SEWING CURVES, How to Sew Curves Made Simple

This tutorial will show you how to sew curves that are concave, and convex, as well as sewing curves that are opposing. Even beginners can get great-looking sewing curves with a little practice and these few simple tips.

Sewing Curves Tutorial

The key to sewing curves is clipping the seams, so they don't pucker. How they are clipped depends on the type of curve. Here I will discuss

1. Sewing Concave Curves
2. Sewing Convex Curves
3. How to Sew Curved Seams

How to Sew Curves that are Convex

A convex curve is simply a curve that faces outwards, much like a circle. It can be commonly found on pocket edges, clutches, and bag flaps.

Step 1 - Mark Seam

Draw the seam allowance line using a removable fabric marker or tailor's chalk. This gives you something to follow when sewing and will increase your accuracy. Without a line to follow, it can be hard to visualize the curved seam line and predict when to turn.

The easiest way is to mark from the edge with a seam gauge or ruler in little dashes and then join them up.

Step 2 - Sewing Curves Instructions

Place your fabric pieces right sides together and pin.

Place your pins vertically so that you can follow the curves with minimum interference. You will need more pins than you normally do for straight seams. Place the heads on the outside of the curve, so they are easy to remove as you go along. Further reading: how to pin seams

Stitch the seam.

The best way how to sew curves is to set your machine to a smaller stitch length. Try a length of 2.0-2.5. Stitch slowly and gently guide the fabric with your fingertips.

Keep your eyes on the marked seam line in the front.

• For gentle sewing curves, you should be able to stitch in one motion without stopping.
• For tight curves, you may need to stop with the needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot, pivot the fabric, and start stitching again. Make multiple small adjustments rather than one large adjustment to maintain a smooth curve. This will also stop the fabric from wrinkling up and catching on your presser foot.

If the curve is really tricky you could sew the hardest part by turning the hand wheel for maximum control.

Step 3 - Clipping

Once you have sewn your corners you will need to remove some of the excess fabric in order to maintain the smoothness of the curve when turned the right way out. For convex curves, cut triangular notches out of the seam allowance. Read more about clipping curves.

Step 4 - Turn & Press

Turn the right way out and give your curves a good press.

Sewing Curves that are Concave

A concave curve faces inwards and can be commonly found on necklines and armholes of garments.

You will sew it the same way as a convex curve, with the only difference being the way you clip the seam allowance. Instead of clipping notches, you can just make little snips ending just before your stitching line.

Give it a good press, and here is how it looks.

How to Sew Curved Seams

So what do we do when we have 2 curves facing in opposite directions? You will often see this in quilting patterns or in garments with color-blocked segments. You will also use this technique when sewing sleeves to armholes.

Step 1 - Add Seam Allowance

If your pattern doesn't already have a seam allowance added, then now is the time to add it. If you add smaller ¼ inch (6mm) seams, it makes it easier to fit the curves together.

Step 2 - Mark Centers

Mark the center of the pieces and pin them right sides together. See how the rest of the curves are now facing opposite directions?

Step 3 - Ease and Pin

Match and pin the ends of your pieces and then work the in-between sections together. Place your pins vertically to hold the fabric in place and out of the way. The greater the curve, the more pins you will need.

Step 4 - Sewing Curves

Now stitch along the seam with your seam allowance. It is easier to stitch from the top curved piece. Run your finger underneath regularly as you sew to make sure nothing is caught up underneath.

Step 5 - Clipping

Clip the seam allowance to release tension.

Step 6 - Press

Open up your piece and give it a good press. This will make all the difference in sewing curves.

The seam allowances should both be pressed to the one side. It will naturally go in one direction. Don't try and press the seam allowances open, as it is generally too difficult.

And there you have a nice color-blocked piece. Now you know how to sew curves, you could actually make more curved pieces and turn them into a quilt!

Further Reading for Beginners

• How to Clip Corners and Curves
• Sewing 101
• How to Use a Sewing Machine
• Cutting Fabric
• Sewing Corners
• How to Use a Seam Ripper
• Seam Allowance