How to Sew Scalloped Edges (Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial)

How to Sew Scalloped Edges

Scalloped edges are a beautiful decorative finish used on hems, necklines, sleeves, table linens, and home décor projects. Made from a series of soft curves or rounded shapes, scallops add an elegant detail that can transform even the simplest sewing project. While scalloped edges may look complicated, they are surprisingly easy to sew with careful marking, accurate stitching, and proper trimming. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew scalloped edges step by step, including how to create a scallop template, sew smooth curves, and achieve crisp, professional-looking results.

What are Scalloped Edges?

Scalloped edges refer to waved designs that can be placed on the edge or hems of items. The design can be semi-circular or slightly angular. Scalloped edges are used when you want a decorative finish instead of a traditional straight hem. They work particularly well on garments and home décor projects where the curved shape becomes a design feature.

Scalloped edges are commonly used for:

• Dress hems
• Skirt hems
• Sleeve edges
• Necklines
• Children’s clothing
• Tablecloths and placemats
• Cushions and pillow covers
• Vintage-inspired sewing projects

Lightweight to medium-weight woven fabrics generally produce the smoothest scallops. Very thick fabrics can be difficult to turn and may create bulky curves.

Explore more types of hems in the complete beginner guide to how to sew a hem.

Scalloped Edges PDF Download (Printable)

I have a downloadable template for 1,2,3 and 4-inch scallops, or you can use anything round to draw around. Look for cups, saucers, lids, or tins.

Click here >>>>>>DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE <<<<<<Click here

How to Sew Scalloped Edges (Step by Step)

Preparation is all-important to scallops, so go through the steps carefully and plan the project to get the best scalloped edges.

1. Gather Tools or Templates

The most important tool in your box is the item used to design the scallops.  Anything round can be used to draw the scallops. It is fine to use a bowl, mug, tin lid, or cut cardboard circles. The size of the scallop will depend on the number of scallops you need to finish the edge you are decorating and your personal preference.

A scallop is a portion of a circle, sometimes half the circle and sometimes less.  Shallow scallops are easier to sew than full ones. 

Play around with shapes and sizes and remember the number of scallops must fit into the circumference of the hem. If the hem is 40” for example, then 4” scallops will fit in nicely and exactly around the finished edge.

2. Mark the Scalloped Edges

Mark the wrong side of the fabric with the original hemline and factor in the finished length of the garment.  Mark on the garment or on the facing piece to be made into the scalloped edge. Take your circle, jar lid, template, or whatever ‘tool’ you are using for the scallops and mark the circle with tape or pen on the edges that will be the start and end of the scallop. 

Start the first scallop at the center point of the hem and place the center of the scallop in that place.

Work your way around the edge to the center back and then start again at the center front and work your way to the center back. The scallops should match up evenly around the front and back.

3. Sew the Scalloped Edges

Place your fabric and the scallop facing right sides together. 

Stitch along the edge of the scallops and pivot at each corner as you go.  A shorter stitch length ( I used 2.0 stitch length for my samples) and tighter pivot are best giving more control and better turning points.

I have a full article on sewing curves but to summarize –

1. Use small stitch lengths.
2. For gentle curves, try to sew in one motion without stopping.
3. For tight curves, stop and release the fabric from under the presser foot frequently.

4. Trim and Clip Corners and Curves

Trim the fabric away from the edges of the scallop and snip into the curves and the pivot point. Cut a triangular wedge in the curves to make the turning smoother. For more details on clipping curves read clipping sewing.

If you have a pair of pinking shears, then this can make short work of this task. Cut around the scallops around 1/4 inch (6mm) from the seam.

5. Turn and Press

Turn the fabric right sides out and check the edges for a smooth turn. Press and aim for a smooth edge. If further trimming is required, then turn back to the stitching and clip the edge again to achieve a smooth turned edge.

Neaten the top of the scalloped facing and stitch the edge to the garment to secure the facing and prevent it from gaping. Press again if necessary.

Common Mistakes when Sewing Scalloped Edges and How to Fix Them

• Making the Scallops Too Deep – Shallow scallops are easier to sew and turn smoothly. Deep scallops can become bulky and difficult to press.
• Using Thick Fabrics – Heavy fabrics create bulky seams and may prevent the scallops from lying flat.
• Not Clipping the Curves – Clipping and trimming the seam allowance allows the curves to turn smoothly without puckering.
• Using Long Stitch Lengths – Shorter stitches create smoother curves and more accurate pivot points.
• Skipping the Final Press – Pressing is essential for creating crisp, professional-looking scalloped edges.

Scalloped Edges FAQs

Pin for Later

Scalloped Edges – In Conclusion

In Conclusion

Now you know how to sew scalloped edges and add a beautiful decorative finish to garments and home décor projects. Although scallops require a little more preparation than a traditional hem, careful marking, accurate stitching, and thorough pressing will reward you with smooth, professional-looking curves.

Once you’ve mastered basic scalloped edges, you can experiment with different scallop sizes and shapes to create unique hems, sleeves, necklines, and decorative details for your sewing projects.

More Hems

1. GENERAL HEMS – How to Sew a Hem 
2. NARROW HEMS – How to Sew a Narrow Hem
3. ROLLED HEM FOOT – How to Use a Rolled Hem Foot
4. WIDE HEMS – How to sew wide hems
5. CIRCULAR HEMS – How to sew circular hems
6. BLIND HEMS – How to sew a blind hem | blind hem foot
7. RUFFLED HEMS – Lettuce Hems for stretch fabric
8. KNIT FABRIC HEMS – How to hem knit fabric, catch stitch
9. KNIT HEMS – Twin Needle
10. SQUARE HEMS – How to Sew Mitered Corners
11. HAND HEMS – Hemming Stitch
12. WOVEN HEMS – Double Fold Hem
13. SQUARE HEMS – How to Sew Mitered Corners
14. NO-SEW HEMS – How to Use Hemming Tape