How to Use Your French Curve | Pattern Making For Beginners

[@julieidlewilde103]

I watched 10 French Curve videos and yours was the only one to answer all my questions. THANK YOU!

[@giuliochris]

I love reading comments like this!!! I'm so glad I could help!

[@christinesuter9954]

Oml SAME

[@lawrencejlittle]

I can’t believe in less than two minutes you helped me overcome a serious problem I was having in creating armholes in my patterns…using the “ boundary lines” is a lifesaver. Thank you very much.

[@stabysfavorites2080]

Same here. I drafted my first bodice block and my neckline and arm scye looked really odd. I now realize, that these lines can start as a straight line at both ends. I now know how to use my french curve properly.

[@2KITTIES-CLRR]

You have just answered so many questions I've had about using the French Curve. They include how I was wondering how you determine just where to start the measurements on the ruler when you are drafting a pattern. I always thought you had to go by the numbers on the rulers. With how you explain things in your video, it seems (to me) that you don't actually have to rely on the numbered measurements of the ruler. However, there are guidelines for your starting points which are along the "90 degree angles." Again, your video is quite informative and helpful to me. TYSM for sharing your techniques and knowledge with us.

[@EllyQueue]

Lord it's always the OG videos that are the clearest. I've watched a half dozen and this made SO MUCH SENSE! My beginner bag making self understands this! Thank you!!

[@sabeena011]

Never knew this! I'm in the process of learning how to pattern draft, and no one else has mentioned these 90 degrew guidelines. Thank you sooo much! Lots of love, From England UK. xxx

[@eCoach7]

Thank you! KZbin is amazing because of people like you.

[@eileenmuccillo8047]

Thank you so much! I have always been confused as to which part of a curve ruler to line up. These “ boundaries ” you put in are brilliant! Thank you again!

[@georgina-a]

Using the curve makes so much more sense after seeing this video! Thank you for taking the time out to explain it :)

[@johnconnor5038]

the 90 degree thing really makes sense, THANKS!

[@giuliochris]

+John Connor You're welcome!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Awesome. I need to binge watch your videos.

[@kathye2758]

Thank you. I have wondered for a while what the purpose of the French curve was & your video clearly explained what it is for AND how to use it effectively. Congratulations for your very well done video.

[@mariahtipton8127]

Oh my goodness, thank you for the clear instructions and your logical explanations!

[@1Toffeey]

Your Videos are clear and concise for me...I haven't used the square as boundary lines to then use the Curve...this makes much better sense, and you have made that process look so simple. I generally take a bought pattern and play until I can get something that makes sense for my body shape. And of course many "bought" patterns hang to the unknown under the arms, or are not cut correctly for the proper wearing of the finished garment. Geeze...if only you were in the San Diego County area...I would love lessons but hands on....LOL

[@giuliochris]

+1Toffeey Hi! Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad it was easy for you to understand and that it made sense to you :) Thanks for watching !

[@jkiriau]

Thanks so much! I agree with John Connor - that 90 degree thing makes SO MUCH SENSE! Cheers

[@lettyhatfield38]

I am so happy I found your video now it makes sense. Thank you very much for this clear explanation!

[@dawnhoffmann3685]

thank you! Lining up the curve to the 90 degree set-up really makes sense for good seams!

[@jammymum]

Thanks Chris, that's a really really helpful video. I have spent years trying to work out why I would need a French curve and now I know!! You star!

[@giuliochris]

jammymum Thanks!! Glad I could help!

[@owllover4280]

I just bought some french curves and had no idea how to use them. Your video was very helpful, thanks! :D

[@luct3731]

Thank you. This is what I am looking for on where to place the curve of the ruler between two points.

[@LouisVIRex]

That is incredible. You really simplify things

[@Paudeli1]

Oh, I just learned something. Thanks a lot for your tutorial... I try to learn to sew and your tutorial will help me when sewing my first T-shirt for example.

[@SusanSlatteryquilting]

Thank you. Very well explained and helpful.

[@kalenproductions6807]

Thank you for making this so easy to understand

[@soulresonance42]

This was really helpful! Thank you for making this quick tutorial!

[@Rebekah1009]

Thank you for a clear and concise video :) happy sewing!

[@giuliochris]

Rebekah1009 you're very welcome! I try 🤓🤓

[@HMarianna]

Clear and to the point, thank you! I'm subscribing.

[@mellima4226]

This made it so much more clear 👍

[@eunicelacson3089]

That 90 degree rule helped me a lot!

[@srivatsaa.r.9936]

SIR Just now i saw yr video on HOW TO USE A FRENCH CURVE. I liked yr video very much. I have been using this curve for drawing curves, yr's this video taught me an imp. point which i had missed earlier. Thank u very much. vatsa India

[@talllala]

Thank you! Until your video I felt like I was in the sewing twilight zone. Trying to figure out how to enlarge a pattern by drawing it on a grid...but no instructions on ensuring the curves are aligned properly. It all seemed like just take a random chance, but then how could I ensure the other curved pieces matched? Clicked your video and bingo! I spent days I tell you, unable to find this answer. Brilliant, concise helpful. I am sure as hell subscribing!

[@cynthiajohnsonsloan4215]

Thank you so much, this was exactly what I was looking for. Well done also, you are a good teacher

[@giuliochris]

Cynthia Sloan Thanks! I try! I'm glad this video helped you!

[@tanjowil9743]

Thank you I learnt something watching this.. 👍

[@LuisRodriguez-wi7zd]

Very helpful. Off to try it. Thanks.

[@jordanbrooker1193]

This explanation was perfect, thank you for making this video!!!

[@Robbie46S]

that was an awesome tutorial and very well presented Chris...love it!

[@giuliochris]

R Simpson thanks! I'll be doing more like this as long as it's quick for me to do! I enjoyed it more too!

[@debigalus]

Best explanation yet! Thank you!

[@giuliochris]

+Debi Gail you're very welcome!

[@pegboyne5893]

I am so happy to find you! This was a really helpful video. Thanks for producing it!!

[@lunarrelics7898]

Awesome! So helpful. Thank you

[@sheilastone9676]

This makes so much sense! Thank you for a clear explanation.

[@MrValorhearts]

+Chris White Thank you for your help. I figured I would have to go through with sewing a sample out of muslin to see the example of the fit ( which I am about to do right now :) ), but the attention to these measurements did make me also wonder if I have been using my french curve incorrectly ( I feel like I am arching it too mich into the front and not enough into the back, as you described ). I have the simple clear plastic french curves. :) Here goes to finding out! Thank you again.

[@giuliochris]

you're very welcome! Glad I could help😊

[@olgaorde4161]

I recently got a whim to learn to sew and to "dressmake" and bought some rulers, which I have not a clue about how to use them and why. Will be learning of you. Thank you

[@ankimo1957]

Dude, you are so awesome! Many thanks for this excellent explanation!

[@madasahatter4489]

The metal curves are hip curves. The tip to check for 90 degrees at the intersections of two lines was very helpful.

[@LilumGlorias]

Thank you very much for good simple explanation! Damn, I wish people were explaining everything that easy!

[@RachelleLang1]

thank you, I am beginning to learn how to Draft, and this was very helpful.

[@giuliochris]

Rachelle Lang you're very welcome!

[@NehalPatel26]

Thanks! This was useful!

[@sauzsage]

THANK YOU! you just saved me you don’t even know 👏🏾🙏🏾

[@phyllis26red]

Thank you for the curve video.

[@LanasMomma]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@TheMrsansari]

I found this very useful.

[@Nkassa1]

thank u very much ,especially for making sure of right angles,that makes sense

[@giuliochris]

Nkassa1 You're welcome!

[@jennykhau4601]

Informative, I learn something. Thanks.

[@rainbowfox1934]

I have no interest in clothes patterns, but I found this very useful for fine art. Thank you.

[@shevaunhandley1543]

I love your logical explanation! I'm trying to redraft some hand drawn patterns I picked up and I knew I needed to use a french curve to get "true" measurements, now I know why! *subscribed*

[@giuliochris]

+Morrigan Bazar you're very welcome! I'm glad it helped you!

[@MrValorhearts]

+Chris White Shouldn't the back armhole always be greater than the front armhole measurement by 1-2 inches ( depending if male or female ) to allow the shoulder blade more movement? I have a pattern making book I am currently studying from and the first two basic front/back bodice pattern instructions have resulted in warped fits because it keeps guiding my armhole measurements to be drafted by having the front armhole larger in measurement than the back armhole measurement. I am using a french curve and connecting the points, but as to my opening question, I ask that mainly because I measured a European dress and European blazer of mine and the back armhole measurements in these garments were greater than the front measurements.

[@giuliochris]

+BooBoo Kitty That's a great question! I'll answer like this: I can't say for sure that this is an "absolute", meaning the back armhole is always bigger than the front. I will say that I measured my front and back basic bodice armhole and my back IS bigger than my front, but only by about 3/8". The shaping is definitely different. The front is more rounded and egg shaped. The back is more similar to the letter j; somewhat flat in the center with rounding mostly on the top and bottom of the armhole. Also remember to take into account that every body and the patterns made for it are different, so the only truly "perfect patterns" are the ones that actually pass the test: Does it fit well for the shape it was created to be worn on? Mass produced garments have a certain watering down of the shaping and the fit because they're made to fit a wide range of people within a certain market segment. So you'll find that sometimes the waist is bigger than it should be or smaller than is comfortable and that's because the person trying it on may be "in between" the sizes that it would fit well on. That's also why something tailor made will fit you much better than something bought off the rack. But as you sort of mentioned above, the instructions have to lead you to create the right end product as well. I hope that helps :)

[@ChristieArcher]

thank you so much for taking the time to make this helpful video. :)

[@giuliochris]

+Christie Archer You''re very welcome!

[@PeacexXxLuvxXx]

Perfect video. Thank you so much!

[@stylefreakamy]

Can this particular french curve be used in making a hip curve?

[@helenplumeridge1733]

That was really helpful thanks.

[@kimabola8258]

Yes, this made a lot of sense! Thank you!!!!

[@Mar-vg4us]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@Candacesushi]

Hi Chris. I have been teaching myself to sew and just tried crafting my first bodice block by following another youtube channel. My problem is that the shoulders and armholes to the bust line look nothing like they were pictured . For instance, at the point where the front and back armholes meet in their video, there was a flush looking curve. I ended up with something looking like the top of a heart. I figure your boundary guide advice was the problem there. Could that cause a big issue? I also ended up with a 4" shoulder dart and it just looks huge. Is that a plausible figure with drafting math? (By the way I suck at math.)

[@GardenGirlD76]

awesome! Thank you Chris!!!!

[@kathy671]

Would this help to adjust a shop bought sewing pattern? I'm new to sewing and having an 11.5 inch difference between my hips and waist...I'm finding it very difficult to adjust the pattern to fit my body properly :( x

[@Myrelaxedlife]

Comfy video. You can also find this information in McCunn's awesome book.

[@veganbean2552]

Excellently explained. Subbed.

[@VisualLove]

Your great at explaining!

[@zhixian7787]

easy to understanding for me the beginner.

[@minnieshao8108]

Hi thank you very useful tutorial can you please show a video on how to draft ladies t shirt

[@FreakyScaryChannel]

Very useful... Thanks

[@Taffe5000]

very helpful! thank you.

[@dragonstooth4223]

thanks that made a lot of sense

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

Thank you SO much for explaining this tool! I finally understand!

[@giuliochris]

Zira Michelle awesome I'm glad my explanation could help you!

[@eseagboola8704]

Thanks Chris

[@Eventsandthings]

Thanks Chris!

[@giuliochris]

You're very welcome!!!

[@akaye643]

thank you!

[@MugsyMakes]

Wow thank you! Subscribed.

[@giaalvarado2063]

Thank you! Following.

[@giuliochris]

You're very welcome!🤓🤓😘😘 I'm glad I could help

[@phyllis26red]

Thank you Chis

[@giuliochris]

Phyllis Chambliss You're welcome!

[@suramichaelbrown2193]

How long are those little lines?

[@giuliochris]

Suramichael Brown Hey there! The perpendicular (squared-horizontal) ones? I didn't measure them but something like 2 inches or more would be good. Sometimes you'll actually use part of the line to complete your curve like I did in the larger examples towards the end of the video, and sometimes your curve will end closer to the end of the line like in the first example.

[@giuliochris]

Suramichael Brown Truth be told, you really could just let the two lines intersect that way you can see the full angle that you're trying to curve.

[@ms_jacuzzi1]

Chris White I think I'll do this as a beginning, self taught sewer. Absolutely genius!!!!

[@centaur281]

thank you for clarifying that :-)

[@dontcallmelil8619]

But doesn't the positioning of the curve change the outcome? I see that you place the curve at a specific angle, if you were to place it rotated slightly, it'd have a bad curve. How do you know? is it just experience?

[@giuliochris]

yes experience and shifting the curve will change the overall outcome of the armhole etc. that's why using the right angles helps not only to make sure the curve connects to the next piece correctly but also to control the angle of the curve a bit.

[@julescuyler2794]

Thank you!!

[@angelafindlay7123]

Hi if you get the big french curve with inches on it i think you will see its a better curve to use

[@giuliochris]

Angela Findlay yeah I think I have the one you're mentioning in the video but I'm not using it for the demonstration because it's too big and it's too heavy for trying to hold it vertically without making too much noise and dropping it.

[@angelafindlay7123]

Chris White thanks Chris thanks for your kind rely am from London and I really like how you share your skills keep up the good work BLESS

[@giuliochris]

Angela Findlay Thank you and you're very very welcome! :)

[@angelafindlay7123]

bless my new friend

[@miketownsend6108]

thanks

[@phyllis26red]

Can you give me the e Book one more time please thank you.

[@giuliochris]

+Phyllis Chambliss hi, just email me and i'll send you a link.

[@ms_jacuzzi1]

Chris White I'd like one too, please [e-mail]

[@sibars2316]

More videos like these so usefull ;)

[@giuliochris]

Isabell Lolo Thanks I'm planning on it! Glad to know it was effective!

[@TheGhostFace187]

I just got a French curve with my Draw The Marvel Way subscription and thought it was to help me draw figures.

[@giuliochris]

+david johnson Hi! Rulers of all kinds are just used for drawing and drafting. Some are better suited to some things and some better to others. I never knew a french curve could be found in a drawing lesson with Marvel. That's interesting! Thanks for writing!

[@churpina]

Thank you ^_^

[@SCUBONZIES]

They should make em for graffiti art .

[@jojozepofthejungle2655]

the silver ones look like machetes

[@jammymum]

Actually, the 2nd curve you showed to demonstrate the wrong way, looked a bit like the crotch of pants... I've only just discovered you and this is the 2nd video I have watched.... Have you demonstrated the method to make the crotch of pants?

[@giuliochris]

jammymum Hi there! No I haven't done a video on the crotch for pants yet. It's something I may do in the future!

[@nathankirk8983]

If it weren't for this video I would have thrown up.

[@giuliochris]

Nathan Kirk oh dear... well it's good my video saved your lunch... or dinner.

[@ms_jacuzzi1]

Nathan Kirk lol.

[@starrstewart7083]

On WoodPrix you can find excellent plans for woodworking.

[@SwingingInTheHood]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@angiehotchkiss8963]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@opentelemark]

Helpful - thank you!