How To Sew A Curved Seam

In curved seams, the line or fold of the fabric is curved. You do this to add tailored fitting or shape to your garment. Although it is not difficult to make curved seams, there is a certain approach that you need to take while doing the same. Not sure how to go about it? Read on as we help you get the perfect curved seam.

How To Sew A Curved Seam?

Curves can be sewed both in a convex and concave manner. It may look complex, but with little practice, you will get the hang of it in no time. Here we will help you learn how to sew a curved seam, both convex and concave.

Sewing A Convex Curve 

This curve faces outwards, similar to a circle. You can find this curve on clutches, pocket edges, and bag flaps. And here is how you can make this curve

Step 1. Mark The Seam

Use a tailor’s chalk or removable pen to draw seam allowance. This way, you will have something to follow while sewing, thereby providing accuracy. Additionally, one of the easiest ways to mark from the edge is using a ruler or seam gauge. Put your pins vertically so that it is easier for you to follow the curves.

Step 2. Sewing Along The Curves

Set your machine to a smaller stitch length, probably between 2.0 or 2.5. Thereafter slowly guide the fabric along the machine using your fingertips. If you are going for a gentle curve, then you should be able to stitch in one swift motion.

In case of tight curves, you need to stop with the needle down on the fabric, pull the presser foot, and move the fabric and stitch. Rather than one big adjustment, try to make various small adjustments to maintain a seamless curve. This will ensure the fabric does not wrinkle or get caught in the presser foot.

Step 3. Clipping

After sewing the corners, you must remove excess fabric to maintain the curve’s smoothness while turning the right way out. Since you are making convex curves, go for triangular notches from the seam allowance.

Step 4. Ironing

Turn the fabric right way out and press iron the curves.

How To Do Curved Seam Concave?

In this, the curve will face inwards, and you see such seam on the armholes and necklines. The basic process of sewing a concave curved seam is similar to what we did on the convex curve.

The only difference is the way you clip your seam allowance. Rather than clipping notches, you can create little snips ending before the stitching line. Like we did on the convex curve, make sure to give the good fabric press.

How To Do Opposite Curve Sew?

What will you do when you have two curves facing the opposite direction? You generally see this in garments featuring color-blocked segments or quilting patterns.

You can also use this type of technique when joining armholes to sleeves. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

Step 1. Start With Seam Allowance

If the specific pattern does not have a seam allowance, then you should mark it. Try to add smaller seams about ¼ inches in order to make it easier to align the curves together.

Step 2. Mark The Centers

Using a removable pen or tailor’s chalk, mark the center of the fabric pieces and put them together from the right sides. You will see the rest of the curves will be in the opposite directions.

Step 3. Match And Pin

Align and pin the ends of the fabric pieces and then work between the sections together. Position the pins vertically in order to secure the fabric in the right place and out of the way—the greater your curve, the more pins you will require.

Step 4. Sewing The Curves

Start stitching along the fabric’s seam along with the seam allowance. It starts from the top curved piece as it will be easier. Furthermore, run your finger under regularly while sewing to ensure the fabric does not get stuck underneath.

Step 5. Clip And Iron

Clip your seam allowance in order to release tension. Do not forget to give your good fabric press. This will perfect the sewing curves. Press both the seam allowance to one side. Additionally, do not try to press the seam allowances open as it can be difficult.

How To Clip A Curved Seam To Perfection?

When you sew a curved seam, it is important that you reduce the bulk of seam allowance prior to turning the garment right side out.

Basically, clipping is the process that makes the outer edges of the finished curve flat and smooth. Here is how you can clop a curved seam perfectly:

• Using a pen, make marks on the stitches curved seam. It should look similar to the hours on the clock.
• Use sharp scissors and trim tiny V-shape wedges out from the seam allowance right at the marks. Keep the clipping near the stitching but not into it.
• Once you turn the garment right side out, seam allowance fabric will reduce, and the edges will press to the side. And, this is exactly the look you should aim for.
• While you cannot see the seam allowance from the right side, you can see the clipping results on the curved seam.

How To Accurately Cut Curves For Curved Fabric?

Careful cutting is very much important to get accurate sew. However, when we talk about curves, things might get trickier. However, if you get accurate cutting curves, then you are already one step ahead in the game.

Here are some tips that will help you in mastering the art of cutting the perfect curve:

Press On The Fabric Well

Before you start cutting the fabric for the projects, make sure to press on the fabric. This will help in removing the wrinkles as well as folding lines. It is the first step towards getting an accurate cut.

Moreover, it is crucial to press the fabric by lifting your iron up and down and avoid ironing back and forth by pulling on the fabric.

When it comes to cutting curves, you will be cutting across the fabric’s grain, and the exposed bias edges can easily stretch or be distorted if iron keeps pulling on the fabric.

Use Your Rotary Cutter Downside

The size of the standard quilting rotary cutter is measured at 45 mm size, which is considered a good size. It is great for cutting rectangles, squares, or other shapes with straight edges.

However, it does not work well with cutting curves, particularly when you use template plastic or acrylic templates.

Instead, use a rotary cutter, which measures 28 mm as it allows you to make better curves, thereby offering greater precision. This is because smaller blades come with smaller turning circles.

Scissors Are The Safest Approach

 If you are new at sewing, using a rotary cutter for curves can be overwhelming as it is more prone to slip and slide. Instead, you can use the fabric-safe erasable marker to mark the templates onto the fabric.

Thereafter, use sharp fabric scissors to make the cuts. If you use good scissors, it will give you a precise cut.

Is Rotary Cutter Better Than Scissors?

Rotary cutters and scissors are both used to cut shapes of fabric to sew. However, there is always a debate about which one is better to cut the fabric- scissors or rotary cutter. If you want to cut fine details or curves, then it will be better to use scissors.

On the other hand, when you are cutting straight lines, rotary cutters work the best. However, if you are new to sewing, then it is better to start with scissors and gradually make your way to the rotary cutter. This is because you need the right technique to use this tool as it is prone to slipping.