Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
You want a circle, grab a lid. Need a perfect arc, use a compass. Even golden spirals are possible with a little math.
But what about more complicated shapes—like a cabriole leg or the smooth outline of a guitar body?
That’s where French curves come in. First used by draftsmen in the 1800s, they’re plastic or metal tools made up of multiple radii that blend together. Designed to draw smooth, flowing curves before computers existed, they’re still just as useful in the shop today.
You don’t use a French curve to draw the whole shape in one shot. Instead, you find a section of the tool that matches part of your layout, trace that segment, then shift and rotate the curve to continue the line. The secret is in the transitions—done right, the whole curve looks like one flowing motion.
The best way I've found to use these is to skip paper and create your shape with hardboard. Use a chalk pencil, like the one in bitesize 160, until you get your perfect shape. It's easy to erase with your hand and stays put until it's time to cut it out. And then you have the perfect stencil for the real thing.
Don’t underestimate these—French curves are one of the cleanest ways to get elegant, controlled shapes that still feel handmade.
Get them here:
French curves (plastic): amzn.to/4q0PHff
Vary form curve (metal): amzn.to/46KT9Di
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
You want a circle, grab a lid. Need a perfect arc, use a compass. Even golden spirals are possible with a little math.
But what about more complicated shapes—like a cabriole leg or the smooth outline of a guitar body?
That’s where French curves come in. First used by draftsmen in the 1800s, they’re plastic or metal tools made up of multiple radii that blend together. Designed to draw smooth, flowing curves before computers existed, they’re still just as useful in the shop today.
You don’t use a French curve to draw the whole shape in one shot. Instead, you find a section of the tool that matches part of your layout, trace that segment, then shift and rotate the curve to continue the line. The secret is in the transitions—done right, the whole curve looks like one flowing motion.
The best way I've found to use these is to skip paper and create your shape with hardboard. Use a chalk pencil, like the one in bitesize 160, until you get your perfect shape. It's easy to erase with your hand and stays put until it's time to cut it out. And then you have the perfect stencil for the real thing.
Don’t underestimate these—French curves are one of the cleanest ways to get elegant, controlled shapes that still feel handmade.
Get them here:
French curves (plastic): amzn.to/4q0PHff
Vary form curve (metal): amzn.to/46KT9Di
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
