So, I have read a lot about piecing curves. Many people have said how difficult it is to piece a curved seam. For this reason, I have shied away from it. Until Now. I like all kinds of quilts, traditional, modern, weird, you name it. I saw a quilt a couple of weeks ago and I thought to myself, I want to make something like that. But Oh No, it has curved piecing. Yikes! (Me talking in my head) Maybe I better not, that is way too difficult for me. You always want to try new things, so why not? OK, my multiple personalities decided that I should go for it.
Here is the weird thing. It was not really hard. I did the first one and thought, OK, maybe I got lucky, so kept on. Surprise! Not really that hard. It does take a little more time, because you can’t whip right through it like you would a straight seam. Here is what I found.
- I found that placing the smaller piece (the one you are piecing into the other) let’s
call it the outside curve, on the bottom and sewing it like that works best. So, my outside curve (with the outside arch) was on the bottom. My photo shows it with the outside curve on top, so you can see it, but when I pin and sew, I flip it over so it is on the bottom 
- Pin, Pin, Pin. I hate to pin, but you really need to.
- Sew at a slow steady rate. Don’t be a speed demon.
Piece of cake. You got this.
Happy Sewing
Happy Quilting
QuiltingNeeds.com 
You are way braver than I am — I’m still working on the straight seams, but you go girl!
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Suprisingly easy. …. thanks!
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You are speaking my language today! I have been avoiding curved piecing. There’s several patterns I’d like to try with curves. But I’m afraid of the curves. So you’ve inspired me! After all, you didn’t mention that it made you cry or anything! 🙂 Maybe I will be brave and give it a go.
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No crying at all. Give it a shot, was not nearly as hard as I thought. Can’t wait to see what you do.
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Great tips! I was also very worried about sewing curved pieces when I first started quilting. But it’s just a matter of persevering and – as you say – a lot of pinning! Mx
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Not nearly as hard as I thought or expected. Give it a shot, when you find the right pattern!
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I can see a circle block coming down the road Lori – Never done them either – so much fun to try the techniques that “make us shy” away from because it takes time and pinning, or just plain patience! Great post!
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Thanks Nanette!
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Yes, curves are easy when you know how. It’s a bit like sewing hexagons. I can’t understand why anyone would go to the bother of hand-stitching over paper, then hand-sewing and then pulling out all the original hand-stitching when it is so easy to machine piece hexagons. Well done for having a go and achieving such a great result!
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Thanks!
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Good for you Lori! Setting sleeves got me over the curve issue, but I have heard others talk of their fears. I think you spoke to many people, by your jumping in and giving it a go….way more helpful than someone like me trying to encourage! Your tips are spot on. The only thing I would add…if your pattern has that little notch in the center of each piece, it helps you to have smooth blocks so make that your first pin. If not, folding the two pieces in half will find an accurate center for that first pin. 💐
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I agree with everything you said. I used to sew a lot of clothes, so maybe that is why i didn’t find this difficult. Thanks Kathy!
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Thanks for tips.
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Yay!😄❤
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Looks good to me! I’ve done a few, but the time issue is what keeps me from doing more – plus, I don’t often fall in love with a pattern that needs the curves. I did about half a dozen wedding ring blocks for something at one time, and it wasn’t that hard, either.
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🙂
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First, let me thank you for your blog. You are an inspiration and every time I read yours I want to go write on mine. Course I haven’t done it…but time will tell. Anyway, I agree curved piecing is not as hard as everyone seems to think. Maybe they try to sew too fast. I don’t use pins, but I stop and start a lot and readjust.
Keep on going, you are doing great!
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Thank you so much for your kind words. You made my day!
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Good for you!
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You’re right curved piecing isn’t hard and your tips are spot on! It took me a minute to get the hang of it. I pin and clip my seams to get them to lay flat. I don’t like the amount of fabric waste curved piecing generates. I’m glad you shared your enthusiasm 🙂
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Thanks!
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Way to go Lori! Sometimes we just have to face our fears and then realize there was nothing to be afraid of after all:). I want to say your curves are beautiful, but that just sounds risqué!! Lol😊❤️
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Bahaha. You crack me up. Thanks for that.
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The very first quilt class that I took was a sampler quilt that had 2 Drunkards Path blocks. I loved it and it was surprisingly easy, but I have never used it in a pattern since… this makes me want to make a whole quilt using that block!😄
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I hope you do!
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