Pro life tip: use a seamripper to remove clothing tags
This pro life tip brought to you by The Irritation of Removing Uncomfortable Tags.
Use a seamripper to remove the stitches that attach a tag and the garment itself. See attached picture for a demonstration of this. Seamrippers are cheap (~1 USD is typical) and available at any store with even a token sewing section, such as walmart or target, and some grocery stores as well. Using a seamripper lets you remove the tag entirely, while cutting the tag off usually leaves behind a sliver of the tag fabric that can be uncomfortable.
22 replies
Just make sure the label isn't attached by the overlock seam that holds the garment together, I've seen a few things with tags attached like that.
Depending on the fabric, placement of the seam, discomfort caused by the tag, and whether you have access to a sewing machine, whether or not it's worth undoing the overlock seam to remove a tag and then mending the new hole varies. Personally I've left these and removed them on different garments.
Nope... I'll deal with the hole in the neck of the shirt way better than i will deal with the tag. I prefer to use a seam ripper, but I've just violently torn out many a tag when I didn't have an alternative.
TIL that exists.
I've been thinking about getting more serious about those annoying tags (TBH I'm only sometimes bothered by tags, but the size of the tags is getting ridiculous lately). Is a seamripper really that much better than undoing the seams with nail scissors?
Yes! Its designed for the job and you can do it very quickly once you've used it a few times.
I buy them in bulk, because I sew, and treat them like a handyman treats a flathead screwdriver. They're a little less likely to accidentally cut your shirt, and it's easier to get into tight stitches, but that's about it.
Probably far quicker and less likely do damage something else. Seamrippers work by having a small blade in the middle of the U-shape. And due to the pointy bit at the bottom, you might be able to more easily scoop up the thread if it's tighter
I've never used nail scissors, don't know. Before I realized I could use a seamripper I cut the tag itself as close to the seam as possible with ordinary craft/paper scissors.
Excellent for sanitising branded promotional items, like jackets or bags.
Less than 5 minutes to remove the advertising.
It's also known as a quick-unpick.
I can't tell if you're joking or not with "quick-unpick."
You can probably do it slow too.
Seamripper? When I was a kid this was the blade I used to slew imaginary demons.
You call that a knife? This is a knife!
(Just kidding this is an excellent pro tip and I love my seam ripper)
Never bring a knife to a gun fight
I love your user name, it's extremely autistic but in a way most NTs wouldn't clock. Amazing.
These are also useful for cutting wrapping off of wiring harnesses in a car
Snap-on sells a premium version. But you can get them from a local fabric store or online for much cheaper.
Just go in your grandma’s sewing basket. She has at least 3.
You trying to get us taken out by gammer? No thanks. I will not be touching that sewing basket.
I just use my teeth. 🦫
I don't have or buy any clothes with tags nowadays, but that's a good idea, the slivers have always been annoying.