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woodpekr · Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 11:15 am Post subject: Alternate Applique Cutting Tools

I've been using a small pair of gingher scissors for my applique work. Last night I experimented on some scraps with a Seam Ripper. If it was sharper, I think it might work well for cut out.

Deb Cooley taught a class on applique using a hot cutter at Fort Worden this year. I visited the calss and everyone seemed to be doing OK and she produces beautiful work using that technique.

Anybody out there using anything uther than scissors for cutting out applique?
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Rich Durant
Portland, Oregon

Wills4th · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 36 Location: USA VA Waynesboro

I attended a workshop several years ago when the Richmond Air Force was making a 3 ft banner for group ground display. One of the members took a small Seam Ripper and sanded off one side of the small ball protecting one of the points. ( I think he selected WHICH half to sand off based on how he was going to hold it and which way the tool was going to move through the fabric.) He said this allowed him to lay it flatter to the work, then he began working his way around the outer layer to be cut away. It was very quick and could be controlled to cut within a few thread thicknesses of the sewing.

He also said to throw it away after each project and make a new one. I think if you could find a small round sharpener like the ceramic fish hook sharpener you could extend the life of the tool.
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Good Winds to Ya <>~~~~~
Will
Waynesboro, VA USA

KiteSquid · Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 12:38 pm Post subject:

You can sharpen a seam ripper with a small fine file.

You should buy the more expensive seam rippers as the steel should be sharper.

Or just buy a bunch of the cheep ones and throw them away when they get dull.

I do not use a seam ripper as I cannot get right up aginst one half of the zigzag stitches with them as I like to.

You do not have to get right up like I do, but do be consistant if you want to enter in copetetion.....

That and I should run spell checker on my posts via a word processor, but I am too lazy.... Razz

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VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

kitepoor · Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:41 pm Post subject:

I used the Seam Ripper once. I cut all the way through my sail for about 4 inches till I realized it.

I love the little Gingher.
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Randy
a kite a nice thing
kite in the air a beautiful thing
kites to share the coolest thing

conklincomputer · Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Posts: 58 Location: Midlothian, VA

I started out using a Seam Ripper as well, but I kept getting the point under the stitches, then I would end up ripping out stitches. Not Good. I only use scissors now - In fact, after losing? my applique scissors I just ordered the Weiss scissors from Steve! Very Happy

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Marc
Mirage guy and RAF webmeister
http://www.richmondairforce.com

cbl527 · Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 51 Location: Middletown, RI

I used both scissors and Seam Ripper on my NJ Devils applique I flew in Newport. I found I liked the Seam Ripper better - I had better control and could get closer to the baseball-type stitching I used on the venting mesh. I plan to use the ripper for most of my projects.
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Chuck
Middletown, RI

Dorsal · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 9:47 pm Post subject:

I've used a Seam Ripper quite a few times, but I always have better control (and no uh-oh's) by keeping the ball against the material, with the pointy end in the air. Can't catch any seams that way, either. Embarassed

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 592 Location: San Diego

Any dealer of woodcarving tools carries a variety of slips. Slips are fine tapered conical or candybar shaped sharpening stones that are shaped to fit the curved edges of small gouges. They do a fine job on a seam rippers.
You can also make your own from a Washita pocket stone by grinding a rounded edge on a bench grinder or coarse stone.

CJQ · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:04 pm Post subject: sharpening stone

Stan , you mentioned an washita stone . dont know the name .Is that like an Arkenstone ? and do you use it with oil or water?
Thanks
CLIFF

KiteSquid · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 7:39 am Post subject:

It looks like a Washita Arkansas Oilstone is a natural stone that uses oil.

Here is one for $7 plus shipping. I have not bought from this store so I cant vouch for them, they were just the first return on my internet search.
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.