I have never done this pattern, but have made curves and have some ideas. The outer curves don't need to be clipped, just the inny curves, but then you have to press towards the inny curves. It will lay nicely. Also, your seam allowances need to be 1/4 inch, but only for consistency of your stitching. Since you need to start and stop 1/4 inch away from the edge, if your seam allowances are all 1/4 inch, they will all fit at the end. If you do them larger, just remember to treat them all the same, measurements wise and again, it will fit nicely. Last, curves always need a little persuasive pressing. Starch will help persuade them to lay the way you want, or a spray bottle. Hope this helps.