I've been asked to help a friend with her DWR block. She is a new quilter and pieces all by hand (the thought gives me hives

.) I haven't seen the block yet, but she says it isn't laying flat. Do the curves get clipped like in clothing construction? I've never tried making this pattern so I'm lost.
any hints that I can pass on to her would be great. She is working from a book and doesn't seem afraid to tackle the big projects.
thanks for any help