When you’re sewing there are a lot of different tools you can use. The tool I’m going to be talking about in this post is french curve rulers. A curved ruler is one of the patternmaking tools you use to make your own patterns. You can also use them to adjust sewing patterns that you have bought. A lot of the time sewing patterns are made in just standard sizes, so you may need to make pattern adjustments for the outfit to fit right.
Because, we all are different shapes and different sizes, so sometimes the standard sizes of sewing patterns won’t fit correctly for most of us. That’s why french curve rulers are a great tool, you can use them to combined the sizes of the sewing pattern together to create a great fit.
French curve rulers have a slight curve so you can get smooth curves when you’re pattern drafting. And they’re great for armholes, necklines, curved darts and princess seams. I think that every pattern maker needs one of these in their sewing toolkit. You’ll also need a straight ruler, just in case your pattern needs some straight edges.
Of course whenever you’re making a a outfit be sure to read the full instructions of the pattern, if you’re using someone else’s pattern. And it is always a great idea to make test garments or mock-ups. Mock-ups are usually made out of cheaper muslin fabric or really any inexpensive fabric you may have laying around. Whether you’re making your own pattern or adjusting a pattern, you need to make sure that the finished garment will fit right. Making a mockup of the pattern is a common fitting practice. And testing the pattern out on cheaper fabric will save you money by not wasting expensive fabric on a ill-fitting garment.
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The Best Curved Rulers
A french curve ruler is a invaluable tool for a home sewer. For side-seam adjustments, sleeve cap adjustments and to create a new seam line and for many other things. A curved ruler is also a must-have if you want to start designing your own patterns. Creating your own sewing patterns is great way to create a unique look and to make sure for a perfect fit. Or, for just adjusting a existing pattern.
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1. Dritz Ruler
I love the dritz brand for sewing supplies. This is a styling design ruler, it have a french curve, a straight edge and a nice rounded top. I love that it’s a transparent plastic ruler with measurement lines, so you can measure the seam allowance width. And to me the clear rulers are a lot better, because you can see what you’re doing under the ruler.
2. Stitch Buzz Ruler
I think that this ruler is pretty cute. With the flower design and the cute little bee. This is a smaller size than the one above, but that’s good because sometimes you don’t need a bigger ruler. I know I’ve said this before, but I like that it’s cute. Because your sewing supplies doesn’t have to be plain or boring. Your sewing supplies can be colorful with pretty designs and still be practical. This is also a great curve ruler because it’s clear.
3. Clover Curved Ruler
This is a 3 pack of rulers. Clover is another one of my favorite brands for sewing supplies. This pack has a french curve ruler and a hip curve ruler and one mini ruler, and they’re all made out of clear plastics. I like the 3 pack because you have a variety and can pick the type of ruler you need for different parts of a project.
There you have it, my favorite 3 french curve rulers. I hope this will help you to find a french curve ruler that is the best for you. Whether you’ve made patterns in the past or you’re just starting out a curved ruler is a essential tool.
All the curved rulers above are clear plastic rulers. That’s because I like the transparent rulers a lot better than I do the non-transparent ones. To me the clear rulers are great because you can see what you’re doing around the ruler and also under the ruler.
Ruler can also be made out of wood, metal, paper and fabric.
Check out my other sewing posts
- What are five best sewing clips to use for sewing?
- What’s better to use sewing clips or sewing pins?
- How to sew on a four or two hole button by hand.
- Tips and tricks for sewing doll clothes for beginners.
- How to change a sewing machine needle like a pro.
Thank you for reading this post. And I hope that you enjoyed it and all my other posts. I also have posts on quilting, tatting and felt crafts. And a few free felt patterns I created.
