The Seam Fix

BeStitched has found a wonderful tool for ripping out--the Seam Fix.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ13cChpMZH/

Looks like they come in two sizes and assorted colors.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/seam-fix

Shop around, as prices vary.

https://www.joann.com/p/dritz-seam-fix-tool-seam-ripper-awl-stiletto/17695941.html

https://www.handicraft.com/products/665

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ripping Beads Help

Betsy at Fireside Stitchery has fully beaded an area on her canvas and decided the bead color was wrong, so she's ripping out the beads.  Betsy got some interesting tips for ripping beads in the comments:  Cynthia Thomas puts cling wrap on the front area where the beads are, turns the canvas over, and cuts the beading thread from the back side.  Leslie puts masking tape on the front area where the beads will come out, then cuts from the back.  The tape captures the beads.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10232557257145389&set=gm.9343400975736977&idorvanity=108537025890131

Clever ideas, folks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Merry L's Seam-Fix

Thanks to BeStitched, I learned Merry L has a new tool called the Seam-Fix.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/scissors-japanese-pen-style-with-flower-beads?inf_contact_key=053d4c85dcec1acf76a5c968a47ea2ac

It comes in two sizes with a silicon "eraser" tip on the cover that conceals a ripping tool.  Rip out a mistake with the ripper, then put the tip back on and use the silicon top to pick up the fuzzies left behind.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/blogs/bestitched/needlepoint-hack-by-lauren-kessler

Your local shop can order one for you if they don't have them in stock.  Shop around if you order online as prices vary slightly.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 10, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Unstitcher: A Ripping Tool

KC Needlepoint is selling a new tool called The Unstitcher.  

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/introducing-the-unstitcher?_pos=2&_sid=944c95b7f&_ss=r&omnisendContactID=65edaf5fa958c70f5bc79ac7&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Unstitcher+%2866ab7c3b4df1fb59331d0dd5%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

The Unstitcher is a tapestry needle set in an easy-to-hold plastic handle.  It has a cap to cover the point for storage.  KC Needlepoint's website says the tool is two and a half inches long.  You snip that first stitch in a row you want to remove, then use The Unstitcher's tip to gently undo each stitch.  This minimizes the chance of cutting the underlying needlepoint canvas as you rip.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/the-un-stitcher?_pos=1&_sid=564cf2108&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 30, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NexCare Gentle Paper Tape

The latest e-newsletter from Diversions Needlepoint in Denver has a fun tip--use NexCare Gentle Paper Tape after you rip out threads to remove those pesky little leftover fibers.  Do shop around to find this.  It might even be in your local drugstore.

https://www.vitalitymedical.com/3m-530p2-nexcare-micropore-paper-tape-2-inch-x-10-yards.html

Thanks, Diversions!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 3, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Peggy's Stitch Eraser UPDATED

Ann on NP Nation highly recommends Peggy's Stitch Eraser for ripping out basketweave.

https://www.peggysstitcheraser.com/#parentHorizontalTab1

These are NOT cheap but if you have a huge project to rip out, it might be worth the investment.  These come in both wireless and corded versions and the cutting heads appear to come in various sizes.  Note that you are supposed to work on the back side and it appears to be easy to cut your canvas as well as the threads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkITr_Thw3o

UPDATE:  Cassandra uses the Stitch Eraser and has some tips if you are interested.  She says, "it’s great ! When you have a large area to rip out as you know will pull the canvas . The Peggy's stitch eraser will not pull ,you don’t get distortion ,it quick.. the careful , keep to the back of the canvas for sure . The lady who introduced me to this used a mushroom shape used for darning to gently work the canvas . All in all a great item .I would test different threads first . just a bit of attention practice on old canvas to get a feel , be careful of thick weighted threads , waxed , Metallics ."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 19, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

This Month's Smart Cookie Award Goes To….

This month's Smart Cookie Award goes to Vikki who is using a veterinary needle to rip out.  It has a handle that makes it easy to hold and a tiny point to get that floss unstitched. Clever!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3035797786497359/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 8, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ripping Out: The Video

BeStitched's latest video is all about ripping out.
https://vimeo.com/148802682?inf_contact_key=4a2e7a8003034fc6cc5e79e8e92650dd

Some people like to use scissors with blades that curve up or tweezers (or both) to help rip out stitches.  You can see a variety of these on Tanja Berlin's website.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product-category/hand-embroidery-supplies/gift-ideas/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tool for Ripping

Kathy at the Unbroken Thread has been working on an Amy Mitten sampler and finding her Stitch Fixer invaluable when ripping out.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2019/04/10/a-few-things-ive-learned/

You can learn more about the Stitch Fixer at Mary Corbet's website.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2014/01/needlework-tool-thread-tucker-tweaker-fixer-thingy.html

Nordic Needle no longer carries them but you can find the size 26 at Stitchers Paradise.
https://www.stitchers-paradise.com/tools/MISCtoolsS.html

Here's the Stitchville USA website, which is where Kathy got hers.
http://www.stitchville.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ripping Tips from Amy

The April 2018 issue of Amy Bunger's shop newsletter is out. Besides the fun new items in the shop, a book review and lots of new stitch guides, Amy has a section on tips to help you when you have to rip out stitches. It's quite useful!
http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0418.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Agnes' Frogging Tip

Needle Nicely's Mary Agnes is working the Kimono chart in her shop as a class.  Here's a bit about it.  Sorry, the Shining Needle Society class mentioned here is long over.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/11/evolution-of-maggie-lane-kimono.html

There is a lot of outlining to do before starting to fill in the sections, and of course folks make counting errors.  Here is how Mary Agnes rips out and then cleans up the line afterwards.  Clever!
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2017/12/cleaning-up-after-ripping.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Seam Ripper?

The Etsy store PopsTurningz just posted on Facebook that they have hand made seam rippers with either wooden or acrylic handles. If you or someone on your gift list needs a ripping tool, this might be one you should consider. I don't know anything about the quality but they certainly have lovely handles. 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PopsTurningz?ref=search_shop_redirect

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 7, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Nimble Needle (Atlanta) Newsletter

Nimble Needle's quarterly newsletter just keeps getting better!   My favorite part is all the fabulous finishing from their talented customers, but you may love the leaf stitch diagram, or the photos of the new Brenda Stofft canvases, or be intrigued by Gingher's Stitch Blade or the new Stitcher's Compact. Have fun browsing all that Needle Bug has to offer.
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=45d1a2a693824b7bef0df6f6c&id=e209ae1d50&e=6413033b0f

UPDATE:  My apologies to both Nimble Needle in Atlanta and Needle Bug in Montgomery for getting their shops mixed up when I posted this.  Can you tell my mind is on other things?  I have cataract surgery in a week and it is starting to show despite my attempts to keep my personal life off Blog!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Trials of a Shop Owner

Mary Agnes' shop is in Florida and usually has quiet summers when all the tourists are at home instead of looking for beaches and sunshine. But there are always little problems cropping up and this week is no exception!   Besides the normal ripping out (or frogging), Mary Agnes has a sick thread display spinner.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/07/broken-fiber-rack-and-some-frogging.html

The life of a shop owner is never an easy one!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Loves Scotch Tape

Here's why she loves it, and why you should have a roll of tape in your stitching toolbox. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/12/embroidery-scotch-tape-a-match-made-in-heaven.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Look What Joyce Found

The folks in Gay Ann Rogers' online classroom came up with a winner today--at least Joyce did. Check out this ripping tool with light AND magnifier!
http://www.mightybright.com/Craft-Lights/Lighted-Seam-Ripper-with-Magnifier/

Another student of Gay Ann's says these come in various colors but I haven't found any online photos of other colors.  I thought to myself that it might be too heavy to use for a long period but this review says not.
http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2010/12/lighted-seam-ripper-magnifier-by-mighty.html

It seems to be on the more expensive side as seam rippers go but that's not saying much.  Seam rippers are cheap.  Not having to use them is priceless!  
http://www.joann.com/sewing/sewing-tools/seam-rippers/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.