Did you know that removing serger stitches is just as easy as taking out standard machine stitches?  The serging / overlock stitch looks complicated, but don’t worry it’s easy to take apart.   Don’t believe me? Watch this!

In this video I use one of my favorite seam rippers. I like it most because it’s sharp and inexpensive. I get them for 40 cents a piece. See my seam ripper review here and find the best seam ripper for you!

You’ll save your self some seam-ripping by keeping your sewing machine cleaned and oiled. Instantly download my Sewing Machine Cleaning Log & Needle Change Guide, using the form below.
 

The Wrong Way

Many people go about removing Serging / Overlocking the wrong way. It seems like it would be so easy to just cut the loops that go around the edge, but it’s NOT.  If you cut all those loops you end up a thousand very short pieces of thread, which you now have to pick out and they get everywhere. 

The Easy Way

The key to easily removing Serger / Overlocker stitches is actually to leave upper and lower looper threads, the ones that go around the edge of the fabric, totally intact. The threads you are going to cut and pull out are the needle threads.  If you are using a 3-thread overlock stitch it will be just one thread, and a 4-thread overlock will have 2 needle threads (left and right). 

Finding the needle threads is super easy if they are a different color from the looper threads. You can actually do this on purpose to make any reverse sewing easier.  Just slide your seam ripper under one of those threads and pull up to create a loop. Use that loop to pull out the thread. You will probably be able to pull out quite a bit out before it breaks and you need to start in another spot. 

Just keep going like this till all of one needle thread is gone, then start on the other, if you have 4-thread overlock.  Once the needle threads are removed, the looper thread will literally fall off. Presto! 

Working with Matching Thread

If your needle and looper thread color matches, don’t panic. It’s super easy to find your needle threads. All you have to do is slide your seam ripper in the V’s. This part is easiest to explain in a video!
 

Now wasn’t that easy?!

Now that you know how to remove serging and overlocking easily, Are you ready to learn what that red ball is for on your seam ripper? Check out my post all about seam ripper. Learn how to pick the best seam ripper for you and also learn several ways to remove standard machine stitching quickly and easily. 

You can actually save your self some seam-ripping by keeping your sewing machine cleaned and oiled. Since I can never remember when I cleaned my sewing machine last I made myself a chart to keep by my machine. You can instantly download the same chart I use using the form below. 

Want to remember this! Save “How to remove serger stitches” to your sewing board.