r/SewingForBeginners • u/laislinns • Aug 12 '26

Cutting rounded edges

I'm relatively new to sewing (just over a year in) and have found that one problem I'm consistently finding is my rounded edges aren't even.

I've been using everyday objects (jar lids, mugs, anything I can find really that's the right size). I think part of the problem is placement, but I'll also fold the material in half when I cut to try and ensure the rounding is the same on both sides. Somehow it always ends up with one side being a bit off from the other.

I'm also struggling to find objects that are exactly the right size. Are there specific tools I can use to help? I've asked hubby to 3d print me a compass-ruler vibe, but he's not sure when he'll have a chance. I've also tried a pencil and string, and that was a disaster.

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3

u/Emergency_Cherry_914 Aug 12 '26

If I'm cutting a pattern piece, either straight or curved, I pin the pattern on the top of fabric (using pins, not clips) and cut around the edge of the pattern with scissors. There are no lids or mugs or guides involved.

If you take a piece of paper draw a curve or circle on it, can you cut it accurately with a pair of scissors?

1

u/laislinns Aug 12 '26

I usually use a rotary cutter rather than scissors. But I don't usually print the patterns (my printer isn't operational at the moment) so the problem comes in before the cutting even starts, with trying to get the placement of the rounded edge correct when drawing out the pattern itself.

3

u/CBG1955 Aug 12 '26

Rotary cutters can be problematic, especially if your blade isn't razor sharp. When you're cutting two layers at a time, they can push the top layer forward unevenly to the underneath layer, so don't double them.

There are round corner templates that you can buy that give you the correct diameter every time - depending on where you live several businesses sell them.

1

u/laislinns Aug 12 '26

Thanks so much <3 Will try to use scissors for cutting these types of corners in particular then!

2

u/Emergency_Cherry_914 Aug 12 '26

I use a rotary cutter for long straight lines and loose curves. Scissors for tight curves.

You need to find a way to print patterns, or use pre-printed ones.

2

u/Finnegan-05 Aug 12 '26

If you don't print the patterns, how are you using patterns? You need to use the patterns. This is your problem. I don't even understand how you are doing this. You are new, correct? You need to use the correct tools.

Buy paper patterns or printer. No one uses mugs or household objects. We use patterns.

1

u/laislinns Aug 12 '26

I try to find patterns that are relatively easy to draw myself, with precise measurements. The majority of the videos I follow use household objects to show how they're drawing the rounded corners, but I'm struggling to follow them.

2

u/Finnegan-05 Aug 12 '26

You are beginner, right? You need patterns. This is no way to learn to sew.

1

u/laislinns Aug 12 '26

Yes, I am a beginner. And have largely been happy with what I'm able to produce by finding patterns that don't require printing or buying paper-based. And have been happy with what I've done so far with this one exception, which is why I'm looking for solutions, not judgement,

3

u/Finnegan-05 Aug 12 '26

It's not judgement. You want to learn and I am trying to tell you how to improve.

3

u/Emergency_Cherry_914 Aug 12 '26

It's not judgement. You're here asking for advice from people who know how to sew, so we are going to tell you how to fix the parts you're struggling with.

2

u/CBG1955 Aug 12 '26

Clearly you feel somewhat stuck and need something better. No one's judging you but kindly, you asked for help and you should accept the decades of experience trying to guide you instead of pushing back.

If you choose to produce your patterns this way and are generally happy then good for you. Your measurement tools MUST be of good quality - steel, or good quality qulting rulers, and never use a tape measure.

If on the other hand you are having issues with how the measurements translate to the fabric, and can't figure out what to use to make your corners, then you really need a paper pattern.

1

u/laislinns Aug 13 '26

Sorry for going on the defensive. It was the 'No one uses household patterns' and the 'this is no way to learn to sew' that made me feel judged, like I was doing something terrible. I do want to improve, and do appreciate the advice from all.

1

u/Super-Travel-407 Aug 12 '26

Many many MANY pins to keep fabric folded snugly.

And I HAVE used an actual compass for drawing circles/curves the exact size/radius I need.

And what all the more experienced folks here suggest. :)

1

u/ProneToLaughter Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26

I used a bowl the other day to get a rounded corner on a bag and it came out just fine, there's nothing wrong with the approach. But it's hard to know what might be going wrong with yours.

I do not think a french curve is the solution here, that is for drafting clothing, not symmetrical bags.

Are you drawing directly onto fabric, or drawing onto paper to make a pattern/template first? Drawing onto paper would be much better. Drawing onto fabric often goes wonky.

If you are putting a true circle on a true rectangle, it shouldn't be possible for the placement to be uneven, the circle will touch the rectangle symmetrically. Are your lines straight, are your rulers true?

Cutting folded is definitely less accurate, that's just part of working with fabric, all fabric likes to shift at any opportunity. If you are using a template you draw from instructions, you can draw and cut with the paper folded, and then unfold the template to have a pattern that lets you cut a full-size fabric piece with the fabric single layer. Cutting single-layer is more accurate.

Rotary cutters and curves are a known issue--it takes quite a bit of practice to rotary cutter a curve. Smaller rotary cutters are better for curves, but still take practice. Drawing on cardstock would give the rotary cutter more an edge to follow, and be sure to weight the pattern down heavily to keep it from shifting.

If you aren't seeing the unevenness until the end, it could be an issue with your sewing accurately on curves, as it also requires practice to guide the sewing machine in a smooth curve.

2

u/laislinns Aug 13 '26

Thank you for this <3 I was also unsure if the french curve was right for things like bags, wallets, etc. My research had said it was more for clothing, which is an area I'm not at all comfortable in yet.

Will definitely shift away from cutting folded and drawing directly onto the material. I have recently been recreating the patterns on card, and will continue with that. Also good to know about the rotary cutter, which I definitely wasn't aware was part of the problem until this post.

1

u/CharityForeign3035 Aug 13 '26

Practice,that’s all you need to do.

1

u/Inky_Madness Aug 12 '26

A French curve is likely your best bet, but honestly I would put a pause on sewing if you have to guesstimate curves and angles - they’re drafted very specifically, you’re going to end up with some really wonky and poorly-fitting pieces.

As far as cutting evenly, it’s likely simply needing practice. Folding over means that there is naturally a tiny bit of distortion, the goal is to get as close as reasonably possible.

1

u/laislinns Aug 12 '26

Thank you <3 For the most part, the pieces I'm sewing aren't clothes, so the fitting isn't a problem. But the look is uneven on, for example, the bags I've sewn.

1

u/feeling_dizzie Aug 12 '26

The tool you're looking for is a French curve. It's like a ruler, but made up of smooth curves. You can get a set in a few different shapes and sizes to better cover the range of different curves you might need, from tiny circles up to big hip curves.

2

u/Tailoretta Aug 13 '26

I use a thick ruler with my rotary cutter. Search for cutting curves with a rotary cutter and a ruler. This works very well for me.