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Radiant Home Studio | Sewing Patterns & Surface Design

Radiant Home Studio

December 7, 2015 ·

How to Sew Perfect Scallops

Sewing Tips· Tutorials

I’ve been sewing a lot of projects with scalloped edges recently, and my new Highland Avenue House pattern features a scalloped roof. The pattern contains sewing tips to help you create clean and professional scallops. But there’s no reason not to share my tips with everyone. Would you like to learn how to sew perfect scallops? (Okay. We all know our sewing won’t be perfect, but that’s what people are searching for, right?)

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Sewing Scalloped Edges | Radiant Home Studio
(Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks!)

I’ll be using the top scallop from the Highland Avenue House to demonstrate, but the technique works for any scallops. You can even make your own scalloped edge using a cup or other round item. I won’t cover that in detail, but it’s pretty easy if you can measure precisely. (Or, check out this awesome quilting ruler that helps you to create perfect scalloped edges!)

Highland Avenue House Pillow Pattern | Radiant Home Studio

You’ll need your fabric, a hem gauge or ruler, a marking tool, and blunt pointed object to push out the edges.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

At the peak of each scallop, make a mark directly above the point. My seam allowance is 1/4″ so my mark is 1/4″ from the point. This will be your pivot point. If you are comfortable sewing an even curved line, that should be all of the marking you need.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

If you need a better guideline to get an even curve, go ahead and make a dotted line by measuring in 1/4″ and making dots along the edges.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

Using a short straight stitch, begin sewing along the first curve using the dotted line as a guide. At the peak, where you marked the pivot point, leave your needle down in the fabric, raise the presser foot and turn the fabric to sew the next curve. Continue to the end.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

When you finish sewing, clip the curves. If the seam allowance is more than 1/4″, trim that as well. Clip into the peaks, as close to the stitches as you can, and cut the excess fabric out around each peak.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

Turn the scallops right side out. The scallops will not look even yet. If you haphazardly press them at this point, you’ll have a very uneven scalloped edge. Don’t just plop the iron down on top of it!

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

To even out the curved seams, use a thin blunt object such as a paintbrush end or knitting needle.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

Push the curves out using your pointed tool. It’s best if you can stretch each curve a little bit to get the seams lined up properly. I work in small sections, pushing out the curve, holding it in place, and pressing as I go. Working slowly and methodically while pressing is the key to getting (nearly) perfect scalloped edges.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

Continue along the curved edge until you reach the end, working to get the curves as smooth as possible.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops | Radiant Home Studio

If you like, you can also topstitch along the scalloped edge. Then add your scalloped detail to your sewing project!

You can use my Mini Highland House pattern to practice sewing scalloped edges. It’s a free gift when you subscribe to my newsletter!

Mini Highland House Pattern | Radiant Home Studio

Or try the Highland Avenue House Pattern…

How to Sew Perfect Scalloped Edges | Radiant Home Studio

Highland Avenue House Pillow Pattern | Radiant Home Studio

P. S. If you can’t stop sewing scallops and want some more sewing ideas, you’ll love 18 Beautiful Scalloped Craft Projects!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Reece says

    December 14, 2015 at 1:29 am

    Thanks for the tips! I think I’d like to make a little gingerbread house with a scalloped “snow” roof, so this will be perfect.

    • Sara Curtis says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:42 am

      That would be super cute!

  2. Linda says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Thanks for the tutorial,I think I’ll give scallops a try!

  3. phyllis panza says

    February 16, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    thanks for the tut. love the houses; houses are my thing. nev. made one yet.

    • Sara Curtis says

      February 17, 2016 at 7:54 am

      Thank you! The little house pattern is free for newsletter subscribers!

  4. Phyllis panza says

    February 18, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    I subscribed and cant find the free house pattern; can you direct me. thank you

    • Sara Curtis says

      February 18, 2016 at 2:56 pm

      https://radianthomestudio.com/shop/mini-highland-house-pattern/ – the new subscriber welcome e-mail contains a coupon code for you. Just enter it at checkout for a free pattern.

  5. Stacey Morales..... From-a-Box says

    February 20, 2016 at 10:36 pm

    I have a dress with a Scalloped Collar on my cutting table now – thank you for these sewing tips! I am going to share them in the Sew Along that I am participating in….

    • Sara Curtis says

      February 22, 2016 at 9:48 am

      Thanks for sharing it with your group! I hope it’s helpful 🙂

  6. Debbie McLeod says

    May 14, 2016 at 7:51 am

    Thank you for the wonderful pictures. I am making my granddaughter a dress today that has scallops, so this came at a perfect time.

    • Sara Curtis says

      May 14, 2016 at 9:44 am

      Perfect! Glad to be of help! 🙂

  7. vilma says

    August 8, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    Thank you a lot! love it! Hugs from Brazil!

  8. Theresa Ricord says

    October 5, 2016 at 6:25 am

    Great article. Thank you

  9. Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says

    January 12, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    This is awesome! I’ve made some pretty bad looking scalloped edges in my life! 🙂 Lisa

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