My Top Tips for Sewing Curves!
If you’re looking to get into the wonderful world of making curvy quilts, I have some tips for you! Also, here is a video on my favorite way to make quarter-circle blocks:
Test Your Templates & Make a Test Block
If you’re using paper templates, make sure you print the templates at actual size. You should then make sure the 1-inch block measures correctly. You can also verify the seam allowances measure 1/4 inch. I also strongly recommend cutting and sewing a test block before cutting an entire quilt.
Reinforce Your Templates
If using paper templates and you are making more than one block, I recommend reinforcing the templates. You can use many different things including cardboard, cardstock, some people use plastic cutting boards form the dollar store, etc. I personally like to use template plastic. You can see what I bought and use in my amazon storefront here (I only have things listed I’ve purchased and used!) I use scotch tape to adhere the paper to the template plastic
Use Painter’s Tape on Your Templates
Use blue painter’s tape on the back of your templates when cutting fabric. This helps provide some stability. If the template is large enough, I also use large washers as pattern weights. If cutting through multiple layers of fabric, I will use wonder clips to keep the layers of fabric together if necessary.
Cut Strips of Fabric
Before cutting out the templates, cut strips of fabric as wide as the template (start with your biggest template). This way, when you line your shapes up, two sides are already cut!

Press the Middles to Make Creases That Nest
When you’re ready to sew, press your inner and outer template fabrics opposite (one right sides together, one wrong sides together) so that they create creases that nest together when you’re ready to pin!

Pin Your Block
There are lots of different opinions out there on this one. Pin blocks? Glue blocks? Just go for it? After trying a few methods, I like to pin the middles and edges (but about an inch from the edge) and add clips in the middle. I may add more depending on the size of the block!

Sew
Sew the block like you would any other thing, go nice and slow and only worry about what is in front of your needle. If a wrinkle develops, with the needle down, life the presser foot and carefully tug the fabric backwards to get rid of the fold. Once you’re happy, put your presser foot down and keep on going!
Trim
Trim your block according to the pattern or templates instructions. For me, I try to only trim the straight edges that are part of the outer templates. I recommend watching the YouTube video above for the trimming portion if you have any questions!
Next Steps!
Ready to tackle a curvy quilt block. Check out my shop for free templates to give it a try and then check out one of my curvy patterns if you’re ready to take the plunge!!