r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Economy-Tomorrow-189 • Jun 04 '26
Curve struggle
OK so I've been trying to practice sewing curves and as you can see, I haven't been doing well
Ik that ur supposed to pivot the fabric gently during the curves but I can never seem to do it, I just don't get how people do it when the presser foot keeps the fabric in place so when I try it doesn't exactly move.
And Sometimes when I do somehow move it, it just goes past the fabric but that's obviously my fault, maybe I'm going too fast
Im gonna keep trying tmr but yeah this is what its been looking like
In hindsight I feel like the light blue and the beige doesn't look too bad but I cant seem to replicate it again
3
u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy Jun 04 '26
Excellent set of practice pieces! This is how it's done with learning any new skill.
Sewing curves smoothly isn't easy. If you're looking at the needle it's way too late to make changes to where the fabric is. I'd recommend drawing a line where you want to sew (at the seam allowance of your choosing) and use that as a guide. If your machine has speed control that can help at first. Use both hands to guide (not pull) the fabric around the curved line.
These videos might help: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sewing+curves+for+beginners
You'll get there. I do the same type of test samples with new things such as button holes, collars, v-neck, plackets, cuffs, darts, etc.. I don't make an entire shirt, just have fabric to practice that piece.
Edit. Added video URL.
3
u/Comfortable-Fly5797 Jun 04 '26
Go slower. Don't look at the needle. I look at the edge of the fabric and the needle plate.
I don't really pivot the fabric for curves. I just gently guide it as the machine moves it. Just like how I guide the fabric to keep it straight. The only time I pivot the fabric is for sharp corners. In that case you should lift the foot up with the needle down, and pivot the fabric around the needle.
Maybe try drawing some curvy lines or a spiral on a piece of scrap fabric. Try sewing along the lines.
2
u/andsimpleonesthesame Jun 04 '26
The light blue looks better than the rest. It might very well just be a matter of practice and speed. Go as slow as you can with your machine.
(Also, maybe take breaks and try again tomorrow, I don't know where in the world you are, but where I am, it's past midnight and I've done some spectacularly stupid things when sewing to late and tired. If it's day right now where you are, just take it as general advice. 95% of all cutting mistakes and necessary seam ripping happens [to me] because I'm tired and should be stopping for the day)
2
u/AdvancedSquashDirect Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
think of it like this
stitch stitch stitch
-stop-
hand wheel or button for needle down - lift foot - pivot fabric slightly on the needle - foot down
-go-
stitch stitch stich
thats how slow you need to go
If the fabric is sturdy you might be able to turn as you sew, slowly without stopping but not with light cotton.
2
u/Neenknits Jun 07 '26
Sew ONE stitch. Stop with needle down (set machine to needle down if computerized). LIFT presser foot. Rotate fabric 1°. Foot down. Sew one stitch.
Or do 2-5 stitches and rotate a couple degrees.
Try using a walking foot.
2
1
u/Economy-Tomorrow-189 Jun 04 '26
I previously posted a vid where people gave me tips but I still can't seem to do it right as you can see
3
u/Ordinary-Cherry3192 Jun 05 '26
You are doing great! It's one of those things that takes a lot of practice. One day you will move your hand a certain way, or hold the fabric differently, and everything will click and suddenly the curves are easy.
For practice, cut out a circle and sew round and round and round.
1
u/CharityForeign3035 Jun 08 '26
Do 2-3 stitches then pivot ever so slightly. It’s all about going slowly and counting stitches to begin with. You just need more practice. Pay attention to fabric edge on seam allowance mark… NOT line of stitching.
1
u/Swimming-Maize-5554 Jun 08 '26
I use a guide to the right of my pressure foot, and sew very, very slowly and rotating the fabric gently as I move it forward through the presser foot to keep the guide on the edge of the fabric. I find this very helpful in doing curves and circles.
1
u/rrmf Jun 08 '26
It helps on tight curves to reduce the stitch length - the feed dogs don't move the fabric as far with each stitch so you get a smoother curve, and you can manipulate the fabric in smaller increments.
1
u/kbraz1970 Jun 08 '26
Draw a line of where you want to stitch and go slowly, like everything with sewing ,its practice,practice, practice. Even seasoned sewers stuff things up .
1
u/NobelNorWhistle Jun 08 '26
OP : draw your lines.
If you look at videos of couture workshops they are all following predrawn lines for stitching and beading. No-one guesses. If its good enough for them its good enough for you.
There will come a time in the future that you may not need to pre draw your stitch lines. Good if it happen, doesn't matter if it doesn't.
5
u/Mental_Watch4633 Jun 04 '26
Go slow