Unpicking, seam ripping, reverse stitching, frogstitch (rippit, rippit) – what do you call it? It's never a fun task and the more you handle those pieces, the more distorted and frayed they can get.
So this week's Tuesday tip is a simple-but-useful one: always re-press your pieces after you've unpicked a seam! Even better, re-press using steam and starch (or starch substitute). This will :
→ help to smooth back the warp and weft threads to close up the previous seam holes
→ remove handling creases and restore body to the fabric
→ give you a chance to correct any distortion or stretched edges from handling
All of which will make it easier to re-stitch the seam accurately and disguise any evidence of the mistake. No one will ever know!
Fabrics shown are from the "Best of Morris Fall" collection from Moda Fabrics.
Press after unpicking
Patchwork & Quilting Tips
Press after unpicking