How to Sew/pin Curved Edges
I’ve been asked to demonstrate how to sew curved edges. And especially how I pin them first, to keep the fabric flat.
Here’s a rounded pocket that I’m attaching to a curved piece of fabric, so you can see exactly how I do it.
Tools and materials:
- Long ball-point pins
- Sewing machine
1. Order of work
Many patterns use notches or marks to help you position curves such as sleeve heads or pockets correctly.
To keep everything even, I like to place my pins down one side and then the other, matching the notches as I go and keeping the fabric flat.
Then I come back to the lower curved edge and pin that last.
2. How to pin
I like to use long, ball-pointed pins for this.
I push the pin straight into the fabric near the edge, from the front to the back.
I pinch a small amount of the fabric, then bring the pin through to the front.
Your pins should be pointing inwards and at 90 degrees to the edge of the fabric, on the straight and curved edges.
3. Sewing technique
Find your reference point so you can keep the stitching even around the curve.
Sew slowly until just before your needle is about to hit the next pin.
Slide the pin out of the fabric - this is why it’s important they face the right way - and continue sewing slowly to the next pin.
Keep your focus on the fabric immediately under your needle. As long as your presser foot is aligned with your reference point, your stitching will be even.
How to sew curved edges
Sew at an even speed and your stitches won’t bunch up. If you find it hard to control your foot pedal, take your foot off it and turn the wheel manually.
And that’s all there is to it!
Let me know in the comments if this was helpful for you.
Next, check out my Quick Understitch Tutorial for Sewing Beginners.
Then go ahead and drop me a follow on my TikTok: @.keycult
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