Clipping and notching curves

Curved seams won't lie flat until you snip the allowance: clip inward (concave) curves and cut small wedges (notches) out of outward (convex) curves.

Beginner15 minutes

ResearchedSewSift editorialChecked 1 Nov 2026

Pinny's tip

What you'll need

Small sharp scissors: for accurate snips.
Pinking shears (optional): quick on gentle curves.

Step by step

Sew the curved seam and press it flat as sewn.
Trim the seam allowance to reduce bulk, and grade enclosed seams so the layers are different widths.
On an inward curve (like a neckline), snip straight towards the stitching every 1 to 2cm, stopping 2mm short.
On an outward curve (like a rounded collar or a round pocket), cut small V-shaped notches out of the allowance.
Snip closer together where the curve is tighter.
Turn through, ease the seam out with a point turner and press.

Watch

How to Sew Curves: Clipping vs Notching (0:59)
By Heather Handmade · Open on YouTube

The video this technique page has always pointed to, a 0-minute one from Heather Handmade. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.

Common mistakes

Cutting through the stitches. Stop a couple of millimetres short.
Too few snips. Tight curves need more.
Not trimming first. A full-width allowance still puckers after clipping.

Watch it done

How to Sew Curves: Clipping vs Notching by Heather Handmade on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
Clipping and Notching - How to Sew Perfect Curves & Corners by Giorgia Costumes on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
When, Why and How to Clip, Trim, Notch and Grade Seam Allowances When Sewing by Sewing with Londa on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.