Sparrow Refashion: A Blog for Sewing Lovers and DIY Enthusiasts

This Post Shows You How to Use French Curved Rulers in Pattern Making: A Beginner’s Guide.

If you love sewing and making your own clothes, you might have heard of curved rulers, also known as armhole rulers. These are special tools that help you draw smooth and accurate curves on your patterns, such as necklines, armholes, hips, and cuffs. In this post, I will explain what curved rulers are, what are the types, why they are so important, and how to use them in pattern making. Plus, I have a special surprise for you: I have prepared some printable curved rulers that you can download and make for yourself. It’s a great way to check out how this sewing tool will work for you and save some money.

But before we dive into the details, let me tell you a bit more about myself and why I decided to write this post. I am a passionate sewer who loves to create my own clothes from scratch. I started sewing when I was a teenager. However, as a beginner, I also faced many difficulties and frustrations. One of the biggest challenges I had was drawing and measuring curves on flat patterns. I didn’t have any curved rulers, and I didn’t know how to use them. I tried to make my own patterns by tracing existing clothes or using freehand drawing. Needless to say, the results were disastrous. My patterns looked like they were made by a drunk monkey. The curves were jagged, uneven, and unrealistic. The clothes I made from them were ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and unflattering. I was so frustrated and embarrassed that I almost gave up on sewing.

Then, one day, I stumbled upon a blog post about curved rulers. I was intrigued by how they could help me create smooth and continuous curves that fit the human body and the style of the garment. I decided to give them a try and ordered a set of curved rulerse. When they arrived, I was amazed by how easy and fun they were to use. I could draw and measure curves on flat patterns with precision and confidence. I could also modify and develop existing patterns to suit my preferences and creativity. My patterns improved dramatically, and so did my clothes. I was so happy and proud of myself that I wanted to share my experience and knowledge with other sewers.

That’s why I wrote this post. I want to help you understand what curved rulers are, what are the types, why they are so important, and how to use them in pattern making. And I also want to give you a special surprise: some printable curved rulers that you can download and make for yourself. Trust me, once you try them, you will never go back to freehand drawing or tracing. You will love curved rulers as much as I do.

So, let’s get started!

What are curved rulers?

Curved rulers are shaped rulers that have different curves on each side. They are made of plastic, metal, or acrylic, and they usually have both metric and imperial measurements marked on them. Curved rulers are used to draw and measure curves on flat patterns, which are the two-dimensional representations of garments. Curved rulers help you create smooth and continuous curves that fit the human body and the style of the garment.

You might be wondering why you need curved rulers when you can just use a regular ruler or a tape measure. Well, the answer is simple: because the human body is not made of straight lines. The body has curves and contours that need to be respected and followed when making patterns and clothes. If you use a straight ruler or a tape measure, you will end up with sharp corners and angles that can cause problems in sewing and fitting. For example, if you use a straight ruler to draw an armhole, you will get a square or a rectangle, which will not fit the shape of the arm or the shoulder. If you use a tape measure to draw a neckline, you will get a circle or an oval, which will not fit the shape of the neck or the chest.

Curved rulers allow you to create smooth transitions between different parts of the garment, such as the shoulder, the armhole, and the sleeve. They also help you add style and flair to your patterns, such as creating different necklines, collars, and cuffs. Curved rulers are essential tools for pattern making that will make your life easier and your clothes better.

What are the types of curved rulers?

There are different types of curved rulers for different purposes and parts of the garment. Some of the most common ones are:

• French curve ruler: This is the most versatile and widely used curved ruler in pattern making. It has a variety of curves that can be used for necklines, armholes, sleeve caps, bust darts, and more. It can also be used to blend and adjust lines on existing patterns. The French curve ruler is named after the French fashion designer and inventor Charles Frederick Worth, who popularized its use in the 19th century. He is considered the father of haute couture and the first designer to put labels on his clothes. He was also known for his lavish and extravagant creations that were worn by royalty and celebrities. The French curve ruler is a tribute to his legacy and influence in the fashion industry.
• Hip curve ruler: This ruler is ideal for drawing curves around the hips and waistline. It can also be used for flares, godets, and circular skirts. The hip curve ruler is shaped like a quarter circle with a straight edge. It has a gentle curve that follows the natural curve of the hip and the waist. The hip curve ruler is especially useful for making fitted garments that hug the body, such as pencil skirts, trousers, and dresses. The hip curve ruler is also known as the tailor’s curve ruler, because it was originally used by tailors to make custom-made suits and coats.
• Cuff curve ruler: This ruler is designed for drawing curves around cuffs, collars, and other small areas that require precise shaping. The cuff curve ruler is shaped like a half circle with a straight edge. It has a sharp curve that creates a smooth and neat finish. The cuff curve ruler is perfect for making details that add character and charm to your garments, such as cuffs, collars, pockets, and plackets. The cuff curve ruler is also known as the buttonhole curve ruler, because it can be used to make buttonholes that match the shape of the buttons.
• Multi-purpose curve ruler: This ruler combines several curves in one, such as armhole, hip, front and back neckline, and straight edge. It can be used for various pattern making tasks and is very convenient to use. The multi-purpose curve ruler is shaped like a long and narrow rectangle with curves on both ends and on one side. It has a straight edge that can be used for measuring and drawing straight lines. The multi-purpose curve ruler is a great tool for beginners who want to have a basic set of curves that can cover most of the pattern making needs. The multi-purpose curve ruler is also known as the all-in-one curve ruler, because it can do it all.

Why are curved rulers so important?

Curved rulers are essential tools for pattern making because they help you create accurate and realistic patterns that fit the body and the design. Without curved rulers, you would have to rely on freehand drawing, which can be inaccurate, inconsistent, and time-consuming. Curved rulers also help you avoid sharp corners and angles that can cause problems in sewing and fitting. Curved rulers allow you to create smooth transitions between different parts of the garment, such as the shoulder, the armhole, and the sleeve. Curved rulers also help you add style and flair to your patterns, such as creating different necklines, collars, and cuffs.

Curved rulers are not only useful for pattern making, but also for other sewing-related activities, such as:

• Alterations: If you have a garment that needs some adjustments, such as lowering the neckline, widening the armhole, or adding a flare, you can use curved rulers to make the changes on the pattern before cutting and sewing the fabric. This way, you can ensure that the alterations will fit well and look good.
• Repairs: If you have a garment that has a tear, a hole, or a stain, you can use curved rulers to cut out the damaged part and replace it with a new piece of fabric. You can use the same curve as the original garment, or you can create a new curve that adds some interest and contrast.
• Upcycling: If you have a garment that you don’t wear anymore, or that you bought from a thrift store, you can use curved rulers to transform it into something new and exciting. You can change the shape, the style, or the function of the garment by adding or removing curves. For example, you can turn a shirt into a dress, a skirt into a cape, or a jacket into a vest.

Curved rulers are amazing tools that can help you unleash your creativity and express your personality through sewing. They can also help you save money, time, and resources by making your own patterns and clothes, or by giving new life to old garments. Curved rulers are a must-have for every sewer, whether you are a beginner or an expert.

How to use curved rulers in pattern making?

To use curved rulers in pattern making, you need to have a basic block or a commercial pattern that you want to modify or develop. A basic block is a simple pattern that fits the body measurements and has no design details. A commercial pattern is a ready-made pattern that you can buy from a store or online. You also need some pattern paper, a pencil, a ruler, a tape measure, scissors, and pins.

Here are some general steps to use curved rulers in pattern making:

• Step 1: Choose the curved ruler that matches the curve you want to draw or modify. For example, if you want to lower the neckline of a pattern, you need to use a French curve ruler.
• Step 2: Mark the point where you want to change the curve on the pattern. For example, if you want to lower the neckline by 2 cm, you need to mark a point 2 cm below the original neckline on the center front of the pattern.
• Step 3: Find the curve on the ruler that best matches the original curve of the pattern. For example, if the original neckline is a round curve, you need to find a similar round curve on the ruler.
• Step 4: Align the ruler with the original curve and the marked point. For example, you need to align the ruler with the shoulder line and the marked point on the center front of the pattern.
• Step 5: Draw the new curve with a pencil, following the edge of the ruler. For example, you need to draw a new neckline curve from the shoulder line to the marked point on the center front of the pattern.
• Step 6: Cut out the new curve with scissors, or trace it onto a new piece of pattern paper. For example, you need to cut out the new neckline curve from the pattern, or trace it onto a new piece of paper and cut it out.
• Step 7: Repeat the same steps for any other curves you want to draw or modify on the pattern. For example, if you want to change the armhole curve, the sleeve cap curve, or the hip curve, you need to use the same steps with the appropriate curved ruler.

All this and much more I show in my videos , step by step you will be a pro in using those amazing sewing tools.

How to get your printable curved rulers?

As a special surprise for my viewers and readers, I have prepared some printable curved rulers that you can download and make for yourself. These are scaled versions of the French curve ruler, the hip curve ruler, and the cuff curve ruler. You can print them on A4 or letter size paper, cut them out, and glue them onto cardboard or plastic. You can also laminate them for extra durability. These printable curved rulers are a great way to try out this sewing tool and see how it works for you. You can also save some money by making your own curved rulers instead of buying them.

To get your printable curved rulers, you need to do the following:

Step 1: Click on this link to download the PDF file that contains the printable curved rulers.

Step 2: Open the PDF file with a PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, and print it on A4 or letter size paper. Make sure you print it at 100% scale, without any scaling or fit to page options.

Step 3: Cut out the curved rulers along the solid lines with scissors or a craft knife. Be careful not to cut off the measurements or the grainlines.

Step 4: Glue the curved rulers onto cardboard or plastic, or laminate them with a laminating machine or pouches. Make sure the glue or the laminate covers the entire surface of the curved rulers, and that there are no bubbles or wrinkles.

Step 5: Trim the excess cardboard, plastic, or laminate around the curved rulers with scissors or a craft knife. Be careful not to cut off the measurements or the grainlines.

Step 6: Enjoy your printable curved rulers and use them for your pattern making projects.

Step by Step How to Make Curved Rulers from Cardboard Cover:

 Step by step how to make french curved rulers from cardboard cover using free PDF pattern:

Download the free PDF pattern for the french curve.

Choose the cardboard cover that you want to use for your french curve. You can use any cardboard that is thin, flexible, and smooth, such as a cereal box, a cardstock, or a magazine cover. The size of the cardboard should be large enough to fit the template, ideally with no bends or joins in the material.

Cut out the template along the solid lines. You will have six pieces. You can label them with a marker if you want.

Place the template pieces on the cardboard cover and trace them with a pencil. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces to cut them out easily. You can also use a ruler to extend the straight lines of the template if you want.

Cut out the cardboard pieces along the traced lines. You can use scissors or a craft knife, but be careful not to cut yourself or damage the surface underneath. You can also use a hole puncher to make holes at the ends of the curves if you want to hang them or store them together.

You have made your own french curved rulers from cardboard cover using free PDF pattern. You can use them to draw or trace curves on your sewing projects, such as necklines, armholes, hips, and more. 

Curved rulers are amazing tools for pattern making that help you create accurate and realistic patterns that fit the body and the design. They come in different types and shapes, and they can be used for various purposes and parts of the garment. They help you draw and measure curves on flat patterns, and they also help you add style and flair to your patterns. I hope this post has helped you understand what curved rulers are, what are the types, why they are so important, and how to use them in pattern making. And don’t forget to download your printable curved rulers and make them for yourself. It’s a fun and easy way to try out this sewing tool and save some money.

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and followers. Thank you for reading and happy sewing!

This post showed you how important are curved rulers in pattern making.

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