Seam rippers are versatile tools that are indispensable for seamstresses and anyone who has crafting as a hobby. With this tool, you can remove stitches, cut threads, open seams, and open buttonholes as well. Because sometimes un-sewing something is just as important as stitching, it’s important to have a tool that does the job right and with precision.
To find the best seam ripper on the market, you need to look at some basic features as well as type of tool you need for your particular type of project. Whether you are doing a lot of embroidery or quilting or are simply looking for a seam ripper to help you with your sewing projects, you need to look at several features that we included in our review, such as the number of pieces, type of seam ripper, dimensions, the existence of a safety cap, and much more.
We spent days looking at the best seam rippers on the market, looking at reviews from professionals destined them as well as reviews from regular consumers who used them at home. As such, we came up with a list of 8 best seam rippers on the market with the Galaxy Notions Electric Seam Ripper as our Editor’s Choice, which you can find in the comparison table below. Moreover, you can check out our in-detail reviews of each of them and consult the buying guide at the end for all the information you need to make a good choice when shopping for a seam ripper. Now let’s have a look at the best eight seam rippers on the market.
Extra features: battery-operated; adjustable blade; 1-year warranty
Our editor’s choice is the Galaxy Notions Electric Seam Ripper, a smart tool that is battery operated and is designed with the serious crafter or quilter in mind. What we like most about this seam ripper is the fact that it is compact enough for easy handling and storage and feels sturdy in your hand at the same time. Many of the users who tested the Galaxy seam ripper were impressed with how durable and sharp adjustable blade is and with the level of cutting performance they were able to achieve. Thanks to the precision steel blade included with the ripper, you can get amazing cutting accuracy, which is difficult to find even in the most well reviewed competitors.
Users who reviewed this product rave about how easy it is to perform “unquilting” with this tool. This means that you no longer need to spend hours repairing a mistake you made, because you can easily do it with this electric tool. The Galaxy Notions Electric Seam Ripper goes down the seam between each of the fabric layers to remove every stitch effortlessly without cutting into the fabric. The fact that it is battery-operated makes this tool even easier to use no matter your skill level.
Extra features: bundle includes detail scissors, thread snips, and thimble; rubberized comfort grip handles
Suitable for sewing enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Singer Detail Scissors, Thread Snips, and Seam Ripper Bundle has everything you need to repair any mistakes you may have made on your crafting without rubbing or pinching. The small pair of shears included feature a NANO Tip point that makes it an excellent choice for detail work such as embroidery, while its rubberized handles provide comfortable grip so you can use it without your fingers getting tired.
The handheld seam ripper included in this bundle also has a comfortable grip that makes it very easy to pick threads, remove buttons and snaps, and open stitched buttonholes. The bundle also includes additional tools such as the Singer ProSeries Thread Snips and a thimble.
Most of the users tried this bundle like that this set is small enough for travelling, which means that you can take your projects with you or use the set in sewing classes. They also mentioned that the handles of all the tools included in the Singer bundle are comfortable and that they were able to use them for extended periods of time without causing any pain for their fingers. This is one of the best bundles out there for those who are interested in multiple tools for ripping seams that don’t come with a high price tag.
Extra features: adjustable and removable 3x magnifier; LED light; slip-resistant rubber grips
A magnifier can come in very handy when quilting or dealing with embroidery stitching, but most crafters find it troublesome to actually use one because of the extra hassle. This is where the Dritz 947 Magnified LED Seam Ripper comes to the rescue. Featuring a built-in magnifier with 3x magnification that is both adjustable and removable, this seam ripper makes it very easy to see what you’re actually doing when removing stitches.
The white LED light is bright, according to the reviews of numerous users, and it offers you hours of use. The Dritz 947 Magnified LED Seam Ripper comes with three alkaline button cell batteries so you can have enough replacements to keep you going for a while. Many of the users who tested this seam ripper came to the conclusion that the tool is very comfortable to use, making it easy to remove just about any type of stitching in no time.
The Dritz 947 Magnified LED Seam Ripper has a soft and slip resistant handle that makes it simple to maneuver the tool even for prolonged periods of time. Moreover, the sharp blade can tackle all kinds of stitching and comes with a protective cover for extra safety.
Extra features: curved design; surgical steel
Those crafters who are interested in getting both a seam ripper and seam cutters all in one package should look no further than the Ultima 5.5″ Razor Sharp Surgical Seam Rippers, which can cut through multiple stitches at once. According to many of the users who tested these tools, they are much gentler on the fabric than other types of conventional seam rippers, as the razor-sharp curve glides through any kind of stitching. While the blades are not replaceable, many users mention that they last a long time.
Users also raved about how easy it is to remove embroidery stitching with these seam rippers, especially when it comes to more delicate fabrics such as satin or silk. It is of course, essential to pay attention when unstitching because the very sharp blades may cut into the material.
The Ultima 5.5″ Razor Sharp Surgical Seam Rippers are a very good choice for embroidery because of the level of precision they provide. Many crafters mention that they work faster than traditional rippers because of the more natural movement.
Extra features: made from hardened steel; ergonomic design with softened finger grips
The ergonomic handle of the Dritz 5111 Seam Ripper makes it an ideal tool for those who need a seam ripper they can use for prolonged periods of time without using fatigue to the fingers. According to many of the reviewers who tested it, this seam ripper fits well in the hand, and you can choose from various sizes to suit your hands. The tip cuts well through various types of thread, and the tool comes with a cover to protect the tip when not in use. Besides crafting projects such as quilting and embroidery, this tool is also an excellent choice for those who want to remove unwanted tags from clothing as well as for those who want a tool to remove hair from the vacuum cleaner brush.
A versatile tool to have in the household, the Dritz 5111 Seam Ripper can isolate individual threads and cut them quickly. Most of the testers mentioned that the tool does not affect any of the stitching that needs to remain intact nor the fabric itself.
Extra features: easy-to-hold design88
A seam ripper that does an excellent job at handling buttonholes according to most of the users who tested it for this purpose, the Clover 463 Seam Ripper is made in Japan and also works for a variety of other purposes, such as getting rid of tags sewn into collars and much more. The product sports an easy-to-hold design and features a protection cap to store it safely when not in use.
With this seam ripper, you can cut even the smallest of stitches and it works so well on buttonholes because it can fit into tight seams. Even though some users mentioned that the handle is too small to remain comfortable for prolonged use, it is still an excellent choice for projects that require handling smaller pieces of fabric and delicate stitching. Users like that the blade of this seam ripper is sharp and even though the handle looks like it is made of wood, it is actually made from solid plastic that retains its look for years to come. Many users raved about the very fine tip that goes extremely well beneath tight stitches for precise results.
Extra features: comes with mini scissors
Our budget choice is the KINGMAS Colorful Seam Ripper which includes a total of eight seam rippers, four large and four small, together with a pair of scissors which means that you have a tool for just about any type of unstitching. The scissors and the seam rippers all come with clear plastic caps for extra safety and storage, and you can also use them as an extension handle for those small tools.
Each of the seam rippers in the package comes with a red round mini ball to protect your fabric while you remove the stitches. These tools are also an excellent choice for those who want to be able to open buttonholes easily and neatly.
Many of the users who tested and reviewed the KINGMAS Colorful Seam Ripper like that they are just as sharp as many other tools with a higher price tag and the fact that they come as a set means that you don’t have to worry about misplacing your seam ripper. Some of the reviewers mentioned that the small scissors are not cutting quite as they should, but overall the set is an excellent choice for any type of sewing project, including embroidery and quilting.
Extra features: polished and lacquered brass
A very classic type of seam ripper, the Nifty Notions Brass Seam Ripper is a no-nonsense tool that works well for all types of sewing and quilting and helps you obtain excellent results even if you haven’t used this type of tool before. Coming well packaged, this seam ripper is made from lacquered brass that makes it easily distinguishable among your crafting tools. When the cap is placed on the bottom end, the seam ripper measures 5 inches and many of the users that they did mention that the cap slides onto the bottom of the tool where it remains put. This means that fits comfortably into the palm of the user’s hand.
Users rave about how easy it is to rip stitches without causing any kind of damage to the fabric and many of them mentioned that this type of tool does a much better job than its plastic counterparts not only because it is more durable but also because it provides users with a better grip. Reviewers also mentioned that the seam ripper is very sharp and as such can tackle most types of stitches.
Seam rippers are essential tools for every sewer to have in their toolbox and their main use is the reverse something that you have already sewn, to correct mistakes. However, they have multiple other uses such as removing unwanted tags from various pieces of clothing. Because there are multiple types of seam rippers available on the market, it’s important to pay attention to their most important features in order to be able to choose the best one for your sewing needs. Below you will find everything there is to know about buying the best seam ripper so you can make an informed choice.
As with any other type of tools used for embroidery or other kinds of sewing projects, it’s important to look at the quality of the seam ripper because, as you would expect, not all tools are born equal. A quality seam ripper will have a sharp blade and an ergonomic handle that will allow you to use it comfortably even for extended periods of time. Quality seam rippers also come with protection caps for extra safety and storage, and some of them may even work on batteries so you can complete your work fast.
Some of the most important features to consider when choosing the best seam ripper for your crafting toolbox include the type of seam ripper, the number of pieces in the set, the type and level of comfort provided by the handle as well as the existence of a safety cap and ball.
The main types of seam rippers are the curved blade and the forked head, with the second one being the most popular choice among crafters. The curved blade, such as can be found in the Ultima Seam Rippers often resembles a surgical seam ripper and has an incredibly sharp, exposed blade that can cut through quickly and efficiently.
The forked head design is a more popular choice because it allows users to have more control over the process while providing extra protection for the fabric.
The number of pieces included with a seam ripper varies from one manufacturer and model to another. You can buy a seam ripper on its own or go for a set that comes with multiple variations and dimensions such as our budget pick, the KINGMAS Colorful Seam Ripper. Some seam rippers also come with various other accessories such as sewing scissors, as in the case of the Singer seam ripper bundle or batteries in the case of electric models.
Most of the seam rippers available on the market come with a safety cap, which is especially important for those who have children around their work area.
Safety caps can sometimes double as handle extensions and they offer good protection for other tools in your set when not in use.
The dimensions of a seam ripper are important because they determine the level of comfort you get when using them for longer periods of time. Make sure you choose a tool that sits well in the palm of your hand for increased comfort.
An ergonomic handle is a must have for a seam ripper, particularly if you find yourself using it very often. Ergonomic handles such as those provided by the Dritz 5111 seam ripper are also a good option for those who have hand-related issues such as arthritis.
The way you use your seam ripper depends on your type of project, but as a rule of thumb, you need to insert it under the stitching you want to remove and cut it. Once the seam has been undone, you can remove it easily and resew as needed!
No matter the reason for which you may need a seam ripper, it is important to consider the quality and features you require before making a purchase. Our best all-around seam ripper, the Galaxy Notions Electric Seam Ripper is an excellent choice for those who want to take the effort out of unstitching and do the job with an electric tool. Those who are looking for a bundle that also includes scissors and thread snips may find the Singer Detail Scissors, Thread Snips, and Seam Ripper Bundle a very good proposition for their needs. Finally, if you’re looking for a metallic, traditional seam ripper, the Nifty Notions Brass Seam Ripper surely fits the bill. Regardless of the model you decide to go for, make sure it can handle the type of fabric and stitching you intend to use it for.
