Hey everybody! I've noticed quite a few comments mentioning that some folks have been using their seam rippers 'wrong' after watching my tutorial. But here's the thing, it's not really about right or wrong. Seam rippers can be used in a variety of ways, and different methods suit different situations. You weren't using it incorrectly before; I've just shown you another technique to add to your sewing toolkit. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal - this method might be perfect for some tasks, but not for others. Curious about when to use this technique and when to stick with your usual method? I've got all the details laid out in a comprehensive tutorial on my site. Just head over to this link to get the full instructions - www.ageberry.com/why-does-your-seam-ripper-have-a-red-ball/
Yes, I have inadvertently cut so many pieces of fabric because I have been using it upside down… for decades! I have come to think that scissors are quicker because of that. Now I'll give it another go! Many thanks!
Well, they say good things come to those who wait - half a century seems like a patient wait for seam ripper enlightenment! 😄 Congratulations on unlocking a new level in the game of life (and sewing). May your newfound skills lead to many beautifully unpicked seams in the years to come!
What?!?? What just happened?!? How have I been sewing for 35 years and NEVER KNEW THIS?!?!!! I practically cry every time I have to take out a seam because I literally cut one stitch at a time with the sharp end and it takes forever - I am still in shock by what I just watched. Mind blown. Life changed. Thank you SO MUCH!!
After reading all the comments, I've decided that none of our teachers, growing up, knew how to use a seam ripper, either! I've ALWAYS led with the sharp point! I never knew you were supposed to use the ball end. I just figured that was so we don't poke ourselves and thought that didn't make sense. LOL Thank you for teaching me something important about a seam ripper! All these years, ripping has been MUCH harder than it needed to be!
I learned to sew in 7th grade home economics class and we ripped our mistakes out one stitch at a time with the sharp point of the seam ripper per our teacher’s instructions. This was in 1968 and I took sewing classes every semester throughout junior and senior high and I am only now learning the proper way to use a seam ripper.
OMG! Mein Nahttrenner hat keine rote Kugel! 😲Hat an beiden Enden eine Spitze! Wie mühsam das Trennen ohne diese Kugel ist! Das werde ich sofort ändern!👍Damke!
You had me at “hold on to your bobbin,” that was too cute 😂 Wow…. I’ve been sewing for decades, and you taught me a game changing technique! Just to think of the tons of hours I’ve dreaded and spent removing seams! Thank you for a useful technique that l will implement immediately.
I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the technique game-changing! Thank you for your lovely comment. Implement away and may your stitches fear your mighty seam ripper!
😳83 years old now, and I have been sewing since I was 18. I NEVER knew what the red ball was for. This is mind-bending for me. When I think of all the holes I have inadvertently made in fabrics because I used the sharp point underneath and the red ball above 🥹😭 Thank you. 🙏🏾
My teacher, it seems did know how to use a seam ripper. In my day boys didn’t do sewing, we did woodwork. I was so badly behaved as a punishment I was put into the girls sewing class. Turns out I loved it! I have three boys, now men, and I taught them to sew as well. One joined the RAF and he said his sewing skills really help him when on deployment in Afghan’. Sewing is an important skill.
As a retired USAF member, I made the mistake of telling my wife she was doing the stripes and patches on my uniforms wrong. So for the rest of my career, I was the one doing all the sewing on my uniforms
Went to HS in the 1990s. I enrolled in cooking and sewing partially because of the ratio... classroom of 25 students and I'm the only dude around a bunch of females? 16yo me: "Sign me up!"
Until this video I never understood why they called it a seam "ripper". I always thought it was just an ambitious or wishful sort of over-exaggeration of what the tool does. Today, the name of the tool finally makes so much sense!
OH MY WORD! I have been sewing since I was about 11-12 and I never knew that! Neither my home ec teacher or my grandmother who sewed and did alterations for people ever told me. I have been using it upside down for 60 years and taking forever because of often having to do one stitch at a time! 👵🏻 Always thought it was there to keep you from accidentally poking yourself while using the seam ripper. 😆 Thank you for sharing that very important tidbit of information. 👍👏😊
I think no matter how long we've been doing something, there's always room for new tricks and techniques. Thank you for watching and for your enthusiastic response!
74 years here and I also have been using it wrong! When I think about all the hours I spent seam ripping… I guess it’s true… never to old to learn! 😳. 😂
The way I GASPED and nearly dropped my phone when you just GLIDED through those seams like butter. GIRL WHAT?! YOU'RE TELLING ME I COULD HAVE SAVED MYSELF hours SEAM RIPPING SEWING MISTAKES BY FLIPPING MY SEAM RIPPER!!! I'm sorry, my bobbins have been lost. My mind is in Boggles. XD Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I will now share your video to my socials so the few followers I have😂 can too learn this wizardry.
Hey, if using it upside down worked for you, then it was also good! There's no one right way to use a tool if you're getting the results you want. But I'm glad you found the video helpful and that you've got a new technique to try out now. Thanks for watching and commenting!
OMG I been using it wrong as well cause the way she doing it go through like a knife lol thank u ma'am for the video I learn new things everyday have a blessed day
You're welcome! It's great to hear you've picked up a new trick that might make your sewing easier. Don't worry about how you were using it before; it wasn’t wrong, it was just another way of using it. Learning new things every day keeps our skills sharp - just like a good seam ripper! @@sheterancehampton7545
OMG! I have been sewing since I was 13 (I am 64 now) and I never knew that this is how to use the seam ripper. I would just carefully pick the stitches by ones and twos. When I think of the hours I could have saved myself hahahaha! I so appreciate this video. Just showed my daughter who is 30 and has been sewing as well since she was a little girl. We are so AMAZED! BTW you are very funny :)
I’ve been doing it all WRONG for decades. I was using my seam ripper all WRONG! Thank you for showing me the correct way to use this valuable tool. 💜💜💜
I've been sewing since 1972. And I always ripped the seam from the back and it never worked that fast. Plus I held it upside down. I need to put a note by my seam ripper to remind me to do it right next time.
@@julienielsen3746 Ha! You’re close in age to me, I think. I forget to make notes and lists, because I’m busy having fun. I even tell myself (all the time) “You’re going to forget that.” I recently heard you can say anything once you’re 70. I’ve expanded that to dawdling when I like, or being in someone’s way just because I’m old. 💜💜💜 I think I began sewing about 1962 or 1965. Good memories.
I see the RUclips algorithm has suggested a category I have never once searched. But this video has peaked my interest in knowing what the little red ball was for. Even though I don’t sew or anything related to it. Very informative video and I hope this channel continues to grow and educate more people 👍🏽
OMGoodness! I have been sewing for many, many years and just realized I have been using my seam rippers wrongly. Either I did not pay attention as a child learning from my mother...or I forgot. Thank you so much for this video!
Well, you weren't using your seam ripper wrongly - it's just that there's more than one way to use it. Sometimes we pick up a method and stick with it for years without realizing there are alternatives. Thank you for watching the video, and I'm so glad you found it valuable.
I read some of the comments and after decades of sewing I was doing it different. I used to go on the inside and on one side of the seam cut a stitch every inch or so and then on the other side you pull one long thread out and only have pieces on one side. Thank you for showing us this way.
Your method is indeed a valid traditional way to use a seam ripper, and it's great that you've shared it here. The method shown in the video is just another option to consider, which some may find speeds up the process or suits their style better. I appreciate you taking the time to describe your approach. Thank you for watching the video, and I hope you might find this new for you method useful in some situations.
You're definitely not alone in that boat! It's all about lifelong learning, and sometimes that means discovering a new way of doing things - even if it's been decades. But hey, it's not wrong if it worked for you, it's just another way.
I don’t even sew but I found the seam ripping immensely satisfying, especially the denim. I actually may find this information useful in the future since I could imagine needing to rip a seam some day. Also, regardless of the field it’s great when using the right tool for the job makes it so much easier.
It's true, having the right tool for the job can make all the difference and turn a frustrating task into a manageable one. I'm glad you found the video enjoyable and potentially useful.
You really opened my eyes up to how I could have been using this seam ripper the last 50 years. I'm embarrassed to say I had no idea. Thank you for this valuable information. ❤😊
A man here who does a bit of sewing occasionally to repair clothes (usually holes worn in shorts pockets or wear and tear rips) and make webbing straps etc for various outdoors gear, and like others here had no idea how this thing was intelligently designed to be used, or even what it was called, despite doing it for the last forty five years. I've typically used it to pick away with that sharp point and when I have seam ripped I've lead with the sharp point as well, with frustration. In dim memory I can recall using it correctly so must have been taught but forgotten. Much appreciated reminder on this handy little tool.
It's great to hear from a fellow sewing enthusiast, no matter how occasional the sewing may be! Thank you for sharing your story! It's always inspiring to hear how others integrate sewing into their lives, whether it's for mending clothes or crafting outdoor gear. Your tale adds to the rich tapestry of sewing experiences out there.
While I'm sorry you tore your fabric, I'm glad you included it in the video. Makes me feel a little better about the times I've done that myself! It always seems to happen on the fabric that I *really* don't want to tear...
I'm glad sharing that moment made you feel better! Even those of us who sew regularly can slip up and tear our fabric, especially when it's the one we love the most-it's like the fabric knows! It's all part of the sewing journey, and I guess each mishap is a chance to learn and grow. Thanks for watching, and keep on sewing, tears and all! 😊
Oh, you weren't using it wrong at all! 😄 The wonderful thing about sewing is that there are often many methods to achieve the same result. The traditional way of using a seam ripper is absolutely fine, but it's always fun to learn different techniques and see which one you prefer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and thank you for your comment.
I know nothing about sewing, but I came to watch because I'm fascinated by the whole science of sewing, sewing machines, and textile making etc. Is like geometry, topology and physics all in one grab! Vastly under-appreciated arts. Thank you.
I am thrilled to realize I wasn’t the only person who has been sewing for decades, and didn’t realize that red ball was actually a critical part of the tool! Next time I both something and need to re sew, you can bet I’m going to remember this! Thanks!
Today I learned that I was using a seam ripper wrong and inefficiently. Thank you so much for this video! I came out learning more than one thing today!
And you just taught me that I should be saying "used wrongly," not "used wrong." Because, after all, it is modifying a verb, so should be an adverb. You showed me by negative example, following "wrong" with the adverb "Inefficiently." Please don't be embarrassed! I'm grateful!
Thanks for including the caveat about the potential of tearing lighter weight fabrics! 😊 I came across this info years ago (probably a 5-minute hack video making its way around Facebook) which failed to mention that part and I learned the hard way by tearing a massive gash in some satin lining. A simple seam correction turned into a full redo of that lining piece, ugh. 🤦♀️ Hopefully your warning will save others from my pain! Slow and gentle, friends!
Oh no, ! I'm sorry to hear about the mishap. I'm glad you appreciate the warning. It's definitely important to share not just the shortcuts, but also the potential pitfalls to watch out for. Your experience is a valuable lesson for all of us: slow and gentle does it, especially with those delicate fabrics. Thank you for sharing your story!
When you are working with fabric that you don't want to damage, taking it slow and steady with the seam ripper is a good approach. But if I want to speed up the process when I’m working on deconstructing a garment for upcycling, being super precise with the seam ripper isn't always as important and a tiny snip here or there won't upset me. And yes, seam rippers do come in different sizes to suit various types of projects and fabrics. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@janemartin229: My teacher taught us to use scissors when taking apart seams! Then you have control. You cut the tread stitch by stich, or several stitches, depending on how tight it is.
Ill be 100 with you, i clicked on this video by accident and have learned a lot more than i expected considering i dont know anything about sewing or fabric work. Now i know what a seam ripper is, what that funny ball is for, and the proper usage of them.
😲😲😲 I've been using this tool the wrong way for more then 30 years.... I'm a hobbyist so I use not often. I just clicked on the video you tube suggested and learned a lesson... thank you....
Isn't it amazing what you can stumble upon in the big classroom of RUclips? 😲 I'm glad the video served up a handy lesson for you. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Oh my goodness, I am in my 60s and have been using my seem ripper wrong my whole life, I cannot believe how easy it is to do it the correct way you show, instead of a couple of stitches at a time and snagging the fabric. Thank you so much.
That's quite the resourceful childhood ingenuity! While your mom's seam ripper may not have been thrilled to be used as an olive fork, it sounds like it served a dual purpose in your household. Thanks for sharing that delightful snippet - it's always fun to hear the unexpected ways tools can be repurposed, intentionally or not. 😂
Ok, after scrolling through the comments, I have discovered that basically NONE of us were taught about the function of The Red Ball. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??🤷🏻♀️ At least we can now pass this vital information on to future generations.👍🏻❤😁 Thank you SO much.
Actually.... All of us who are commenting here have one common factor which has led to the "wrong" usage of the seam ripper. It has never occured to any of us to ponder or ask somebody or google "why" there is a red ball on the other side. We just took it for granted that this is how the tool has been designed... period. 🤷🤦
Holy moly, I’ve been using a seam ripper with the red ball up instead of down! That’s what I was taught in home economics in 7th grade. My mind is seriously blown. 🤯 Thank you!
Guten Tag! I'm so happy to hear that the video was helpful to you. You weren't using your seam ripper wrong before - it was just another way to use it. Now you've got another method to try out. Thank you for your kind words, and greetings from Florida to you in Germany!
I opened the comments to say that I discovered I've been using my seam ripper upside down, and boy am I relieved to see I'm not alone! My defense is that I'm learning as I go, since I never had anyone in-person to learn from. The first time I had to pull out a seam I just went "well, we've got a pointy bit and a hook-y bit, so, uh, I guess you just catch the stitches one at a time and pull them back out the way they went in" and never thought to question it... this new knowledge means much less time wasted in the future, thank you :>
I'm so glad you discovered something new! 😄 It's true, there's always more to learn, especially in the vast world of sewing. Thanks for watching and commenting!
You're very welcome! I'm glad the explanation and tips were helpful. There's no wrong way if it's been working for you, but it's always nice to learn different methods that might make sewing tasks a bit easier. Thanks for your comment!
You're very welcome! It's always a pleasure to share tips that can be new to sewers of any experience level. I'm glad you found something valuable in the content. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Well after reading some comments I'm so glad I'm not the only one that has been using a seam ripper wrong for all these years. Thank you for showing me the right way.
It's always interesting to hear how different terms and techniques are used in various sewing circles. Thanks for sharing that tidbit from the quilting world! There's more than one way to use a seam ripper, and using it as a 'stitch picker' to remove stitches one at a time is perfectly right, especially in quilting where you want to avoid damaging your work. It's all about finding the method that feels safest and most effective for you. Whether you call it a seam ripper, stitch picker, or any other name, the goal is always to take out those stitches cleanly and keep your fabric intact.
As a self-taught sewist, I have just now discovered seam ripping is supposed to be able to be done in one smooth motion. I've always had to take it stitch by stitch, and it took forever! Thank you for teaching me how to use a seam ripper properly!
You're welcome! I'm so glad I could share something new with you. It's always exciting to learn a little tidbit that can make a difference in how we do things. Enjoy putting this newfound knowledge to use!
I don't sew, I don't know why this video came up in my feed, but I now feel edified that I have learned about the arcane art of seam ripping. Thank you from Weimar, Germany.
Haha, that's a humorous take on the design! Seam rippers do have a sharp point, and accidental pokes happen sometimes. Use it with care, and hopefully, those accidental stabs will be few and far between. 🧵😄✂️
The comments on this video help explain why a couple of people I know mentioned how much they dislike using a seam ripper and thought it was so tedious & inefficient to use. I’ve always found it soooo satisfying and was baffled about how they could feel so opposite from me. It never occurred to me that they weren’t using it correctly! Amazing how such a small tool has had such a big impact on people.
Absolutely, you're never too old to learn something new, and I'm thrilled to have shared a trick that was new to you. Thank you for being open to learning and for your lovely comment.
Jeez... I'm 62 years old and I have just learned that I have used this tool upside down all my life! I thought the pointy end got between the stitches more easily. Dang, the things we don't know! Thank you!
I'm 71, and don't do much sewing other than hemming pants and making small repairs. This vid popped up in my suggestions several days ago and I thought "I know the ball is to protect the fabric; I don't need to watch." I'm glad I did! I too have always picked the threads out one at a time, poking the sharp end into the seam. Thanks from Southern California.
😂😂😂😂o God most of us here were using this tool the wrong way accept you my dear 😅thank you so very much for showing us the right way to use the ripper... God bless ❤❤❤❤
Oh my goodness, how l wish my dear mum was still alive to see your video (I’m 64) l grew up watching my mother sew, she made all our clothes, bridesmaids dresses, her own wedding dress, so much sewing! I too sew, but have always used the seam ripper as my mother did, the other way up and used to unpick single stitches one at a time! Who knew.. my mind is blown! 🤩🤩 Thank you.
Oh My Goodness!!!!! I have been using this tool upside down for literally 50 years!!!!!!! One stitch at a time….admiring the “tribute to Rudolph’s nose”!!!😂😂😂 Great video! Thnx!❤
Oh wow! It's amazing how a simple tip can change everything, right? I'm glad the video helped you discover this after all these years. That little red ball really does look like it belongs on Santa's sleigh team! 😂 Thanks for watching and for your lovely comment!
Lovely woman, you made me realize I've been using seam rippers upside down the whole time!! I'm still in college so I've only been sewing for 5 or so years, you just saved me from a lifetime of using seamrippers wrong haha 🤭I suspected that the red ball was to avoid ripping the fabric, but always assumed it was bad at its job when ripping quickly, thank you!!
I can't believe it never occurred to me to use a seam ripper this way in my 60+ years of sewing. Now I understand how it got its name! Thank you for sharing this!
This is hands down the 2nd most useful video in the whole of YT (only beaten by the “how to fold fitted bedsheets). Thank you so much! I once told my husband that every time he sees me using the seam ripper, he could just assume that I was very irritable and/or a the verge of a meltdown.
I'm honored to have my video ranked so highly in your RUclips hall of fame. It's great to hear that it's been so useful for you. Hopefully, with these newfound tips, the seam ripper will be less of a meltdown marker. Tell your husband to keep an eye out for a new, more zen-like seam ripping experience. Thanks for watching and for sharing your story.
Wow... No kidding, I too, have been using seam rippers in the less efficient way! Glad I checked this video out! Been sewing since I was 13 & now I'm 69 -learning new tricks everyday!
I don't know why I'm watching sewing tutorials at nearly 1 in the morning, but thank you for making this video. It was very informative and I enjoyed watching it.
My grandmother has been sewing bags for over 15 years, and whenever I asked her what these were she neither knew the name of the tool, nor what the red ball was for. She always used these to clean small, hard to reach places on her sewing machine lol. I can share this info now with her, thank you.
It's true, basic videos can be goldmines of information, and I'm just as thankful for viewers like you who appreciate the content and take the time to watch. Thank you for your enthusiastic comment!
Haha, I appreciate the enthusiasm! I can't quite remember how I learned this method of using a seam ripper - it's lost in the fabric of time. But one thing's for sure, I certainly can't claim to have invented it.
I've been using a seem ripper wrong all these years. I thought the red ball stayed on top and long 'anvil' went down into the seem. Basically, I've been using it upside down. Thank you so much. This changes everything.
I have no idea why RUclips thought I’d like it here, but oh my did I love the entire video, while learning a thing or two about about seam rippers. Thank you and keep up the amazing work!
I may not sew but I use seam rippers to open wire looms on automobiles. I learned very quickly that the ball end guides the blade so it wont loop under a wire or just stab through the loom. This really is a versatile tool.
WOW! The comments are very enlightening! I guess I am the very odd woman out! I knew how to use a seam ripper! It had to have been my grandmother that taught me when I took an interest in quilting! She was the best! ❤ Oh, I’m 60!
That's wonderful to hear that you were taught how to use a seam ripper by your grandmother! Being in the know thanks to her wisdom makes you not odd but rather lucky and skilled!
Seam rippers weren't used in south asia during my mums time. So i saw them on youtube, ordered online and proceeded to use them as incorrectly as it is possible to use them. to say my mind is blown away after watching this video is an understatement. I am so impressed by the video I want to needlessly seam rip something.
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Hey everybody!
I've noticed quite a few comments mentioning that some folks have been using their seam rippers 'wrong' after watching my tutorial. But here's the thing, it's not really about right or wrong. Seam rippers can be used in a variety of ways, and different methods suit different situations.
You weren't using it incorrectly before; I've just shown you another technique to add to your sewing toolkit. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal - this method might be perfect for some tasks, but not for others.
Curious about when to use this technique and when to stick with your usual method? I've got all the details laid out in a comprehensive tutorial on my site. Just head over to this link to get the full instructions - www.ageberry.com/why-does-your-seam-ripper-have-a-red-ball/
How very kind and humble you are!😘
Kind words from you but it seems that the rest of us have been using it upside down.😁
your English is painful to listen!
Yes, I have inadvertently cut so many pieces of fabric because I have been using it upside down… for decades! I have come to think that scissors are quicker because of that. Now I'll give it another go! Many thanks!
I can't believe I'm over 50 learning this. My mom could sew a ball gown too! Wow. ❤
After half a century on this planet, I've finally learnt how to use a seam ripper.
Heh heh...and me 3/4 of a century...and today learned a new tip and what the heck the bed ball was for. 🤣
Well, they say good things come to those who wait - half a century seems like a patient wait for seam ripper enlightenment! 😄 Congratulations on unlocking a new level in the game of life (and sewing). May your newfound skills lead to many beautifully unpicked seams in the years to come!
I’ve been doing this wrong the entire time. 😮😂
Wow, I had no idea I was using the seam ripper the wrong way. Thank you so much for the lesson.
@@SewingTutorialsByAgeberry this is just a seamstress' poetry! Love your comments, thanks! :-)
What?!?? What just happened?!? How have I been sewing for 35 years and NEVER KNEW THIS?!?!!! I practically cry every time I have to take out a seam because I literally cut one stitch at a time with the sharp end and it takes forever - I am still in shock by what I just watched. Mind blown. Life changed. Thank you SO MUCH!!
I had the same reaction! I'm 61 years old...this just proves one is never too old to learn new things.
lol I second. maybe not "One" at a time, but Close. : } Cheers!
Same here!
SAME!! The shock I had when she zipped through that first seam was visceral. I'm sorta stunned right now.
Ditto. Been stitching for donkey's years and have always painstakingly ripped the stitches one after another😲
After reading all the comments, I've decided that none of our teachers, growing up, knew how to use a seam ripper, either! I've ALWAYS led with the sharp point! I never knew you were supposed to use the ball end. I just figured that was so we don't poke ourselves and thought that didn't make sense. LOL Thank you for teaching me something important about a seam ripper! All these years, ripping has been MUCH harder than it needed to be!
exactly! I can't believe how much time I would of saved if I knew it earlier.
I learned to sew in 7th grade home economics class and we ripped our mistakes out one stitch at a time with the sharp point of the seam ripper per our teacher’s instructions. This was in 1968 and I took sewing classes every semester throughout junior and senior high and I am only now learning the proper way to use a seam ripper.
Genau so ging es mir auch, meine handarbeitslehrerin zeigte es uns auch falsch... es war furchtbar mühsam, die falschen Stiche wieder zu trennen...😢
Same here! This will make things MUCH easier!
OMG! Mein Nahttrenner hat keine rote Kugel! 😲Hat an beiden Enden eine Spitze! Wie mühsam das Trennen ohne diese Kugel ist! Das werde ich sofort ändern!👍Damke!
Thank you!!! 71 yrs of age and I have now learned the correct way to use the seam ripper. 😮😊
Same here!
Me too! 71 and just learned how to use the ripper! It needs to come with directions on the package!!!
@@sheridanclaude2133 I agree!
careful, you just implied you were using it wrong and i guess that's a wrong thing to say according to ageberry. xD
You had me at “hold on to your bobbin,” that was too cute 😂 Wow…. I’ve been sewing for decades, and you taught me a game changing technique! Just to think of the tons of hours I’ve dreaded and spent removing seams! Thank you for a useful technique that l will implement immediately.
I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the technique game-changing! Thank you for your lovely comment. Implement away and may your stitches fear your mighty seam ripper!
@@SewingTutorialsByAgeberry that's so funny! Now I know who is a Queen of the seam ripping, you are! So inspiring!
Right?! "Hold on to your bobbin..." is the phrase that made me hit Subscribe.
I thought she'd said "hold on to your bottom".
Same. 😂😂😂
my mind is absolutely blown!! they should have like a diagram on the back of the packaging showing this technique! game changing!!
Not only have I finally learned what the red ball is for I also learned the various sizes of seam rippers are for various fabrics! I’m 65.
they are? oh, wow!
I'm 78 and didn't know.
I'm also 65 and never knew what the red ball was for or there were different sizes!
Love from Nova Scotia, Canada
Same
😂😂😂😂, same here
😳83 years old now, and I have been sewing since I was 18.
I NEVER knew what the red ball was for.
This is mind-bending for me.
When I think of all the holes I have inadvertently made in fabrics because I used the sharp point underneath and the red ball above 🥹😭
Thank you. 🙏🏾
Internet is realy useful
Askies my dearest.you are not alone
Not related to the video but the way you use emoji is so cute. If you didn't mention you are 83, I probably would guess you are in your 20s 😁
Happy to hear you are still sewing, so important to keep doing the things we love ❤
My teacher, it seems did know how to use a seam ripper. In my day boys didn’t do sewing, we did woodwork. I was so badly behaved as a punishment I was put into the girls sewing class. Turns out I loved it! I have three boys, now men, and I taught them to sew as well. One joined the RAF and he said his sewing skills really help him when on deployment in Afghan’. Sewing is an important skill.
As a retired USAF member, I made the mistake of telling my wife she was doing the stripes and patches on my uniforms wrong. So for the rest of my career, I was the one doing all the sewing on my uniforms
What a delightful comment!
@@robertheinkel6225 As a retired USAF member, I'd like to shake your wife's hand 😂
@@robertheinkel6225 Oops! 😉😊
Went to HS in the 1990s. I enrolled in cooking and sewing partially because of the ratio... classroom of 25 students and I'm the only dude around a bunch of females?
16yo me: "Sign me up!"
Until this video I never understood why they called it a seam "ripper". I always thought it was just an ambitious or wishful sort of over-exaggeration of what the tool does.
Today, the name of the tool finally makes so much sense!
Absolutely!!
That's what I thought too!!
But it does rip the other way röund too tho
In New Zealand we call it a “quick-unpick” and I’ve only ever used it to unpick individual stitches. Very rarely do I rip full seams.
In Australia we call it a quick-unpick. I always thought that was stupid because it wasn't quick at all! 😅
Your sense of humor is a delightful addition to your already educational videos and articles, a tribute to Rudolph’s nose made me chuckle.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Laughter and learning make a great pair, and I'm glad it brought a chuckle to your day.
OH MY WORD! I have been sewing since I was about 11-12 and I never knew that! Neither my home ec teacher or my grandmother who sewed and did alterations for people ever told me. I have been using it upside down for 60 years and taking forever because of often having to do one stitch at a time! 👵🏻 Always thought it was there to keep you from accidentally poking yourself while using the seam ripper. 😆 Thank you for sharing that very important tidbit of information. 👍👏😊
I think no matter how long we've been doing something, there's always room for new tricks and techniques. Thank you for watching and for your enthusiastic response!
Ditto!
Oh, my!! I thought it was for protection, too!😂
I was definitely taught to use the ripper incorrectly! Home Economics teacher didn’t know her ripper, lol.
74 years here and I also have been using it wrong! When I think about all the hours I spent seam ripping… I guess it’s true… never to old to learn! 😳. 😂
The way I GASPED and nearly dropped my phone when you just GLIDED through those seams like butter. GIRL WHAT?!
YOU'RE TELLING ME I COULD HAVE SAVED MYSELF hours SEAM RIPPING SEWING MISTAKES BY FLIPPING MY SEAM RIPPER!!!
I'm sorry, my bobbins have been lost. My mind is in Boggles. XD
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I will now share your video to my socials so the few followers I have😂 can too learn this wizardry.
Sometimes it works, and the more you use the seam ripper, the better at it you become. This only shows I used the tool a lot!
Hmm, I've been using it upside down. Thank you.
Hey, if using it upside down worked for you, then it was also good! There's no one right way to use a tool if you're getting the results you want. But I'm glad you found the video helpful and that you've got a new technique to try out now. Thanks for watching and commenting!
OMG I been using it wrong as well cause the way she doing it go through like a knife lol thank u ma'am for the video I learn new things everyday have a blessed day
Me too! And I did individual stitches, not one long rip!
Omg me too, my mother never taught me anything
You're welcome! It's great to hear you've picked up a new trick that might make your sewing easier. Don't worry about how you were using it before; it wasn’t wrong, it was just another way of using it. Learning new things every day keeps our skills sharp - just like a good seam ripper! @@sheterancehampton7545
OMG! I have been sewing since I was 13 (I am 64 now) and I never knew that this is how to use the seam ripper. I would just carefully pick the stitches by ones and twos. When I think of the hours I could have saved myself hahahaha! I so appreciate this video. Just showed my daughter who is 30 and has been sewing as well since she was a little girl. We are so AMAZED! BTW you are very funny :)
I’ve been doing it all WRONG for decades. I was using my seam ripper all WRONG! Thank you for showing me the correct way to use this valuable tool. 💜💜💜
I've been sewing since 1972. And I always ripped the seam from the back and it never worked that fast. Plus I held it upside down. I need to put a note by my seam ripper to remind me to do it right next time.
@@julienielsen3746 Ha! You’re close in age to me, I think. I forget to make notes and lists, because I’m busy having fun. I even tell myself (all the time) “You’re going to forget that.” I recently heard you can say anything once you’re 70. I’ve expanded that to dawdling when I like, or being in someone’s way just because I’m old. 💜💜💜 I think I began sewing about 1962 or 1965. Good memories.
I see the RUclips algorithm has suggested a category I have never once searched. But this video has peaked my interest in knowing what the little red ball was for. Even though I don’t sew or anything related to it. Very informative video and I hope this channel continues to grow and educate more people 👍🏽
OMGoodness! I have been sewing for many, many years and just realized I have been using my seam rippers wrongly. Either I did not pay attention as a child learning from my mother...or I forgot. Thank you so much for this video!
Me too!
Well, you weren't using your seam ripper wrongly - it's just that there's more than one way to use it. Sometimes we pick up a method and stick with it for years without realizing there are alternatives. Thank you for watching the video, and I'm so glad you found it valuable.
@@SewingTutorialsByAgeberry I will be back later tonight to have a look at your channel. Greetings from a Swiss living in Spain!
“not just a tribute to Rudolf” 😂👏👏 Informative AND funny!💐 Greetings from Africa 👋 I have subscribed 🤗
Me too! LOL
I don't even know what a seam ripper is. I'm not sure why this was recommended to me, but I'm glad it was.
I read some of the comments and after decades of sewing I was doing it different. I used to go on the inside and on one side of the seam cut a stitch every inch or so and then on the other side you pull one long thread out and only have pieces on one side. Thank you for showing us this way.
Your method is indeed a valid traditional way to use a seam ripper, and it's great that you've shared it here. The method shown in the video is just another option to consider, which some may find speeds up the process or suits their style better. I appreciate you taking the time to describe your approach. Thank you for watching the video, and I hope you might find this new for you method useful in some situations.
Smart thinking!
I legit always thought you use it with the red ball up … this is a game changer
I have never seen a seam ripper use that way. I have been using it wrong all these years. This will save me so much time. Thank you so much.
Omg, thank you - novice sewist here (less than 5 years experience) and I think you just saved me months if not years' worth of time in the future.
I think we all learned something new. 67 years old and been sewing since I was 5. You just taught this old dog a new trick. Thanks so much. New sub.
I'm 76 and I had no idea about the red ball. This will be a game changer. Thank you for sharing this most important fact. Best wishes from Australia.
Never too old to learn something new. Or find out I've been doing it wrong for decades😊.
You're definitely not alone in that boat! It's all about lifelong learning, and sometimes that means discovering a new way of doing things - even if it's been decades. But hey, it's not wrong if it worked for you, it's just another way.
I don’t even sew but I found the seam ripping immensely satisfying, especially the denim. I actually may find this information useful in the future since I could imagine needing to rip a seam some day. Also, regardless of the field it’s great when using the right tool for the job makes it so much easier.
It's true, having the right tool for the job can make all the difference and turn a frustrating task into a manageable one. I'm glad you found the video enjoyable and potentially useful.
You really opened my eyes up to how I could have been using this seam ripper the last 50 years. I'm embarrassed to say I had no idea. Thank you for this valuable information. ❤😊
Now I want to take some old clothes & practice ripping seams. I'm almost 71 & have been sewing since I was 5 & never knew this!
I never knew that this is how we're supposed to use a seam ripper. Live and Learn.
A man here who does a bit of sewing occasionally to repair clothes (usually holes worn in shorts pockets or wear and tear rips) and make webbing straps etc for various outdoors gear, and like others here had no idea how this thing was intelligently designed to be used, or even what it was called, despite doing it for the last forty five years. I've typically used it to pick away with that sharp point and when I have seam ripped I've lead with the sharp point as well, with frustration. In dim memory I can recall using it correctly so must have been taught but forgotten. Much appreciated reminder on this handy little tool.
It's great to hear from a fellow sewing enthusiast, no matter how occasional the sewing may be! Thank you for sharing your story! It's always inspiring to hear how others integrate sewing into their lives, whether it's for mending clothes or crafting outdoor gear. Your tale adds to the rich tapestry of sewing experiences out there.
I just add to the concert of OMG I’ve been sewing for 40 years and didn’t know that! As a compulsive recycler of old cloths that is life changing!
Thank you for the advice and for being such a sweetheart in the comments!
You're so welcome! It's always a pleasure to help out and share some friendly banter in the comments.
Great video and you made me laugh out loud with the unicorn and Rudolph reference.
Well, it's always a bonus when we can share a chuckle along with some sewing tips. Thanks for your comment!
My jaw was on the floor watching this. Thank you for teaching us the best way to use a seam ripper!
While I'm sorry you tore your fabric, I'm glad you included it in the video. Makes me feel a little better about the times I've done that myself! It always seems to happen on the fabric that I *really* don't want to tear...
I'm glad sharing that moment made you feel better! Even those of us who sew regularly can slip up and tear our fabric, especially when it's the one we love the most-it's like the fabric knows! It's all part of the sewing journey, and I guess each mishap is a chance to learn and grow. Thanks for watching, and keep on sewing, tears and all! 😊
THANK YOU! I knew this, but it is far too rare that someone passes on this little golden nugget of wisdom.
I had no idea I was using it wrong. 😂 Great video, thank you!
Oh, you weren't using it wrong at all! 😄 The wonderful thing about sewing is that there are often many methods to achieve the same result. The traditional way of using a seam ripper is absolutely fine, but it's always fun to learn different techniques and see which one you prefer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and thank you for your comment.
Me too! Using it upside down since 1972 in home economics class! Lol
Me too.
I know nothing about sewing, but I came to watch because I'm fascinated by the whole science of sewing, sewing machines, and textile making etc. Is like geometry, topology and physics all in one grab! Vastly under-appreciated arts. Thank you.
OMG I've been using my seam ripper wrong my whole freaking life. Love this tip and your personality. You had me at rrrrrrrrip ❤
I am thrilled to realize I wasn’t the only person who has been sewing for decades, and didn’t realize that red ball was actually a critical part of the tool! Next time I both something and need to re sew, you can bet I’m going to remember this! Thanks!
Today I learned that I was using a seam ripper wrong and inefficiently. Thank you so much for this video! I came out learning more than one thing today!
And you just taught me that I should be saying "used wrongly," not "used wrong." Because, after all, it is modifying a verb, so should be an adverb. You showed me by negative example, following "wrong" with the adverb "Inefficiently." Please don't be embarrassed! I'm grateful!
Thanks for including the caveat about the potential of tearing lighter weight fabrics! 😊 I came across this info years ago (probably a 5-minute hack video making its way around Facebook) which failed to mention that part and I learned the hard way by tearing a massive gash in some satin lining. A simple seam correction turned into a full redo of that lining piece, ugh. 🤦♀️ Hopefully your warning will save others from my pain! Slow and gentle, friends!
Oh no, ! I'm sorry to hear about the mishap. I'm glad you appreciate the warning. It's definitely important to share not just the shortcuts, but also the potential pitfalls to watch out for. Your experience is a valuable lesson for all of us: slow and gentle does it, especially with those delicate fabrics. Thank you for sharing your story!
I knew about this, but I'm always afraid of ripping the fabric so I go slow. I didn't realize there were different sizes available.
When you are working with fabric that you don't want to damage, taking it slow and steady with the seam ripper is a good approach. But if I want to speed up the process when I’m working on deconstructing a garment for upcycling, being super precise with the seam ripper isn't always as important and a tiny snip here or there won't upset me. And yes, seam rippers do come in different sizes to suit various types of projects and fabrics. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@janemartin229:
My teacher taught us to use scissors when taking apart seams! Then you have control. You cut the tread stitch by stich, or several stitches, depending on how tight it is.
Ill be 100 with you, i clicked on this video by accident and have learned a lot more than i expected considering i dont know anything about sewing or fabric work. Now i know what a seam ripper is, what that funny ball is for, and the proper usage of them.
😲😲😲 I've been using this tool the wrong way for more then 30 years.... I'm a hobbyist so I use not often. I just clicked on the video you tube suggested and learned a lesson... thank you....
Isn't it amazing what you can stumble upon in the big classroom of RUclips? 😲 I'm glad the video served up a handy lesson for you. Thank you for watching and commenting!
You've probably heard and read this many times before, yet I want to share my thought that you seem like a genuinely sweet and kind person. :)
Oh my goodness, I am in my 60s and have been using my seem ripper wrong my whole life, I cannot believe how easy it is to do it the correct way you show, instead of a couple of stitches at a time and snagging the fabric. Thank you so much.
So I've never seam ripped before lol I've only seam picked and gotten bored. You've saved my sewing life I'll be getting so much done
As a kid, I used my mom's seam ripper as an olive fork.
That's quite the resourceful childhood ingenuity! While your mom's seam ripper may not have been thrilled to be used as an olive fork, it sounds like it served a dual purpose in your household. Thanks for sharing that delightful snippet - it's always fun to hear the unexpected ways tools can be repurposed, intentionally or not. 😂
😂❤
Comment of the day... bravo!
I always used it with the red ball on top, this is so helpful!
Ok, after scrolling through the comments, I have discovered that basically NONE of us were taught about the function of The Red Ball.
HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??🤷🏻♀️
At least we can now pass this vital information on to future generations.👍🏻❤😁
Thank you SO much.
Actually.... All of us who are commenting here have one common factor which has led to the "wrong" usage of the seam ripper. It has never occured to any of us to ponder or ask somebody or google "why" there is a red ball on the other side. We just took it for granted that this is how the tool has been designed... period. 🤷🤦
Holy moly, I’ve been using a seam ripper with the red ball up instead of down! That’s what I was taught in home economics in 7th grade. My mind is seriously blown. 🤯
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this,I didn't what it was for and now I can't wait to get ripping seams.
You're very welcome! Enjoy your seam-ripping adventures!
WOW! No idea why your video showed up on my stream but I am so glad it did. I had no idea how to use a seam ripper. Thank you.
Oh my gosh, so many years i used it wrong. Thank you for teaching. Greetings from Germany
Guten Tag! I'm so happy to hear that the video was helpful to you. You weren't using your seam ripper wrong before - it was just another way to use it. Now you've got another method to try out. Thank you for your kind words, and greetings from Florida to you in Germany!
I opened the comments to say that I discovered I've been using my seam ripper upside down, and boy am I relieved to see I'm not alone!
My defense is that I'm learning as I go, since I never had anyone in-person to learn from. The first time I had to pull out a seam I just went "well, we've got a pointy bit and a hook-y bit, so, uh, I guess you just catch the stitches one at a time and pull them back out the way they went in" and never thought to question it... this new knowledge means much less time wasted in the future, thank you :>
Oh my goodness I didn't know that 😅😅😅 see you learn something new everyday
I'm so glad you discovered something new! 😄 It's true, there's always more to learn, especially in the vast world of sewing. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Wow I was doing it the hard way before! 🤯 This seems a much smoother way than my one-stich-at-a-time approach. Thank you
I too have been using it wrong ! Thank you so much for your explanation and tips.
You're very welcome! I'm glad the explanation and tips were helpful. There's no wrong way if it's been working for you, but it's always nice to learn different methods that might make sewing tasks a bit easier. Thanks for your comment!
I've been using the seam ripper wrong my entire life. Thank you so much
Thank you for teaching this experienced sewer something new
You're very welcome! It's always a pleasure to share tips that can be new to sewers of any experience level. I'm glad you found something valuable in the content. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Well after reading some comments I'm so glad I'm not the only one that has been using a seam ripper wrong for all these years. Thank you for showing me the right way.
In quilting we call it a stitch picker just so we won't be tempted to try the fast way which can too easily slice right into the fabric
It's always interesting to hear how different terms and techniques are used in various sewing circles. Thanks for sharing that tidbit from the quilting world! There's more than one way to use a seam ripper, and using it as a 'stitch picker' to remove stitches one at a time is perfectly right, especially in quilting where you want to avoid damaging your work. It's all about finding the method that feels safest and most effective for you. Whether you call it a seam ripper, stitch picker, or any other name, the goal is always to take out those stitches cleanly and keep your fabric intact.
As a self-taught sewist, I have just now discovered seam ripping is supposed to be able to be done in one smooth motion. I've always had to take it stitch by stitch, and it took forever! Thank you for teaching me how to use a seam ripper properly!
WHAT?!? I had no idea!! Thank you. 😊
You're welcome! I'm so glad I could share something new with you. It's always exciting to learn a little tidbit that can make a difference in how we do things. Enjoy putting this newfound knowledge to use!
I don't sew, I don't know why this video came up in my feed, but I now feel edified that I have learned about the arcane art of seam ripping. Thank you from Weimar, Germany.
I thought it was just meant to look like a drop of blood because they know I'm going to stab myself with it accidentally every time.
Haha, that's a humorous take on the design! Seam rippers do have a sharp point, and accidental pokes happen sometimes. Use it with care, and hopefully, those accidental stabs will be few and far between. 🧵😄✂️
The comments on this video help explain why a couple of people I know mentioned how much they dislike using a seam ripper and thought it was so tedious & inefficient to use. I’ve always found it soooo satisfying and was baffled about how they could feel so opposite from me. It never occurred to me that they weren’t using it correctly! Amazing how such a small tool has had such a big impact on people.
That is true for other things too. Like some people might a particular food because they've only ever had cooked one specific way.
Well for heavens sake. Guess you can teach an old lady a new trick. Thank you.
Absolutely, you're never too old to learn something new, and I'm thrilled to have shared a trick that was new to you. Thank you for being open to learning and for your lovely comment.
Jeez... I'm 62 years old and I have just learned that I have used this tool upside down all my life! I thought the pointy end got between the stitches more easily. Dang, the things we don't know!
Thank you!
I'm 71, and don't do much sewing other than hemming pants and making small repairs. This vid popped up in my suggestions several days ago and I thought "I know the ball is to protect the fabric; I don't need to watch."
I'm glad I did! I too have always picked the threads out one at a time, poking the sharp end into the seam.
Thanks from Southern California.
😂😂😂😂o God most of us here were using this tool the wrong way accept you my dear 😅thank you so very much for showing us the right way to use the ripper... God bless ❤❤❤❤
I'm absolutely mindblown that I've never seen a seam ripper used in this manner. Holy cow! Very excited to know this technique for the rest of my life
Well, enjoy the mindblowing magic of your seam ripper, and happy sewing for all the days to come! Thank you for watching and commenting!
Omg...crazy how many of us out there did not know this...wow!! Me too!..lol. thsnk u so mych fir enlightening us...u make it look so easy😁❤
Oh my goodness, how l wish my dear mum was still alive to see your video (I’m 64) l grew up watching my mother sew, she made all our clothes, bridesmaids dresses, her own wedding dress, so much sewing! I too sew, but have always used the seam ripper as my mother did, the other way up and used to unpick single stitches one at a time! Who knew.. my mind is blown! 🤩🤩 Thank you.
I'm 42 and I just realized I've been using seam rippers UPSIDE DOWN my whole life! Thank you for showing this.
Oh My Goodness!!!!! I have been using this tool upside down for literally 50 years!!!!!!! One stitch at a time….admiring the “tribute to Rudolph’s nose”!!!😂😂😂 Great video! Thnx!❤
Oh wow! It's amazing how a simple tip can change everything, right? I'm glad the video helped you discover this after all these years. That little red ball really does look like it belongs on Santa's sleigh team! 😂 Thanks for watching and for your lovely comment!
Drat! I’m 76 and never knew that about seam rippers!!!
Would have saved me time, and grief!!! Thank you❣️
Lovely woman, you made me realize I've been using seam rippers upside down the whole time!! I'm still in college so I've only been sewing for 5 or so years, you just saved me from a lifetime of using seamrippers wrong haha 🤭I suspected that the red ball was to avoid ripping the fabric, but always assumed it was bad at its job when ripping quickly, thank you!!
I can't believe it never occurred to me to use a seam ripper this way in my 60+ years of sewing. Now I understand how it got its name! Thank you for sharing this!
I know, right? It's one of those forehead-slapping moments where everything just clicks into place! Thank you for your comment!
This is hands down the 2nd most useful video in the whole of YT (only beaten by the “how to fold fitted bedsheets).
Thank you so much! I once told my husband that every time he sees me using the seam ripper, he could just assume that I was very irritable and/or a the verge of a meltdown.
I'm honored to have my video ranked so highly in your RUclips hall of fame. It's great to hear that it's been so useful for you. Hopefully, with these newfound tips, the seam ripper will be less of a meltdown marker. Tell your husband to keep an eye out for a new, more zen-like seam ripping experience. Thanks for watching and for sharing your story.
Wow... No kidding, I too, have been using seam rippers in the less efficient way! Glad I checked this video out! Been sewing since I was 13 & now I'm 69 -learning new tricks everyday!
MY MIND IS BLOWN. 35 years sewing and NEVER knew… THANK YOU!
I don't know why I'm watching sewing tutorials at nearly 1 in the morning, but thank you for making this video. It was very informative and I enjoyed watching it.
My grandmother has been sewing bags for over 15 years, and whenever I asked her what these were she neither knew the name of the tool, nor what the red ball was for. She always used these to clean small, hard to reach places on her sewing machine lol. I can share this info now with her, thank you.
63 years old and I never knew this! ?,.,! I am in shock. That’s why I always watch basic videos. Everyone out there has something to add. THANK YOU.
It's true, basic videos can be goldmines of information, and I'm just as thankful for viewers like you who appreciate the content and take the time to watch. Thank you for your enthusiastic comment!
Just realized no one knew how to use the seam ripper except you!!! Thanks!!!! Can't wait to go home and try it the right way!
Haha, I appreciate the enthusiasm! I can't quite remember how I learned this method of using a seam ripper - it's lost in the fabric of time. But one thing's for sure, I certainly can't claim to have invented it.
I've been using a seem ripper wrong all these years.
I thought the red ball stayed on top and long 'anvil' went down into the seem.
Basically, I've been using it upside down. Thank you so much. This changes everything.
Thank-you SO much for this video! I have dreaded ripping out seams
for 50 years and now know why. I have been holding the ripper upside down!
Thank you! I have been sewing for 15 years and I finally understand the seam ripper better thanks to you!
I love it when older people make RUclips videos, it's like learning from my grandparents (which are all now long gone).
U just blew my mind !!! I have used it the wrong way for more than 40yrs !!! How has this never been taught to me before ???💗🙏
I have no idea why RUclips thought I’d like it here, but oh my did I love the entire video, while learning a thing or two about about seam rippers. Thank you and keep up the amazing work!
DANG! Ive been sewing for decades and never knew this! Why don't these little tools come with instructions?? Thanks for showing us this!😊😊😊
I may not sew but I use seam rippers to open wire looms on automobiles. I learned very quickly that the ball end guides the blade so it wont loop under a wire or just stab through the loom. This really is a versatile tool.
You have to be kidding me! How in the world did I just know how to use a seam ripper? It's never too late to learn. Thank you so much!❤
WOW! The comments are very enlightening! I guess I am the very odd woman out! I knew how to use a seam ripper! It had to have been my grandmother that taught me when I took an interest in quilting! She was the best! ❤ Oh, I’m 60!
That's wonderful to hear that you were taught how to use a seam ripper by your grandmother! Being in the know thanks to her wisdom makes you not odd but rather lucky and skilled!
Seam rippers weren't used in south asia during my mums time. So i saw them on youtube, ordered online and proceeded to use them as incorrectly as it is possible to use them. to say my mind is blown away after watching this video is an understatement. I am so impressed by the video I want to needlessly seam rip something.