Table of Contents
- Materials
- Prepare Your Fabric
- Pinning and Clipping
- Sewing the Curve
- Pressing
- Finish the Edges
- Additional Tips
Sewing curves can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and some practice, you can achieve smooth, professional-looking results. Here are some tips and instructions to help you sew curves effectively.
Materials
Bernette B38 or B 37 Sewing Machine
Make sure your sewing machine is in good working condition. Contact a STEAM technician if you need support with a sewing machine.
Needles and Thread
Use a needle suited for your fabric (e.g., ballpoint for knits, universal for woven fabrics). Choose a good-quality cotton or polyester thread that is the appropriate weight for your sewing project.
Fabric Scissors or Fabric Snips
Pins or Clips
Prepare Your Fabric
- Cutting: Make sure your fabric pieces are accurately cut according to the pattern. Use sharp scissors designated for fabric only or a rotary cutter for clean edges.
- Notches and Markings: Mark the curves on your fabric with tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker. Notch the curves to help with ease.
Pinning and Clipping
Pinning: Pin the fabric pieces together at regular intervals, placing pins perpendicular to the seamline. For tighter curves, you may need to use more pins.
- Clipping: After sewing, clip the seam allowances along the curve (not through the stitches) to reduce bulk and allow the fabric to lay flat.
Sewing the Curve
- Stitch Length: Use a shorter stitch length (around 2.0 mm) for curves. This makes the curve smoother and less likely to pucker.
- Seam Allowance: Follow the seam allowance indicated by your pattern. For curves, a narrower seam allowance can help the fabric ease into the curve more smoothly.
- Sew Slowly: Sew at a slower speed, especially around tight curves, to maintain control and accuracy.
- Guide the Fabric: Gently guide the fabric with your hands or a fabric guide, but let the feed dogs move the fabric through the machine. Avoid pulling or stretching.
Pressing
- Pressing as You Go: Press the seam allowances toward the desired direction as you sew. For curves, press the seam allowances open or to one side depending on the pattern instructions.
- Use a Pressing Ham: For curves, a pressing ham or a rolled-up towel can help to press the curves more effectively.
Finish the Edges
- Overlock/Serge: Use an overlocker or serger to finish the raw edges of the seam allowances to prevent fraying.
- Bias Tape: For raw edges on curves, you can use bias tape to finish the edges neatly.
Additional Tips
- Practice: Before working on your actual project, practice sewing curves on a scrap piece of fabric to get a feel for how your machine handles them.
- Curve Templates: If you have trouble with specific curves, using curve templates or guides can help maintain smooth, even curves.
With these tips, you'll be well on your way to sewing curves with confidence. Happy sewing!