Simple Steps to Sewing Curve Seams for Quilt Blocks

Sewing curves can be a little intimidating if you have not tried it yet. There are so many fun sewing projects that use curves in their design. Next week, we will have free pattern that utilizes curve sewing that is super cute and we think you will adore it! To get ready, here is step-by-step tutorial on how to sew curves. Once you have a few tips and tricks to curve seam sewing, taking on new patterns with curve seams will really expand your sewing experience. Keep reading for all the details.

Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Curves

Practice Template: Curve Seam Quilt Block Practice Template

Here is a practice template to help you get started. There is a convex and a concave side to curve sewing. Use the link above to open the template and then print it out. Included with the template is a 1” Sizing Guide. Measure the 1” Square Test Block to make sure the template is printed at the correct dimension. Grab some scrap fabric and cut out both the convex and concave sides of the templates.

Place both templates over the fabric. Use either pins or binding clips to hold the template in place and then cut along the outside edges. Now, you are ready to get started!

Step 1: Prepare Fabric with Starch

Press fabric prior to sewing and use starch to the stiffen fabric. This will make sewing curves easier and give you more control over the placement of the fabric.

Step 2: Mark Center of Fabric

Fold each fabric in half and finger press the center line. This will be a guide to lining up both the concave and convex sides of the fabrics.

Step 3: Line-up Fabrics

With Right Sides of Fabric facing each other, line-up the center of the fabrics with the finger pressed line. Pin along the center line to hold the fabrics in place.

Step 4: Pin Fabrics

Next line-up the two edges of fabric and pin to hold in place.

Step 5: Continue Pinning

Now pin fabric in the center spots between the middle pin and outer edge pins. You will need to adjust the fabric and line it up as you go.

Continue adding pins until the fabric lies flat along the edge. Below are pictures of both sides pinned.

Step 6: Begin Sewing

Sew with the Concave side upward. Using a quarter inch foot guide really helps with seam allowance accuracy. Sew along the curve and remove the pins as you go. Take it slow and adjust the fabric as sew around the curve.

Step 7: Press

Press the seams towards the concave piece from the wrong side of the fabric. Flip to the right side of the fabric and give it a final press.

That’s it! Practice making a few and you will be ready for a curve seam sewing project.

Here’s a little sneak peak at next week’s free tutorial using this technique. We are so excited to share it with you! Happy Sewing!