Step 1

Mark the highest point at the center and the two lowest points at the bottom of the desired curve on a scrap piece of material, drive a nail at each mark.

Step 2

Lay a thin batten on top of the wood around the nails as shown and trace the curve.

More Tips

Sometimes it is best to make a pattern using only half the curve, flip it over horizintally and draw the other half, this will result in both sides being exactly symetrical.

Extremely large curves can be laid out by using a length of wire equal to the raduis of the curve fastend to a wall and the curve drawn on the material laying on the floor. Put a loop in the end of the wire to hold the pencil.