Stitch rippers, a.k.a. seam rippers, a.k.a. quick unpicks, are essential sewing tools. I keep one inside my sewing machine, one in my go-to mending kit and at least one in my Repair Café kit at all times.
They are particularly useful for:
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unpicking fabric seams and stitching mistakes
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temporarily opening up seams for easier access, e.g. mending jeans, sleeves and kid pants with a sewing machine
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removing temporary basting (tacking) stitches
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alterations
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replacing elastic
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removing buttons
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removing garment tags and those tiny thread loops sometimes used to attach garment tags
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removing previous repairs, e.g. patches that are ready for retirement
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deconstructing garments at the end of their clothing careers
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when you change your mind
Unpicking is a repetitive task that can take a lot of time, is not particularly fun (unlike, say, depilling), and your hands can get tired and sore if you do it for too long. It’s also pretty much unavoidable if you sew, alter or upcycle clothes or use a sewing machine.
I love these Prym stitch rippers because their ergonomic handles are comfortable to use and hold – so you can unpick for longer, not angrier – and the jumbo large-size option is the first I’ve seen.
The small stitch ripper is 11.3cm long (standard seam ripper size).
The large stitch ripper is 13.5cm long, and much chunkier than a standard seam ripper (see photo for comparison). It’s particularly useful for big jobs (e.g. deconstructing jeans), and for big menders who find most stitch rippers too tiny for comfort.
Features:
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Sharp blade with rounded tip
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Ergonomic design with anti-slip, soft surface
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End cap can be used as a handle extension
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Can be hung around your neck for safekeeping while you work
Designed in Germany, made in China from steel and plastic and packaged in a cardboard and plastic blister pack by the manufacturer.
Note: the small purple stitch ripper looks remarkably similar to the Prym ergonomic mending needle with latch hook, and it’s hard to tell them apart with their caps on. If you’re planning to buy both and store them in the same mending kit, I recommend choosing a different colour for your stitch ripper to more easily tell them apart (the mending needle is only available in purple).
Weekly dispatch
This shop dispatches orders once a week so I can do alllll the things – including running this shop and running after two tiny tots – and enjoy my life. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Shipping carrier
I ship via Australia Post. If you select Express Post at checkout, it will speed up Australia Post's delivery timeframe but won't speed up my process.
After your order has been packed, you will receive an email notification with your Australia Post tracking number, which you can use to check on the delivery status of your order.
International customers: click here for current Australia Post international delivery timeframes.
Shipping fees
Shipping is currently a flat rate of $12 within Australia ($17 Express Post); international shipping is calculated at checkout. Gift vouchers are delivered electronically and do not require shipping.
NEW: Modern Mending has partnered with Mateship to offer free shipping and cash back when you combine orders with your mates and have them sent to one location. Save money, carbon emissions and packaging waste!
Modern Mending customers have been combining orders informally for ages; Mateship makes it official and easier for me to coordinate, and rewards you for your efforts. Win win.
How it works:
- Check out as usual.
- A pop-up will appear to sign up to Mateship.
- Invite mates to your order. They have 8 hours to join your order.
Note: Mateship only works with standard shipping, not Express Post, and only in Australia at the moment.
International shipping
I ship worldwide with the exception of the UK, due to VAT regulations that came into effect on 1 January 2021. If you are in the UK you can order the UK edition of my book from your local bookshop.
Local delivery
Customers in Northcote, Thornbury and nearby suburbs (subject to capacity) can select local delivery at checkout. Local delivery is extra-slow and coincides with my pram-walking / kid-wrangling schedule, up to one week after purchase.
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I choose to reuse
When shipping orders my first priority is to reuse packaging materials whenever possible – boxes, padded mailers, cardboard, paper, tissue paper, bubble wrap and egg cartons from neighbours, second-hand shops and recycling centres. I cannot guarantee the materials used to ship your order will be plastic-free for this reason.
I buy recycled packaging
If I don’t have suitable second-hand packaging to use for your order, my next priority is packaging made from recycled materials. It's important to me to support Australian companies making good products from our recyclables, and to make sure that material gets a second life.
Tape
I use compostable, gummed kraft-paper tape to seal my parcels whenever possible. I have a second-hand tape wetter that I love, purchased from my local op shop. Gummed paper tape is available at most art-supply shops if you want to make the switch yourself!
Express Post orders will have official plastic "Express Post" tape added.
International orders with many items will have a plastic pocket taped to them, to accommodate additional paperwork required by customs.
Individual product packaging
Every item for sale on this website has its packaging components listed and in most cases photographed, so you can make an informed decision.
Upstream packaging
When I speak to my suppliers I specifically ask that my orders be supplied to me without plastic packaging, whenever possible, to avoid waste and single-use plastic. This isn’t always possible, but I’ll keep asking, forever.
Here's how one of my suppliers has my name recorded in its database:
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