Seam Ripper

What are the true origins of a seam ripper?

Seam rippers are an item designed for breaking or undoing sewn stitches, often on seams.
A seam ripper is also known as a ‘stitch unpicker’, ‘quick unpic’ and a ‘quick unpick’.
Typically, seam rippers have two spokes, one sharp and the other blunt, connected by a handle, while the intersection is usually a sharp blade.
When using seam rippers, the sharp point is placed underneath the stitch and the device is pulled upwards, causing the thread to touch the blade and be cut by it; while the blunt or ball point is designed to protect the fabric that the tool comes in contact with.
Seam rippers where probably invented some time in the late 1800s, and one of the earliest patents for a similar tool was a thimble that had the addition of a small knife that was patented in the United States by W Miller in 1883, that was used to rip threads in a similar way; while a later patent exists for a tool designed for the sole purpose of ripping seams, in 1898 by John Fisher from Canada.

Seam rippers typically range from 7 to 15 centimetres (3 to 6 inches) in length and are held with one’s fingers.
Although its primary purpose is to cut stitches or open up a sew seam, seam rippers can also be used to undo threads or stitches that have been incorrectly placed.
Seam rippers generally come with a lid, or can be inserted into a case for safe storage.
Seam rippers can be used to slit open button holes; to easily trim small, excess material; or to detach buttons from fabric.
Seam rippers come in a variety of shapes and colours, and the blade is typically made of metal, and the usually have a wooden, plastic or metal handle.

Amazon: