All Overlockers and Sergers Need a Ripper Kit!
Even the best overlocker and serger users make the occasional stitching error and end up having to unpick a seam. If you make a sewing mistake whilst overlocking or serging, a seam ripper can be your best friend. It allows you to very precisely undo the stitching and correct the error without damaging the fabric you’re working on.
Read some of the benefits of having a seam ripper kit to accompany your overlocker / serger and out favourite budget set to get you started!
Safer to use than Sewing Scissors
Whilst many people use sharp little sewing scissors for unpicking overlocking / serging, using a specialist unpicking tool, a Seam Ripper, is an easier and inexpensive option and doesn’t result in so many cut fingers!
Removing Stitches
Of course the primary use of a seam ripper is to remove mis-sewn or unwanted stitches or seams in fabric. A seam ripper allows for precise cutting and quick removal of stitches without damaging the fabric. Overlockers and sergers are fast and its very easy for stitches to quickly go wrong if you lose concentration. A good set of seam rippers is essential for overlockers / sergers.
Making and Opening Buttonholes
A seam ripper can be used to carefully and precisely open buttonholes, ensuring clean and neat openings and which can easily go wrong if you are using scissors. Of course this might apply more to a regular sewing machine where you are creating the buttonholes on a garment. But if you are overlocking or serging, for example, on a jacket or coat, then you are likely to have to create button holes too.
In addition to opening buttonholes, a seam ripper can be used to carefully cut through fabric layers to actually create buttonholes, ensuring precise and clean results.
Trimming Thread Ends
When sewing, there are often small thread ends that need to be trimmed. A seam ripper can easily and safely trim these threads very close to the fabric. Although scissors can do this too, you can easily rip the fabric with scissors by mistake.
Releasing Tacking or Basting Stitches
Before you do permanent overlocking or serger stitching, temporary stitches, such as tacking or basting stitches, are often used to hold the fabric in place. A seam ripper can effortlessly remove these temporary stitches without fear of damaging the proper stitches which overlay them.
Adjusting Darts
When adjusting or altering darts in a garment, a seam ripper can help in removing the original stitching and repositioning or resizing the dart for a better fit. Again, the precision of the seam ripper is important as the fabric of the garment is less likely to be damaged.
Creating Notches
When overlocking or serging around curved or shaped seams, a series of notches are often made in the seam allowance to help the fabric lie flat. A seam ripper can assist in creating these notches accurately and without cutting the stitches of the curve.
Inserting Zips
When inserting zippers, a seam ripper can help remove the basting stitches or temporarily hold fabric layers aside to make way for the zipper installation.
Turning out Corners
A seam ripper is an excellent tool to turn out corners of pockets, bags and lined items.
Making Fabric Button Loops
If you are overlocking or serging on a project which requires covered buttons or loops then a seam ripper is extremely helpful. The precision of a seam ripper means it is ideal to be used to carefully cut out your fabric strips that you then turn into loops for fabric-covered buttons.
Removing or Replacing Buttons
If you are removing or replacing buttons on a garment then a seam ripper can remove the old buttons and easily cut through any threads or small, tight stitches that are holding them in place.
Freeing Caught Fabric from your Overlocker, Serger or Sewing Machine
This is why you really need a seam ripper if you have an overlocker or a serger! Sometimes fabric can get caught in the overlocker, serger or sewing machine. A seam ripper can gently work free and release the fabric without causing any further damage to your item.
Opening Seams for Alterations
If you need to make alterations to a garment, a seam ripper can open seams to access the inside of the garment for adjustments or repairs, for example opening the lining. Because a seam ripper can work on fine stitches it is less likely to damage the fabric of the seam that you are opening.
Separating Fabric Layers
A seam ripper is an excellent way to separate fabric layers which have already been stitched together, allowing you to insert additional elements such as pockets, linings, or trims. Precision is essential so that you don’t damage the fabric as you separate layers.
So here is our favourite low budget seam ripper kit anyone who uses an overlocker, serger or sewing machine must have!! Treat yourself or treat the overlocking serging or sewing fan in your life!
We are an Amazon affiliate and we hope you love this kit from Amazon. Just so you know, we may collect a small amount from Amazon for links clicked here.
Big & Small Stitching Thread Unpicker
Thread Cutter Remover
Seam Rippers for Sewing
Stitch Ripper with Scissor
Storage Bag
This is a an excellent value, low price basic kit which will do exactly what you need for your overlocking or serging projects!
We especially like that this pack includes 2 seam rippers, large & small, for
ripping out seam and stitches without damage to the fabric, removing tags, turning out corners in pockets, bags etc, opening button holes, removing button stitches and removing both large and fine stitches.
Great Quality and Great Value!
These items are made of a good quality material, they are all durable and sharp. They also come with a storage bag.
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