How to Use the Quick Curve Ruler Starter Bundle

By Sew Kind of Wonderful | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: How-to Guides

New to curved piecing? Follow this step-by-step walkthrough of the Quick Curve Ruler Starter Bundle, from cutting your first curve to finishing the Urban Runner.

Quick answer

The Quick Curve Ruler Starter Bundle gives you everything you need to make the Urban Runner: the Quick Curve Ruler, the Urban Runner pattern, fabric for the quilt top and binding, and a video tutorial. Work in this order: watch the video once, cut and label your pieces, sew curves in small batches, press with care, then assemble and bind. The bundle does not include batting or backing, so plan those before you start.

What you can make right out of the bundle

The bundle is built around the Urban Runner pattern, a 14" x 52" runner, and includes the fabric for the quilt top and binding. It does not include batting or backing fabric, so choose those separately before you cut. The Quick Curve Ruler has a green button that marks it as a QCR pattern tool, and every pattern designed for it carries the same green button, which makes matching patterns and ruler straightforward as you build your skills.

A bonus Metro Medallion pattern (52" x 64") is also included, along with a Sew Kind of Wonderful woven brag tag and a metallic Sharpie. The brag tag is a nice finishing touch for a gift, and the Sharpie is handy for labeling cut pieces while you work. If you want a smaller first project before the Urban Runner, the Abacus Revival pattern uses the same Quick Curve Ruler and finishes at 50" x 65", so it is a natural second step once you are comfortable with the curve.

How to cut curves accurately with the Quick Curve Ruler

Accuracy starts at the cutting table. Press your fabric first, then align the ruler's curve with the fabric edge and hold it firmly so it does not shift. Cut with a sharp rotary blade in one smooth motion rather than sawing back and forth. The most common mistake is letting the ruler slide halfway through a cut, which distorts the curve and makes the pieces hard to align later. If your blade is dull, change it before you start; a fresh blade is the cheapest way to improve curved piecing for beginners.

How to sew curved seams without puckers

Curved piecing is mostly about patience at the machine. Match the centers first, then the ends, and pin or clip at those three points before sewing. Sew slowly with the curve facing up so you can guide the fabric without stretching it. Do not pull the fabric to make the edges meet; if you have to tug, the cut pieces are probably mismatched and should be re-trimmed. Chain piecing a few curves at a time helps you keep a steady rhythm and reduces the temptation to rush.

How to press and assemble the Urban Runner

Press seams to one side rather than open, and use an up-and-down motion instead of sliding the iron, which can stretch curved seams. Once your curved units are pressed flat, lay them out before sewing the rows together so you can check the overall color balance. The Urban Runner finishes at 14" x 52", so measure as you go and square up the top before adding the binding. If you are new to binding, the included fabric is already cut for it, so you can practice on the runner before moving to a larger quilt.

Quick Curve Ruler Starter Bundle: step-by-step

Watch the video tutorial before cutting: The bundle includes an Urban Runner video tutorial. Watch it once from start to finish so you understand the curve orientation and seam order before you touch fabric. Checkpoint: you should be able to describe which way the curve faces before you cut.
Cut and label your pieces: Press fabric, align the Quick Curve Ruler carefully, and cut with a sharp blade. Use the included metallic Sharpie to label pieces by size or row so you do not mix them up. Common mistake: cutting with a dull blade, which leaves frayed edges that are harder to align.
Sew curves in small batches: Match centers and ends, pin or clip, and sew slowly with the curve facing up. Chain piecing a few units at a time keeps your rhythm steady. Common mistake: pulling fabric to force edges together instead of re-trimming mismatched pieces.
Press, assemble, and bind: Press seams to one side with an up-and-down motion, lay out the rows to check balance, then sew the top together and add the included binding fabric. Checkpoint: the finished Urban Runner should measure 14" x 52" before binding.
Move on to a larger QCR pattern: Once the runner is done, try the bonus Metro Medallion pattern (52" x 64") or Abacus Revival (50" x 65") to build confidence on a bigger curved project. Next step: look for the green button on any pattern to confirm it works with your Quick Curve Ruler.

Bundle facts that affect how you sew

Quick Curve Ruler Starter Bundle: The Quick Curve Ruler Starter Bundle includes the Quick Curve Ruler, the Urban Runner pattern, fabric for the quilt top and binding, a bonus Metro Medallion pattern, a woven brag tag, a metallic Sharpie, and an Urban Runner video tutorial. You can start the Urban Runner without buying a separate pattern or top fabric, but you still need to supply batting and backing.
Quick Curve Ruler Starter Bundle: All Quick Curve Ruler patterns have a green button indicating they are a QCR pattern. Check for the green button when buying future patterns so you know they are designed for the ruler you already own.
Abacus Revival (Paper): Abacus Revival is a 50" x 65" pattern that uses the Quick Curve Ruler and calls for 10" x 10" assorted green prints (1-1/4 yards), 1 fat quarter for trunks, 3 yards background fabric, 3-1/2 yards backing, and 1/2 yard binding. It is a larger follow-up project for the same ruler, with a clear fabric list you can shop from once you have practiced on the runner.