How to Remove Serger Stitches
We’ve all been there: you’ve been sewing happily along, when suddenly you realize a mistake. Out comes the seam ripper! This isn’t a fun scenario for anyone, but even worse when it is a serger seam!! Or is it…? Today we are talking about how EASY it is to remove serger stitches!
Removing serger seams/stitches is actually easier than it may seem! Once you know this handy trick, you’ll no longer dread those moments of pulling out the seam ripper.
Let’s Seam Rip!
A serger seam typically has one lower loop, one upper loop, and one or two needle threads. In this case we are working with two but the method is the same for one. The two needle threads run straight and parallel to each other and the edge of the fabric. If you are new to serging and don’t know which ones are the needle threads, I suggest threading the needles in different colors and serging a scrap so that you can study what they look like.
In the picture above, you can see the two lines of stitches running parallel to the fabric edge, whereas the loops run up and down.
First, slide your seam ripper up into the needle threads. You will cut only the needle threads not the loops.
Repeat in several places down the seam. The longer the seam, the more cut you will make. This will simplify the next step.
Grab the top needle thread, and start pulling. At first the fabric might gather, but keep pulling until the thread comes free.
Repeat with the lower needle thread, once the top needle thread is removed.
The looper threads will begin to fall out once the needle threads are gone. All you have to do is pull them away and they will come right off!
That’s it!
You no longer have to fear those moments of needing to remove serger stitches. With this trick, taking them out is a breeze! Need to seam rip coverstitch seams? We’ve got a post on that too! Learn how to remove coverstitch seams here!
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