Pattern Rulers… what do I do with all these shapes?

[Cathy]

I recently got into sewing and went a little overboard buying sets of pattern making rulers, French curves, hip curves, L-squares, you name it. Now they're all sitting on my table looking fancy and mysterious… and I have no idea how to actually use them properly. If anyone has beginner friendly guides, or even just knows which ruler does what, I'd love some help untangling the mystery. Right now I'm just kind of tracing them and hoping for the best!
Thanks in advance, me and my confused pile of rulers appreciate you!

 

[gargantuan_hiccup1]

Those pattern rulers can look like alien hieroglyphics at 1st, I remember feeling the same way when I inherited my aunt's sewing stuff! The L-square is your go-to for straight lines and right angles, the French and hip curves help you shape necklines, armholes and curves around the hips and waist. Are there any specific shapes you're scratching your head over? There are tons of beginner vids on YouTube that show how to use each one.

 

[CharlieSquared]

All those various curves and shapes etc are for your armholes, waist curve, neck curve etc. Have a look at your existing clothes and try to match the curves with your rulers, it’ll give you a better visual reference as to what a curve on paper looks like in real life clothes

 

[Marla Sandridge]

I did a quick search on YouTube, "How to use a French Curve Ruler in Sewing and this popped up (youtube 4vgtS-HT9xs)
I thought she did an excellent job of explaining the different rulers, once she got past the introduction of who she teaches. I think this would be helpful for gargantuan_hiccup1, who is having problems with the newer patterns and sleeves. Also, if you live in the States, I suggest everyone run out to Jo____s and get your pattern paper on the bolt because it's so inexpensive now! I use it all the time, and we won't find it at this price anywhere else!

 

[Alan]

I did a quick search on YouTube, "How to use a French Curve Ruler in Sewing and this popped up (youtube 4vgtS-HT9xs)
I thought she did an excellent job of explaining the different rulers, once she got past the introduction of who she teaches. I think this would be helpful for gargantuan_hiccup1, who is having problems with the newer patterns and sleeves. Also, if you live in the States, I suggest everyone run out to Jo____s and get your pattern paper on the bolt because it's so inexpensive now! I use it all the time, and we won't find it at this price anywhere else!

Thanks for the tip! the French curve still kind of confuses me, do you mostly use it for armholes and necklines, or are there other spots it really helps with?