The first step is the same for all seam ripping: undo the backstitches one by one, if you have any backstitches to unpick of course.

If you’re unpicking in the middle, just mark the start and the ending by unpicking the ends first.
And don’t forget, always slide the ripper in sideways.

  One-by-one

You can continue to unpick one by one, like you have to do for removing backstitching. This way you can remove every stitch. It is very time consuming and you’ll end up with a lot of small threads on the top if you cut every stitch. You can also cut the first stitches and then pull out every stitch with the point without cutting them.
Most of the time the thread will stay intact, but it may break. This way you’ll end up with fewer small threads to clean up afterwards.
The tugging is not ideal for very frail fabrics, or for very tight or small stitches.

Every 4th stitch

For seams, hems, decorative stitches and stitches that are not on the edge.
Start on the bobbin side.
Cut a stitch, skip 3 or 4 stitches and cut again.
Continue like this until you reach the end of the section you would like to remove.
Turn the fabric over to the top thread side.
Place ripper under the thread and simply lift the thread off of the fabric.

Between the fabrics

This technique only works when you’re undoing a seam or a hem.
Open up the fabric and slice the stitches. Gently pull the fabric apart and tug a little, the thread will loosen, and you just need to cut every 4-5 stitches. Use the tip of the seam ripper to pick up the stitches in the seam line and cut them. Pull the seam-ripper away from the fabric rather than toward the remaining stitches. It takes more time than plowing the seam ripper through the stitching, but it is much less likely to cut the fabric.
Be careful with thin fabrics because they can stretch, if the fabric is very frail, you can’t pull your fabric too much or you’ll ruin it.
Ripping the fibers of your fabric is always a risk when you’re unpicking, some say the risk is bigger when you’re doing it flat.

Quick rip, plowing

This technique only for undoing seams or hems.
Position the ripper between the fabrics, ballpoint down and cut all the stitches by pushing the ripper along the crease.

If you want the fastest way, and you’re confident and not afraid of taking risks, you can do it this way.
For me, this is a great way to tear your fabric, as I did.. maybe it’s because I’m not experienced enough… so this is not the way for me, although it’s always tempting to use this method.. And with some practice, it might be perfect for you.

Let gravity take over

Some hold the stitching vertically and let gravity help them.
To be in complete control, you need 3 hands for this technique (1 to hold the ripper, 1 to move the fabric and 1 to keep the fabric taut). By securing your fabric underneath the presser foot of your sewing machine or pinning it down on your iron board, you won’t need that third hand any more. You will have more clean up with this method because of the left over stitches.

1. Start on the right side. Release the thread in the middle if you have a four thread overlock stitch-- this is the stay stitch, also known as the 4th thread. Pull that out. If you start on the wrong side, you will pull the threads together in a knot.

2. Then, grab hold of the stitch between the V. The white thread in the four thread picture on the right, the green one in the three thread picture on the left. Give those threads a pull, grab them and then pull them all the way through.

3. After that, the serger loops will come off easily.

Always unpick first the start and the end, like a mark, to make the unraveling stop at a certain point. Always work from left to right, thick side facing.

Little holes from the needle: rub it with your fingernail to erase those needle points or gently move the fabric around, pulling on the bias a little bit and the holes will disappear.

Cleaning up: Use scotch or duck tape to clean up the little threads really fast.

If a cut in the fabric does happen and it is not in an area that is visible, immediately use fusible lightweight interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric with the cut closed back together as closely as possible. Waiting to do this step can cause the edges of the cut to fray and the cut will always be visible. The cut will weaken the fabric no matter what, but in most cases, the fusible interfacing can mend the cut if it is inside the item you are sewing.

Rolled hems: I don’t undo a thin rolled hem, I just cut a little strip off.

Seam rippers are not ‘forever tools’. They should be replaced regularly, and you will be able to feel it when your ripper isn’t sharp anymore, especially with the plowing technique.

An lists all the ripping techniques you read in this manual in a fun article plus a video how-to in this Use Your Seam Ripper Like a Pro blogpost.