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Serged Stitch Removal

Quickly Pulling a Serged Stitch

How do you remove seam stitching? I am referring to is the type that they always use on clothes you buy at the store.

This stitch is very hard for me to rip out because it is so strong with lots of thread and stitching. You know, like the side seam on a knit top, or the hem seam in a pair of pants.

Sometimes I accidentally pull a loose thread and the whole pant leg comes undone--but I don't know which thread to pull when I want to undo it ON PURPOSE.

Is there a secret thread that you can cut and pull out the whole thing? I need to undo a large amount of seam stitching and would love to know this secret!

I don't know anyone who is an expert seamstress, but if you can help me I sure would appreciate it. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Christine

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The stitch you are referring to is called an overlock stitch and is done by a special sewing machine called a serger. The act of using the machine is called serging.

Over time the stitch has commonly become known as a serged stitch.

Think of a serged stitch as a ladder, with two uprights joined by many rungs.

To remove a serged seam, first cut the ladder’s uprights across the length you want to undo.

You may have to do it in sections if you are undoing a lot of the seam. The photo below shows me cutting the right side of the top upright at the fabric’s edge.

Below is me cutting the left side of the top upright.

Next grasp the thread you just cut and pull it out.

Then cut both sides of the bottom upright in similar fashion. Remove the cut thread.

The chain stitch which forms the ladder’s rungs can now be pulled away in one simple movement.

Occasionally a seam will have a line of straight stitching for reinforcement in addition to the overlock. You can see one in this example.

Then you’ll have to get out the ol’ seam ripper as usual.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for sewers of all skill levels.

Sew to Success: How to Make Money in a Home-Based Sewing Business
By: Kathleen Spike

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
By: Anne Marie Soto

Sewing for Dummies
By: Janice Saunders Maresh

The Complete Book of Sewing: A Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Every Technique
By: Chris Jefferys

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