Friday, February 17, 2012

Seam Rippers

Did you know that seam rippers can become dull?
Now that I think about it, it makes sense.
The small forked like crook serves like a little knife to cut your thread.
And if knives become dull, why not seam rippers?

I know YOU probably use this quilting gadget on very rare occasions, but my seam ripper has been almost like a best friend.
We've spent many a late night together over the years, just she and I.
Lets just say I've gotten more than my money's worth :)
I'm trying to break it to her softly, but the time has come for a parting of ways.
She has become DULL DULL DULL.

No big deal to just go out and buy a new seam ripper, right?
When I bought my last one there were simple choices like what color of plastic handle did I like best?
Welcome to the 21st Century!
I did a search for Best Seam Rippers on Amazon.com and had no idea there would be so many results.

Did you know there are seam rippers that come with a magnifying glass?
Nice feature!

Dritz offers one with a light and needle threader.
Oh, another nice feature!

There were multiple choices of colors, and sizes of seam rippers with Ergonomic handles.
This must be the new and exciting feature by the amount of selections.
Just how much continuous ripping does one have to do to merit an ergonomic handle?
(I'm just saying, maybe I'm not the only one who has stayed up late with their best friend)

Some seam rippers, like this one from Ultra that do not follow the traditional style.
The Ultra-Pro comes with a screw at the top, so the blades can be replaced.
Another nice feature!

And then, there are fancy- smancy seam rippers.
Gingher has an aluminum with chrome over nickle coated finish that comes complete in it's own velvet lined case.
For a mere $28
I can see it now at guild meetings and quilting retreats:
"MY seam ripper is nicer than YOUR seam ripper!"
*
Now I need to make a choice.
What kind of seam ripper do you use, and what would you recommend?

10 comments:

Penny from S.C. said...

I still use my little ones. I have several because I can never seem to find them when I need them. I'm sure your not like that!

Me and My Stitches said...

I use one from Fons & Porter - it has a bigger handle, which is kind of nice. Also use the small cheapies, and they seem to work just fine! I really try not to use them often!!

dream quilt create said...

I always used to buy cheap sean rippers......until I tried the $4 clover one. I loved it so much that I bought each of my daughters one! What I love about it is that it us really sharp. There us a noticeable difference. Now I can look forward to using my seam ripper! Ha ha!!! It still isn't my best friend though......

•stephanie• said...

i bought these for all my quilty friends for christmas:

http://www.mightybright.com/Craft-Lights/Lighted-Seam-Ripper-with-Magnifier

i forgot to get one for myself.
what was i thinking?

Miki Willa said...

I was using the one that came with my Bernina that I purchased 40 years ago until I got a new Bernina last year. Now I use that one. I thought about buying a new one once, but the choices were way to overwhelming, and my old trustee Bernina ripper worked just fine. There is something about quality.

Deb R said...

I received the lighted seam ripper as a gift and the prong that slips under the thread was so large it was impossible to use. I'm watching the comments because I'm due for a new one also.
Deb R

Gina E. said...

LOL Nedra, you sure have a way with words! I giggled all through this post :-)
I never thought about it before, but now you've opened my eyes, my seam ripper (which has to be about 10 years old, and was at the cheap end of the market back then) is certainly blunt. I thought it was just my weak wrists and fingers not exerting enough pull to break the threads! No more cheapies for me; I'll be looking for one of those you-beaut rippers at our next craft fair.

Truffle queen said...

I buy my disposable scalpels at the American Science Outlet - but you can buy them at a medical supply shop. CHEAP! I pay less than $1 - and they are the bestest!!

Nan S. said...

I use an old seam ripper to "cut off" recipes and coupons for schools off the labels of soup cans. I keep one in the kitchen to use to save the coupons for a local school using them to obtain playground equipment. It makes the job so easy.

Nat Palaskas said...

Thanks for the reviewed Nedra, I was thinking the other day that I need a new ripper - hugs Nat