How to Sew (and Clip) Curves

I give you a few tips and tricks for sewing tight curves, and also teach you about clipping and notching curved seam allowances so that your finished work will lay smooth when it's turned right side out.
You can download the practice page I'm using in the video at www.shinyhappyw....

[@kalok6231]

Hi Wendi. Thank you for making this video tutorial. It is helping me ten years later! Your explanation is so clear and easy to understand and makes me feel like I can go back into another sewing session with some confidence!

[@WendiGratz]

As far as stitch length - it depends on how tight the curve is. The tighter the curve, the shorter you should make your stitches. Sometimes I'll go as low as 1 or even .5 on my machine - though I have no idea what that means in stitches per inch. For reference - I usually sew at 2.5, quilt at 3 and baste at 6 (the longest length on my machine). Hope this helps!

[@Lynnyb44]

Your videos are invaluable. Every time I have an issue, I look up your name and you always have an answer. Thank you!!!!!

[@melissaherrera7508]

Wendi, thank you so very much for this really informative video...I'm teaching--or trying to teach--myself to sew, and after viewing your tutorial I can see that I enjoy your style of instruction so I will definitely check out more of what you have to offer here as well as on your website. Thanks again!!

[@WendiGratz]

+Melissa Herrera Thank you!

[@curtriceennis2924]

TY so much for sharing this with us. I never knew how all that was done. I'm so glad I found this video.

[@synstylefashions]

11 years later I really needed to watch this video ! 😅 thank you

[@Zaiqukaj]

Thank you so much. I was having difficulty transitioning from hand stitching to a sewing machine. This is wonderful advice.

[@meghanzito]

Thank you! This finally makes sense. Thank God for KZbin!

[@courtneyhaas9286]

Thank you so much!! My daughter is taking a sewing project in 4H and this video was incredibly helpful!

[@constancecase2376]

Great explanation with very good visuals. Thank you!

[@AstridThusgaardMadsen]

Hi Wendi - just want to let you know that your tutorials are awesome - all of them. You are great at explaining just about anything - I have been sewing for some years now, and I still learn lots from watching your videos. Please keep posting! Thank you! :) Astrid, Denmark

[@thegrinch0614]

You are a great teacher!! Thanks for all the awesome tips!

[@LiquidOberon]

Excellent, excellent video on sewing curves. I'm new to sewing and curves "scare" me. Your video was well done and very informative. Thanks again for sharing your techniques/knowledge...very appreciated. Great job Wendy...thx again.

[@tinapei]

Thanks so much for this video!! I'd been working on this odd shape pillow for days and couldn't figure out why the corners kept squeeze together! Thanks for the tip on practicing sewing the curve and the clip for the SA is a SUPER help! THANK YOU!

[@WendiGratz]

Happy to help. :-)

[@WendiGratz]

I'm glad it was helpful! Weirdly, quilt blocks like the ones you mentioned often don't need to be clipped if you press them toward the inside (concave) part of the curve. Good luck!

[@darahpatrice6554]

Thank you so much! Perfect explanation as to when and why you should clip.

[@ugopeabody351]

I'm so glad I found you! You really are a big help to a beginner like me.

[@WendiGratz]

UgoPeabody I'm glad it was helpful! :-)

[@hollywilliams9907]

Great video. I'm teaching myself to sew, and was confounded on what to do when I needed to sew more than a straight line. The clipping and notching tutorial was great; I wasn't even thinking about that, but goodness that is going to save me another trial and error experience followed by a "okay, how do I actually do this?" video search. Thank you so much. I love how you break this down to make it so clear and simple. Subscribed to your channel since looking at your videos, I note you have a bunch of other stuff I've been looking at already (or had plans to look-up once I got to the point I needed them). I'll definitely check our your website too.

[@mrsadillon]

Thanks so much. I am slowly teaching myself to sew. I have master straight but wasn't getting how to do curves so much. This helped greatly!

[@Samanthapants0077]

Thank you so very very much!!! I don’t know why i didn’t think to shorten my stitch length or put the needle down to turn it!! All my life I’ve only made clothes and had no trouble. But i have tried two rag dolls so far and am always unhappy with the way the tight rounded curves of the hands and feet turn out. Many I’ve done over!Even tried doing those by hand and still wasn’t happy. Thanks again, you saved me a lot of frustration!

[@auntnatalie]

You are great!! Greaat fabric, great detailed technique teaching.. wonderful voice.

[@theeyesehaveit]

Short and sweet and to the point. TY.

[@caitlinbiship8557]

THANK YOU! Just learning how to sew and you are so clear, concise and helpful! thank you!

[@SOULSTARBELLYDANCER7]

Thanks. Very helpful. Just bought my first machine for making decorative towels and knick knacks.

[@WendiGratz]

+SOULSTARBELLYDANCER7 Have fun with it! :-)

[@WickedMuse]

thankyou so much! this made my life so much easier. I created a crater sleeve and it worked out because I clipped my curves.

[@ry90744]

Thanks for the clear and concise guide!

[@reijiinoue5336]

So helpful! Thanks so much! Loved the video, def will check out the rest of the channel! I realized that about bunny ear like curves but not like the neckline kind of thing! I'm trying to get started sewing needed some tips for curves.

[@anaesteves8268]

Thanks a lot Wendi! That was very clear and helpful. I already follow your Shiny Happy World but had never taken a peek at your tutorial videos. This is how I did it in previous projects but I wasn't sure I was doing it right.

[@WendiGratz]

I'm glad it was helpful. :-)

[@WendiGratz]

If you're having trouble keeping your seam allowance even, slow down. That gives you the most (and quickest) opportunity to correct things if you seem to be going off track. If I'm sewing a REALLY tight curve sometimes I'll go slow that I don't use the pedal at all - just turn the hand crank.

[@inspirationaljenn2673]

Thank you. You are a great teacher.

[@WendiGratz]

I've actually tried that but it doesn't work well at all. You have to cut really close to the line of stitching and, if you use pinking shears for that, it cuts away too much of the seam allowance. The one time I tried it, it made my seam too weak and it split open.

[@plantsoverpills1643]

Great instruction. I like your style.

[@WendiGratz]

@danitosan83 Glad it was helpful! That line in all instructions to "clip curves" was such a mystery to me when I started sewing. . .

[@angelaknoll5505]

Very helpful - thank you! Good idea to practice on paper first.

[@petalmcfarlane9835]

Very good demonstration ....thank God and thank you

[@jcsamimiluu]

This is a great tutorial. Do you have any tips for keeping the seam allowance even when sewing curves? I am doing a shift dress that has curved armholes and they are tripping me up. Also, how much did you shorten the stitch length? I'm assuming not to do it to the very smallest since you said you had made it too short at first. Thanks so much for the great information.

[@cillanoodle]

thank you so much for this video! it was very informative and helped me finish my pumpkin.

[@ddschwen]

Great tutorial, thank you! Could you also use pinking scissors for either curve?

[@butterflytink82]

Thanks for video. It's great to have a detailed tutorial explained. Quick question, when sewing curves with a standard foot, is there a trick for not coming away i.e. Do you watch needle or other part of foot! xx

[@WendiGratz]

It depends on the pattern. For a small, fiddly piece where I've drawn on the stitching line or I'm using freezer paper as my guide - I watch the needle. For most sewing I use the edge of my presser foot as my guide - but I do mostly craft sewing where the seam allowance is usually 1/4 inch. For garment sewing - where the seam allowance is usually 5/8" I watch the line engraved in the machine's throat plate.

[@blewprent]

I printed the templates and I'm practicing right now😂😂 Thank you so much!

[@DecoraPunk]

Oh my gosh thank you! I was having a little trouble with this but you explained everything so clearly that I've got it now :D thanks!

[@WendiGratz]

I'm glad it was helpful. :-)

[@marionbartley214]

Thank You for these helpful tips.

[@thenittingnurse]

Wow! This is an awesome tutorial. Your a great instructor and so upbeat. Thank you so much!! Just subscribed! Janet Verisotosky.

[@dianeperkins7720]

Brilliant instructions. Very clear. Thank you

[@Chibi-Fisch]

I found this most informative. Thank you!

[@patternboy3074]

Thank you so much for your informative videos Wendi. You rock!!

[@pamelaaverill6001]

Thank you very much. Love the details

[@fredericchopin5224]

Thank you so much! This was very well explained and detailed.

[@sueshigley]

Excellent, thank you so much. You made me feel so much better abt my sewing curves.

[@WendiGratz]

I'm glad it was helpful. :-)

[@mariamesquivias]

This is amazing, I had no idea I could do this... thank you!

[@MandiBrooks101]

I love love love your videos! Thank you!

[@roddyjen]

Insanely, INSANELY helpful. Do these tips apply to piecing the curved components of a drunkard's path or double wedding ring quilt block? I want to add curves to quilting my quilting arsenal, but I'm lost, sensei!

[@ARISUinW0NDERLAND]

Thank you for making this video. It's very helpful!

[@WendiGratz]

I'm glad it was helpful. :-)

[@jcsamimiluu]

Thanks Wendy! It took a little practice but I think I got it!

[@qormi1000]

Thank you Wendi. Hope we see more videos from you.

[@Liliana2552]

Hola Wendi. Soy de Argentina y estoy agradecida por haber encontrado tu web, es tan instructiva !! Tengo dificultad en entenderte cómo coser el borde de las piezas ensambladas para hacer un apliquee. Cúal es el orden para coserlas? Muchas gracias por tu generosidad...Lily

[@WendiGratz]

I'm not sure I translated your question properly, but I think this link might help you. www.shinyhappyworld.com/2016/02/everything-you-need-to-know-about-how-to-applique.html

[@blewprent]

I realized that my presser foot pressure made a huge difference. I couldnt guide the paper at all at first because the presser foot was clamped down so tight. Good lesson because I'm going to be sewing a lot of lycra and stretch fabrics.

[@miakartika5562]

blewprent then how to loosen the presser foot?

[@jackiekirkman9984]

Thank you ! thank you!! that was a great informative video!!!

[@Reggie9234]

Very helpful, Thank you for making this video.

[@arielmyers4028]

So so helpful! Thank you!

[@freedac.j.2271]

That was a great lesson! Thank you for the tips!

[@WendiGratz]

Enjoy!

[@donnawheaton3986]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@kplicanic]

Your vids are always so great. Thanks Wendi! (PS: So fun to see you on Craftsy!)

[@MimuzulaSongs]

you are amazing. thank you so much for all the videos. X

[@WendiGratz]

Happy to help! :-)

[@andreawalker2535]

Thanks for this. I spent some intense time with my sewing machine today trying to sew a couple of curved areas for a romper top and will have to scrap that. This video was helpful. Thing is, how do you do the curves when you are sewing a 1/2 in. seam allowance? Thanks for any help on this. :)

[@WendiGratz]

Same method - just keep the outside edge - right where you're sewing - on the 1/2" line engraved on your machine's throat plate.

[@andreawalker2535]

Thank you!

[@reesemorgan2259]

Thanks. I wish I'd watched this before I tried to sew a dart - I'm still learning everything. Ruined my project. I know it's not a curve, but I was supposed to sew off the fabric at the end and onto the needle plate ( is that what is meant when you sew "off the fabric"? ), so I kind of had to make a sharpish curve. My machine wouldn't do it and it's a pretty new machine. I don't know if it's the machine or me. It just protests so much. Had spent so much time and care trying to make a skirt, my first item of clothing. Gutted!

[@WendiGratz]

I'm so glad they've been helpful! :-)

[@roddyjen]

Thanks so much, Wendy!

[@WendiGratz]

You've got to clip it or it won't open to a smooth curve when you turn it right side out. If you're really worried about it, sew a double line of stitching VERY close together and clip up to that.

[@WendiGratz]

Thanks so much!

[@WendiGratz]

Happy to help. :-)

[@jillfarrell6388]

Wonderful did not know about this will help with making dolly clothes thank you x

[@b3hr057]

@ aapx 1:47 the presser foot is raised but it was unclear to me whether it is lowered again. Was it? Does it always need to be lowered to sew? Just learning. PS I am trying to make a BBQ cover for a rectangular propane BBQ. My current plan is three separate pieces of fabric, the main piece covers the back, top and front, then two identical side pieces sewed onto that to complete it. I just don't want any bunches or creases once I'm done so I'm trying to figure out what technique(s) I should use. Thanks for the video and the tips!

[@WendiGratz]

Yes - you always need to lower the presser foot to sew. otherwise you just get a rat's nest of thread underneath.

[@brendacastro9159]

Awesome video! Subscribed.

[@kimballentyne9069]

Thanks Wendy. What about a complete circle?

[@WendiGratz]

I'm glad it was helpful. :-)

[@MissLeigh78]

Thank you SO MUCH. I was killing myself with hand-sewing because I just couldn't get the hang of turning with the machine.

[@robinduffy1309]

Brilliant - thank you.

[@WendiGratz]

@Naztrida Thanks Astrid!

[@debramineely9069]

thanks for this video. very helpful for this "learner". :)

[@oliviac7201]

I working with broadcloth and I'm afraid that the fabric will fray and come apart if I clip it :( What should I do?

[@WendiGratz]

@imovieadventures What a nice note - thanks so much!

[@Vyseblues]

This will be super useful when i make my first plush.

[@tuttytutty1]

Brilliant! Huge thanks x

[@alicia8366]

What kind of scissor are you using? I need to clip a curved pattern I’m working on and I need a scissor that’s really good for clipping the fabric

[@WendiGratz]

In the video I wasn't using anything special. Now these are my favorites. shop.shinyhappyworld.com/collections/quilt-supplies/products/perfect-scissors They have a slightly serrated edge, so they "grab" the fabric as you cut, allowing you to go right up to the line of stitching. They're awesome.

[@smallpets9164]

Pinking shears cab be used for curves.

[@WendiGratz]

@LiquidOberon Thanks!

[@hamerhaner]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@EuphemiaGrubb]

Thank you.

[@WendiGratz]

You're welcome. :-)

[@WendiGratz]

@mERMAIDofDEATh Glad it was helpful!

[@WendiGratz]

Thanks so much! :-)

[@haideerocks]

Thank you so helpful

[@briseispriam749]

Thank you so much! I have learn sewing for a few weeks !. :( I haved to learn this method on my own. :((( My partner in the factory not showed me.

[@WendiGratz]

I'm glad it was helpful. :-)

[@cutflower36]

hey. so what is the stitch length best for sewing curves. 2.5 or wider 4.0?

[@WendiGratz]

It depends on the curve, your machine, and how much experience you have. In general, the tighter the curve, the shorter the stitch length should be for the smoothest sewing.

[@WendiGratz]

Thanks! :-)

[@krishurwit205]

Thank you!

[@tannertannertanner7316]

thank you wendi!

[@cutflower36]

Nicely done

[@tifisihitaraaya8304]

thank you dear!!!

[@WendiGratz]

You're welcome. :-)