How to Sew Opposing Curves

Let’s be honest, sewing together convex and concave curves is one of the more annoying things in sewing.  I’ve been writing up a new pattern (a rocketship! I’m so excited) and, after several attempts I finally gave in to the fact that the window would simply have to be created with a concave/convex combo (sorry guys!).

But if I’m going to put an annoying step in a pattern, I at least want to describe the best way to deal with it.  So today I did a little test run on opposing curves.  I looked up a few of the more popular techniques to see which worked best, the winner would make it into my pattern instructions.  Here’s what I found:

Method 1: Tons o’ Pins

The first method was simple.  Take the curves and pin them together with a ton of pins.  To make sure things worked evenly, I pinned the two ends of the curve first.  Then I matched the middle of the curves and was able to pin in between the three pins without any major puckering or bunching. Prepping the curves this way, in comparison to the other methods, went quickly and easily.  And, in the end, this is the method that got me a perfect result (though, the other two methods resulted in only a teeny, tiny pucker each as seen in the last photo).  However, I do admit it was a little stressful to sew around so many pins.

Method 2: Gathering Stitch

Another simple method was the gathering stitch.  I set my machine’s stitch length as high as it would go and sewed down the concave curve.  You don’t actually gather the curve afterwards (despite the name of the stitch used), but having the seam there helps you ease the fabric into the shape you need it to go.  I found that if I pulled one end of the thread slightly (like I was about to gather the fabric), the curve would pull almost straight, allowing me to fit it to the convex curve much easier.

Method 3: Cutting Notches

Alright, this was obviously the most complicated method as far as prep work goes.  However, it was also definitely the easiest to sew. (my final curve did get a small pucker- as shown below- from this method, but I actually think it was because I was feeling so at ease that I didn’t put as much care into it as I did with the other methods).   To use this method, you’ll start by sewing a seam 1/4″ into each curve (you don’t sew the pieces together yet, you’re just marking where they’ll meet).  I would suggest using a gathering stitch for these seams, since you’ll want to pull them out later if they’re showing.  Also note, if your seam allowance is different than 1/4″, you’ll use that measurement when sewing these placement seams.

Once your pieces are marked, take the concave curve and cut notches out along the edge.  Make sure you do not cut past the placement seam.  Once your notches are cut, the concave curve will easily stretch open to match the curve of the convex seam.    Match the two placement seams as you pin your pieces together for sewing, switch your machine back to a normal stitch length (smaller than the gathering stitch) and sew away.

Conclusion:

So which method was best?  I really thought one would stand out above the others, but to be honest, they all worked great. If I had to give an official opinion, I’d say a combination of all three would work the best.  I’d probably sew the gathering stitch, clip a few notches and then pin very well.  To finish up, I’d definitely iron with lots of steam (I added the pre-iron shots in case you’re like me and get tempted to skip that step.  I think ironing was actually the thing that made these look the best!)

But, when I sew I like to enjoy myself more than I like to make things absolutely perfect.  Personally, I tend to get bored of working carefully, so unless I’m making a super duper special keepsake, I think I’d stick with the method with the least prep work.  That way I can save my patience for when I’m actually sewing the seam rather than getting bored before I’ve even started :).

Whatever method you choose, you should be just fine.  I vote you find the method that works with your sewing personality, and get sewing!