Curve Considerations Pt. 3: Pressing Curves

A good press can truly transform a block! Hold off on your final evaluation until after your curves have met with the iron.

The technique below describes the best method I’ve found for pressing curved units:

1. Position the unit on point, wrong side up. Having your unit turned on point (rather than square) makes it easier to follow the entire curve with your iron.
2. Open the seam with the tip of your iron, then press to set.
3. Flip the unit right side up. Press along the seam, then press the entire unit.
4. Important! After pressing, confirm that there is no extra fabric tucked into the seam. Curved seams are notorious for swallowing fabric, which will throw off unit measurements and seam alignments down the line. If you find an extra fold, gently tug the fabric away from the seam and re-press.

After pressing, trim your units according to your pattern instructions. Typically, you’ll trim the concave (Template 1) fabric edges first, as their measurements are important for future seam allowances.

So, how’d it go? We’ve covered a lot here - from working with templates, to managing the kink, to pressing for success. I encourage you to practice these techniques, and hope they take you from considering curves to confidently sewing them!