A French curve is a template, usually made of metal, wood or plastic, composed of many different curved segments, used in manual drafting and in fashion design to draw a smooth curve of varying radius by tracing around the template's edge with a pencil or other marking implement. The tool was invented by the German mathematician Ludwig Burmester, and French curves are also known as Burmester curve sets. In fashion work, French curves help a designer personalize a garment pattern for fit, used alongside hip curves, straight edges and right angle rulers to draw neckline, sleeve, bust and waist variations. A typical set includes three curves suited to different mathematical forms, one for hyperbolas, a smaller one for ellipses and a larger one used mainly for parabolas.
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Introduced When (Circa)Not stated; credited to Ludwig Burmester with no year given 1 Credited to German mathematician Ludwig Burmester (1840-1927); the source names no specific introduction year. OriginInvented by the German mathematician Ludwig Burmester; French curve sets are also known as Burmester sets. 1 Sources
1. French Curve (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationFirst paragraph, sentence on Ludwig Burmester
They were invented by the German mathematician Ludwig Burmester and are also known as Burmester (curve) set.
In Group: Sewing Cutting and Marking Tools, Lead section
A French curve is a template usually made from metal, wood or plastic composed of many different curved segments.
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