Editing Seam ripper (section)

{{Short description|Sewing tool used for cutting stitches}}
[[Image:Seam ripper.jpg|thumb|The forked head of a seam ripper]]
A '''seam ripper''' is a small [[sewing]] tool used for cutting and removing [[stitch (textile arts)|stitches]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Roach |first1=Kristin M. |title=Mend It Better: Creative Patching, Darning, and Stitching |date=2012 |publisher=Storey Publishing |isbn=978-1603427784 |page=28 |chapter=Mending Tool Kit}}</ref>

The most common form consists of a handle, shaft and head, although knife-like designs also exist. The head is usually forked with a cutting surface situated at the base of the fork. In some designs, one side of the fork tapers to a sharp point to allow easier insertion in tight stitching.<ref name="Moyes">{{cite book |last1=Moyes |first1=Patricia |title=Sewing Basics: Creating a Stylish Wardrobe with Step-by-step Techniques |date=1999 |publisher=Taunton Press |isbn=1561582662 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/sewingbasics00patr_0/page/13 13-14] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/sewingbasics00patr_0/page/13 }}</ref>

In using a seam ripper, the sharp point of the tool is inserted into the [[seam (sewing)|seam]] underneath the [[yarn|thread]] to be cut. The thread is allowed to slip down into the fork and the tool is then lifted upwards, allowing the blade to rip through the thread. Once the seam has been undone in this way the loose ends can be removed and the seam resewn.<ref name="Moyes"/><ref>{{cite book |last1=MacIntyre |first1=Lynn |last2=Tilton |first2=Marcy |title=Easy Guide to Sewing: Tops and T-Shirts, Skirts, and Pants |date=2009 |publisher=The Taunton Press |isbn=978-1600850721 |page=167 |chapter=Seams and Seam Finishes}}</ref>

It is unclear when the modern seam ripper was invented; an 1898 patent for a device roughly similar in shape uses the phrase "seam ripper" and claims to be an improvement on what was standard at the time.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=604675A | invent1=Fisher | inventor1-first=John Edward | gdate=1898-05-24 |status=patent}}</ref>