How to Use a French Curve for Sewing

Accommodate a shapely figure by creating a curve where needed, even if the original pattern line is straight. Accomplish this by adding your measurements to the corresponding portion of the pattern you want to change and using the curved side of a French curve to join the points you drew.

Customize a skirt or pants pattern. You can create a skirt or pants pattern that seamlessly fits your hips, by moving a French curve along the side seams until the curves closely correspond to your body measurements from your waist to your hips. Draw the new curves. This waist-to-hip pattern alteration method also can be used for dresses and long jackets.

Adjust a pattern for high hips by positioning a French curve so that its straight end is pointed toward the hemline to achieve the appropriate curve to fit your measurements. Change a high hip curve to a straight hip curve by positioning the French curve in the opposite direction.

Redraw a dart to match your bust line without causing the sides of the pattern to become lopsided. To keep the sides even after realigning the dart, use the edge of a French curve that matches your pattern line to create a new cutting line for your pattern piece.

Create a lower neckline on a pattern by first deciding how deep you want the new neckline to be. Denote that measurement on the pattern, and then line up your French curve with that mark so that it crosses the pattern’s cutting line for the corresponding shoulder, which shouldn’t be changed. Redraw the neckline by following the new line created by this placement.