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.
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 0.8 in (2 cm), stopping 2mm (1/16 in) 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 November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.