Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Sure, you can buy a seam ripper for a dollar and rip some mad seams today… but tomorrow? There are no guarantees. You could end up with a drawer full of $1 seam rippers that won’t deliver. This is a warning! I don’t want you and your seam ripper drawer ending up on an episode of Hoarders. Instead, read this post FOR REAL, and get the seam ripper you deserve.
The Best Ripper for Quality & Class: The Nifty Notions Brass Seam Ripper
The Nifty Notions Brass Seam Ripper is the queen of all seam rippers. First of all, it’s brass, so you are going to feel rich and famous while you rip through all of your hard work. The brass also gives this seam ripper a nice weight and durability. This thing’s built to last, you guys.
Oh, and I’m pretty sure the world might end before the ball comes off of a Nifty Notions brass seam ripper. Legend has it that this seam ripper will stay sharp for over a decade. And to top it off, it’s just plain stylish. If you’ve never been attracted to a seam ripper before… just wait until you meet this baby. Swipe right.
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The Best for Utility & Practicality: The Mini Seam Fix Ripper
If you’re not really into shiny things (I think you’re lying, but whatever) and you’re not looking for a big investment on your seam ripper, I would recommend one of these small, but mighty Mini Fix Seam Rippers. This baby has everything you need, just miniature. So cute!
Fully loaded with a sharp blade, safety ball and lid, it also comes equipped to erase threads that have been ripped. (If that eraser part if confusing you, here's a YouTube video...with some weirdly sexy background music...that shows exactly how it's done.) Sharper than your average budget-buy, this seam ripper does the job well, but be forewarned: if you’re working on a paper piecing project, you may find the blade not quite fine enough.
The Best Seam Ripper for the Surgeon/Sewist: Tula Pink Surgical Seam Ripper
So, I’m not going to lie, I find this surgical seam ripper a little scary… but it is also scary good at ripping seams. This seam ripper is made with high quality German steel and includes two blades.
A Tula Pink Surgical Seam Ripper will make you feel like both a pop princess AND an Expert Quilter M.D. as you slice open your seams with precision. These seam rippers are known to be extra sharp, and a good match for serger stitches. But remember, and I’m telling you this because I love you: it's a razor. It’s sharp, and the blade is totally exposed. Take care of yourself, friends!
The Best Seam Ripper for Low-Maintenance Comfort: The Clover 482 Seam Ripper
The Clover 482 Seam Ripper wins the award for best body--the handle is soooo comfortable to hold. You won’t ever want to put it down. If you find yourself with a bunch of seams to rip, the Clover 482 will make sure you rip out those stitches cramp-free.
One warning on this little beauty: people have reported trouble with the cap coming loose. This is a seam ripper nightmare, especially if you like to dig through your sewing drawer while distracted by a great TV show (who me? No, I’ve never done that…)
Remember how I called this post “The Best Seam Ripper?” I bet you thought I was going to recommend just one, didn’t you. Well, I couldn’t choose! Just like quilters (and humans), all seam rippers have their strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs a seam ripper that’s going to fit in with their style. I mean, chances are, you and this seam ripper are going to become pretty good friends...
Happy, safe seam ripping, everyone! And comment below: Which is your favorite?!
(Oh, and I almost forgot: if you really want to up your seam ripping morale, hook yourself up with one of these babies and remember: You Got This.)
I like the Clover one. I definitely prefer a seam ripper with a comfortable handle. I also like the Fons & Porter one with the ergonomic handle.
Thanks for your seam ripper suggestions. I have to disagree with you on the Clover seam ripper, though. I bought that one and I really didn’t like it. I thought it was too small in my hand. The Clover seam ripper I really like is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Clover-502-Seam-Ripper/dp/B000B7W7RQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1486667409&sr=8-6&keywords=clover+seam+ripper The only thing I don’t like about it is that it doesn’t have a cap. Clover has discontinued it, though, so you can’t find it in stores anymore. : (
The Dritz Ergonomic is my absolute favorite. It has a rubber handle, and never slips or moves in my hand while using it.
It makes my ripping out of my seams, (that were a mistake), more precise, easier and faster. And it’s so comfortable in my hand. Highly recommend.
Good to know! Thanks for the tip, Anne. 🙂
You can also use the back of this seam ripper to pick the threads out of your project afterwards. You just run the rubber end over the threads and it pulls them out!
Is it terrible that I have all four seam rippers on your list?!! I use them all and I have to agree that the brass one is the most luxurious!
I use a clover seam ripper with the big handle and it fits well while I’m ripping out seams and it has done real well for 6 years: it still works just as well as the day I bought it. I don’t know which clover it is but it does not have a cap which I wish it did. I’m new to quilting and sewing so I use it a lot. lol.
I have the seam-fix seam ripper in 2 sizes and I just love them, they save a LOT of time and effort for me. Love them!
The problem with all of these seam rippers is that the point is too large to get into a 16-20 st/inch line of stitching such as I do for all my quilts. I have the Havel’s seam ripper and it is too large.
I’d like to know what to use to Sharpen (or re-sharpen) my seam ripper. I used have a device like a pin cushion that would sharpen a seam ripper, but cannot find another one like it. These babies are costly and I’d dearly love to be able to sharpen my seam ripper(s)… Yeah I’ve got a ton of them.
That is a fantastic question. I’ve used these cute strawberry pincushions to sharpen needles. Maybe it could be used to sharpen a seam ripper? A more tedious way of sharpening would be to get a sharpening stone like the one used in this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CeRDJ1iXww
I used a scissor sharpening stone (a whett stone or water stone) on my seam ripper that had a burr. A drop off sewing machine oil with it. Mine is by Gingher and my dad sharpened my scissors with the stone. (Now I only buy Famoré and let them sharpen my scissors! 💖)
I like the clover brown flat handled seam ripper, I found the round handle one rolled
off the sewing table into my wastebasket too often. The brown one has a cover but
I use a vertical storage unit next to my machine. And I do wish there were one
with a smaller point for short stitches.
I have a Seam-Fix seam ripper. I’ve been sewing for more than 30 years, and this is by far the best one I’ve used. You have peaked my curiosity. I’d like to try the Mini version. The only criticism I have is that if you put it down it has a tendency to roll and can roll right off your table if you’re not careful.
I work at a quilt shop and we’re always sold out of the clover seam ripper. Our customers love them. I have the Seam-fix ones since I lose things- the eraser is 🙌🏼 and super helpful for newer quilters like me. Love your blogs! 💜
I have a couple of the clover one and some cheapo ones. I like the feel of the clover in my hand, but if I have a lot of seams, then I am more likely to use a scalpel type ripper. I get them from daiso (japanese store), where they are sold for removing facial hair! (yuk)
How interesting! I’ll have to look that up. Thanks for the rec!
I like the 4-in-1 tool that includes a seam ripper bc it has a Bernina ripper. I love those three best but this one with a wooden handle doesn’t roll and is big enough so I don’t lose it as often! I also bought a pretty hot pink acrylic one from the IQF show one year that has the 2 ends that flip out; seam ripper and stiletto. The ones by Sawyer Creek Artistry are gorgeous too! I plan to send him some barn beam pieces from our 122 year old farm to make these for my daughter and me. 💖
I have two of the fix it ones, one mini , one a big one but for preference I actually use a Bernina one.
I just found a seam ripper I think I might love at my local quilt shop. It’s the “Rip it Away” by the Gypsy Quilter and has a blade that says it protects the fabric. Just had to use it today and found it oddly satisfying to slice through the threads versus just poking and ripping. (If you have to seam rip, it should be satisfying, right?) https://www.ebay.com/p/Rip-It-Away-Seam-Ripper-The-Gypsy-Quilter-Cut-Threads-Not-Fabric-Cutter/14013077728?iid=222795321086&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=222795321086&targetid=537215880888&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9017438&poi=&campaignid=1881303832&mkgroupid=65519987730&rlsatarget=aud-412677883135:pla-537215880888&abcId=1139336&merchantid=7851724&gclid=Cj0KCQjws7TqBRDgARIsAAHLHP7KgZfhJDUe-w75rWEzEc12X3Bf7cAF0-HIZILgIudwtYkrRM5JxFwaAjnhEALw_wcB
It’s the brass all the way! Just don’t let anyone borrow it you’ll never get it back.
“You’re lying but whatever” I died! Always keepin it real Suzy!
Hi, Love your site!!! The seam ripper I like has a small magnifier and Light. Small light to show it up better!! For us older folks that don’t see so well anymore!
The brand is “Mighty Bright” I think I bought it at Joanne’s Fabric or Amazon.
Here’s website http://www.mightybright.com
Love your helpful hints!! Enjoy Desi! They grow soooo quick!!!!
My all time favourite seam ripper is the one that came with my Bernina sewing machine. When I lost it after having it for 10 years I was devastated. Then I found out I could purchase them from my Bernina dealer and I bought several of them. It is sharp, small, and has one of the finest tips I can seem to find. As well, the blade really seems to hold the edge- like I said I had my last one for 10 years. I also have the seam fix larger version. It is good too but not as fine. As well, I find it is a bit big and awkward to hold.
I need to comment about the brass seam ripper. I had seen them recommended years ago and bought one. It did have a nice heft that I enjoyed, had a nice pointy tip, and was plenty sharp—at first. You notice I am referring to it in the past tense; I’m coming to that—be patient. The first thing that went wrong, soon after I got it, is that the handle/cover became so loose it wouldn’t stay on (the ripper is so short that it needs the length of the handle to be comfortable.) I wedged a piece of yarn in it to make it stay on and that worked for years, though it was wobbly and I couldn’t use it as a cover anymore. Then I began to sense that it was just not as sharp as it had been, which surprised me. About a year ago, after, maybe, 5 years of constant use the “blade” broke off down inside the groove. I had been led to believe that this was a seam ripper that would stay sharp and last a lifetime, and am very disappointed. I will not buy one again.
My big problem with most of these seam rippers is that the cap won’t fit on the bottom of the tool, so you don’t lose it while you’re using the tool. Which is what happened to my Clover brown flat-handled seam ripper
Thank you for suggest some perfect seam rippers. But My big problem with most of these seam rippers is that the cap won’t fit on the bottom of the tool, so you don’t lose it while you’re using the tool. Which is what happened to my Clover brown flat-handled seam ripper