Fitting & Sewing the Arden Pants (Helen's Closet). Let's Sew Easy Pants: Reveal Week!

It’s time to share REAL pants. The real deal friends, no more muslins and this is Reveal Week of the Let’s sew easy pants mini series. I will share several pant videos this week!
Today I’m sharing my Arden Pants from Helen’s Closet in red linen blend and a detailed recount of fitting adjustments, sewing tricks and the final product in the best fit I could achieve for myself.
Very practical video!
Catch up on the Let’s Sew easy pants miniseries:
• Let's sew easy pants! ...
Arden Pants. NOT an affiliate link. Helen’s closet does not have an affiliate program.
helensclosetpa...
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Specifics:
*Size 16
*Added 1/2” to the front rise
*Added 1.5” to the back rise
*Added 3” to the length of the legs in 2 different areas
*Some top stitching
*Pieced the pocket piece
Helpful videos:
Original idea for uniting the elastic is from the Balboa skirt pattern from Itch to Stitch, video here:
• 4 easy KNIT skirts, w...
How to sew buttonholes and drawstring on a waistband, see the Allegro Bottoms video here:
• Sewing: Waistbands, fa...
DISCLAIMER: I purchased the pattern and fabric for this project. There is no link between this channel and the pattern brand. This is not a collaboration or sponsored post. The Let's Sew easy Pants series has been produced independently (by me!) from the pattern the brands mentioned.
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If you enjoy my work and it provides value for your own sewing, consider supporting my channel. Thank you :)
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MUSIC USED:
Artist: OmgLoSteve
Song: Too Late ft. Addie Nicole
Download/Stream: audiograb.com/...
Artist: Nimesh Tandey
Song: Voices
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[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It has come to my attention that Helen’s Closet changed their recommendation on how to choose the size to based on the hips. I downloaded the pattern again from my account today. To my knowledge, they did not send an email to communicate the change! Most brands let customers know of erratas or updates. I will rarely download a pattern again, assuming it’s the final correct version when I buy it 🤷🏻‍♀️. I made my review and opinions based on the pattern I downloaded on the day of the release, the 8th of May, where it says to choose a size based on the waist.

[@lindak8664]

This has been a really worthwhile mini series. You went to an enormous amount of work. I’m not going to pretend I completely understand the process, but i understand it better than I did, and the video is so informative so i can watch it again. Thank you for doing this.

[@clairejsmith]

Cannot tell you how grateful I am for this series. You’ve made me STOP buying more and more pants patterns (that will never fit) and go back to those that I already have and make them fit ME! PS I already had the Arden, the Free Range AND the Calder pants out of your top 5...but now I have an excellent Arden muslin that actually FITS - wow!! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

[@lyneturcotte2837]

Your series has helped me understand many fitting issues. Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge and tips. I really liked the before and after examples of the muslin. Those red pants are beautiful and look great on you! I hope mine will come out wearable. I’m a beginner sewer, and work very hard in learning. You are an inspiration!❤

[@kathrynyuile5581]

Thank you SO MUCH! I have learned so much from your tutorials on fitting pants!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Just cut out my muslin with adjustments. So we will see..have never had luck with pants. Thank you so much for all your videos❤️❤️❤️

[@denisemulraney69]

Hi Karina. It is a very cold and wet day here in Mt Gambier STH Australia so I have spent the afternoon in my sewing room on You Tube. I came across your Mini Series videos on making pants. I was thoroughly impressed. I have been sewing for many many years but often disappointed with the things I made myself especially pants. I have lots of pants pattern with elastic waist so will take your advice and do a muslin pair to start. The pattern you used looked great and would be ideal for any occasion. You were so interesting to listen to, I am now following you and will be checking out all your videos. Thank you so much.

[@jandimarco3113]

What a brilliant series Karina. Loved the idea of mixing the linen and satin fabric for the pocket bags! You put so much of yourself into these videos, it’s appreciated for sure.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

The satin pockets feel divine inside... so nice. Thank you so much for watching.

[@kckazcoll1]

thank you Karina, for all the work that you put into this series!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad you liked it :)

[@skihillsandy]

Great pointers, love the “extras”, thank you so much. Your video is very educational.🙏🏽❤️

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome :)

[@sheilasztanyo3478]

Thank you for the series on pant making. I've watched and took notes on all 7 episodes. Now planning on making a pair. Just wanted you to know how much that i appreciated your tutorials.

[@belinda58sews29]

Oh my goodness, those blue pants should be framed and hung on your wall. They are a hero! As are you. It’s also so helpful to hear how you look at the line drawings. As a novice sewist, I don’t think I always “see” all the features and can interpret them as to how it may fit on my body. “Reading” the pattern description - wow, so many things are implied, the tip about taking the waistband into account, that’s GOLD! I am learning so much.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It’s good to pay attention to the product photos, and the testers version to have an idea of how the pattern is meant to fit. It really helps.

[@sbrickett]

Beautiful fit! You can never have too much red in your wardrobe!

[@deniseblake6214]

They’re a superb fit .... I’ve watched the whole series and have learned such a lot from you. You are a very good tutor. I now feel as though I can attempt a pair of pants myself now .... thank you so much

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yay! That makes me very happy. Have fun!

[@Kera.S.]

I have never seen pants fit so well! What a fantastic series!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much 😊. It really is worth taking the time to measure and customize pants to our body :)

[@jennyedmiston6930]

Thank you for this pants fitting series, so clear and well done, your hard work truly shows from the mini pattern pieces to the muslin fitting examples, simply excellent and beautiful red linen pants hanging perfectly with ease. Bravo 👏

[@amierikke6225]

This series is priceless and has helped me so much! I’m still doing woven muslins, I’m on my second and will most likely make at least one more. It’s working so well! I’ve learned a lot about what is needed for me. I’ve lost over 140 lbs, and very happy about that, but I have a lot of extra skin and I’m tall, so fitting pants has been hard. Somehow by watching your great explanations for fitting and your precise sewing techniques, I’ve put aside my feelings about my body as much as possible and just tackled this unemotionally and factually with measurements. It has been fun and freeing for me. Thank you for all the work it took to bring this to us. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has benefited. ❤️

[@philiptipping6738]

Many thanks for your mini series, it was great and very informative. Cheers and stay safe. Mary

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much 😊

[@skitchyjohnson]

I made the Arden pants a couple of months ago. I liked the fit for exactly the same reasons you do. Thanks for the video. I've shared this series with my sister so she can start sewing.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

How exciting for your sister. Sewing is such a lovely skill to build.

[@cynthiapharo7915]

Fantastic, gives me hope for my next muslin to get the proper fit. Great series.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You can do it!

[@juliej6638]

Whooppee!!!! I have the Arden pants pattern and am going to tackle them now following through every step in your videos. I WILL make pats that fit one day! Thanks for all your hard work on this - it is sooooo useful!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Go for it. Some cheap fabric for Muslins is all it takes!

[@sandradunn4709]

Thanks!

[@sew_april]

Great video as always!! Very nice pants!!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad you like them!

[@connieturner6575]

Another great teaching video with really useful information on sewing pants. Thank you so much, Karina.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad it helps :)

[@DoloresDeeBodnar]

Great slash pocket trick, I Love the lining fabric . I also cant wait to do the elastic with the tab....TY so much

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Have fun!

[@janet6114]

At 8 minutes and I already have learned a ton. I wish I saw this video before I made elastic waist pants! I have been having such trouble trying to fit the Free Range Slacks pattern that I was going to give up and try the Arden's.

[@sandrajohn5415]

Lovely pair of pants.Thanks for sharing

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad you like them!

[@Bonbon53539]

What a great resource these videos are! Thanks Karina

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉

[@kathyvaughn8647]

This looks very nice on you. Thank you for sharing your particular tweaks. Very stylish pairing. Love it.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much 😊. Red is a classic for me, almost a “neutral” 🥰

[@rsutton06]

I have really enjoyed this series. I just got this pattern a few days ago so I could make my own easy pants so very timely for me.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Wonderful!

[@heatherhancsak5463]

Thank you for all your hard work. I have been wanting to make the Arden pants, I already bought and printed the pattern. You have convinced me to make the muslin. Thank you again. Blessings

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@karenschafer2827]

Tickled to see you using the same elastic attaching method that I use! I think I found it many (30?) years ago while making doll clothes for my daughters’ cabbage patch dolls. All I can say about cabbage patch clothes is that they are soo much easier than those tiny waisted Barbies. Also those red pants are super!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yay! I’m sure I’ve seen this on RTW I’ve deconstructed over the years too! It’s so good.

[@Escape10mom]

I too like lighter weight pockets! I've done this as well! Good ideas! Beautiful fabric!!

[@karenlewis5394]

Great idea for joining the elastic 😊

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much 😊

[@pruemaxwell1298]

Just discovered your channel as I'm about to make the Arden pants - What a great video - off to check out your others! Thank you!!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Beautiful fabric and fit!!! xxxx

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ivybader8558]

Thank you for a very helpful video, Karina.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉. I’m glad they help.

[@ppuyle1]

They look great! I sure appreciate you sharing all your expertise!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉

[@EileenR11]

Some great tips - thank you Karina. Love the one about the elastic as I also hate the bulky effect of overlapping it. Also on understitching: I recently overstitched some edges instead of understitching and they do not stay in well, so I have definitely earned that lesson. It's not a disaster as these were overalls intended to be worn around the house and my facing fabric is quite pretty, but I would have been very unhappy if this happened on a garment for wearing in public. A good lesson for me.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I have seen comments around the topic in the sewing community and there seems to be an understanding that under stitching is annoying and people don't enjoy doing it. It makes such a difference for sure and top stitching does not make it go away :)

[@lynneprentice4278]

Lifting Pins and Needles I think under stitching is like a magic wand - it transforms a facing etc... I would never skip this step! 👍😁

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Me too! I’ve heard some people say rather smuggly “I don’t under-stitch”, as if it’s a good thing 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@lynneprentice4278]

I’ve just made the Arden pants in linen and used some of the techniques you have shared., including making a full muslin. They fit me sooooo well! I will however use your tips when making my next pair (there will be more....!) I have also made the Pietra pants and the Free Range Slacks! I’ve gone mad on making pants now I have some of the pants fitting basics! So a big thank you ❤️

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Wonderful! how fun and I'm so excited for you! making pants is so satisfying!

[@vickifenlon6279]

Thank you! Another great and useful vlog! xx

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@robyn3349]

Thank you! I have never used this order of operations on the seams, I will try it!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

There are many ways. This is common with jeans, typically.

[@cigdemunal520]

Hi Karina, you have been hardworking this winter ! How is your family ? Will the schools and universities open in Brazil ? What's Martin doing ? Does he help with filming, editing or taking pictures? 🤗🤗🤗

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much for your concern. Each state is operating differently here, even each city and locally there’s no talk of re opening anything any time soon. Martins school is very well set up online and he’s been LOVING it. My hubby is also teaching at his university online. About the channel: I do absolutely 100% of the work. When Martin was smaller, he took photos, but he got bored of that.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

They look fantastic on you! I just got some large floral print vintage cotton sateen that I'd like to make pants from even though I've NEVER worn anything but neutral colour pants. It should be an interesting project.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Oh I’m excited for you! I love a nice print pant!

[@milda0820]

💖

[@lilybogaards5089]

Totally agree with quick mouselines being worth the time and effort. They’re so quick and teach you so much about the pattern. I am always suprise when people take a new pattern, cut it out of beautiful fabric (often without properly measuring the pattern)’ then sew in all the details of pockets and topstitching and everything to almost finish before they check and discover the item doesn’t fit. And on top of that state that they don’t have time to sew a mouseline. Really???

[@patgottshalk8808]

Wonderful series, watched it again over the last few days. I have gotten improved fit on loose woven pants that have been perfect for the summer. I am trying to find a good fit on a taper leg like the Duets from LN. Thank-you for your wonderful tutorials.

[@helenhart4778]

wonderful thank you for sharing the tips and tricks

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I love sharing these things 😄

[@cjane51]

Thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos it means a lot to me to have the resources you offer and it’s been really helpful. I made two muslins of the Arden pants and got the fit really fine. Then, I made them out of a cotton linen blend and the waist and the large abdomen adjustment I made absolutely huge. I pre-wash the fabric twice and believe that it is as soft as it’s going to be until I wash it some more but I’m just not sure how to proceed. I surged all the seams and now probably have to unpick them. Any suggestions?

[@janmiller1850]

Wow ... that fit was absolutely perfect! i wonder if you could - when you do these awesome series finales - put up a shot of the "bad" version so it's easy to see just how worth it is to take the time to muslin and fit? Might not be possible, but the fit on your red linen pants is incredible and it made me compare that to my fuzzy memory of your other videos. I usually just try to make pants that aren't too tight. Not the same. 🤦

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

The thing is, I won’t have a terrible photo of a muslin because I do good measurements of the patterns and adjust before sewing the muslin. Where you can see terrible ones, is the video on the “scooping”. I will find those issues in my muslin :)

[@janmiller1850]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Ah yes that must be what I'm recalling. I just remember watching you bravely show us how horrible a fit can be hehe. 💚💚💚

[@judysieweke2008]

Morning Karina my question is: do you make a muslin for each new pattern that you make if you have not made that pattern from that maker? I will save this series for future reference because I am a pants person. Now I’m ready to watch your next video have great day and thank you🤗

[@halesmoore]

These look great and there isn't lots of excess bulk at the front and back like some elastic pants patterns I've seen.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yup and they don’t have excessive ease at the hips too. I really liked them :)

[@eduardachi2571]

love them i also have red pants we are about the same coloring as i am portugese sure u can tell by first name i find not to many canadians like their pants so colorful but i love red do u ever buy ready made i can see you turning it inside out and saying this is terrible i would never wear that lol

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You got me! the inside of RTW is very rough and the pockets ugly and scratchy :) I do still buy RTW every now and then. Red, yes for sure, not everyone will want to wear red, but its a happy color!

[@suzyprickett9759]

I always learn so much watching your videos. When you stitched over the elastic waistband, did you use a regular straight stitch and what stitch length did you use? Thanks for sharing your sewing knowledge! ♥

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Straight stitch at 3.5 length :) I’ve had great results with those settings. Thank you so much for watching.

[@susankidd9963]

I wish they did this pattern in paper form with the instructions as I don’t have a printer I know you can get the pattern but it’s no use without the instructions I don’t have a printer.I have ordered the Style Arc pattern Anna pant but the reviews have me a bit worried I think the leg width will be very wide.🥴🤪

[@connieturner6575]

Karina, I watched all of these videos and some of them more than once. I used what I learned to make a pair of New Look pants similar to the allegro pants pattern. I made the 16 but feel that the 16 is too big in some areas so I tried the 14 but didn't have enough fabric so I made shorts almost to the knee. The 14 fits too but is definitely smaller and not as comfortable. I still want to take in the 16 some what around the hips. What's the best way to do that?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

When I want to take a tad in, I just put them on inside out and pin along the sides. If you pin 3/8” in, you’ll remove 1.5” of the hips and 3/4” of each leg.

[@sue8235]

Karina, I sew for a person who has a skin sensitivity and does not like seams on pants rubbing there skin. I was going to make PJ bottoms as a test with French seams. What order would I sew the pants legs so the French seams make sense & wouldn’t cause extra bulk in the inseams where the seams all meet. I’m also open to any of your wonderful suggestions or alternatives to be able to make my person more comfortable. Thanks in advance for your help. Sue

[@sue8235]

Should say avoiding additional bulk in inseam crotch by using French seams. Thanks

[@sherinichols6404]

This is super helpful. Thank you so much. How tall are you?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m 5ft 8” :)

[@sherinichols6404]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Thank you. I am 5'-9" and seeing you have to modify everything for height is very helpful to me to know I will have to modify everything. I binge watched your whole easy pants series today. It has been so helpful.

[@sandrasmith5577]

You are such a doll for modeling your pants when finished. I am learning so much from your videos. Thank you so very much!

[@lindak8664]

This has been a really worthwhile mini series. You went to an enormous amount of work. I’m not going to pretend I completely understand the process, but i understand it better than I did, and the video is so informative so i can watch it again. Thank you for doing this.

[@amyq5615]

Hi Karina. I have LOVED your series on pant making. Since watching I've made a pair of shorts and a pair of pants that fit and I am thrilled. I wonder if you might have an EARLY version of the Arden pants pattern because my instructions on page 3 say to " choose a size based on your HIP measurement". That is exactly as you instructed but it sounds like your instructions said to choose size based on waist. Thought I'd let you know. Keep up the helpful videos! Thank you.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m looking at it now and it says waist very clearly and there is even an example on the size chart. Maybe it has been changed. I got the pattern as soon as it was released. The same day actually🤷🏻‍♀️. I can only comment on what I see in my pdf document.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Hi Amy. I downloaded the pattern again from my account. You are right. They have corrected the recommendation, as you say! They never sent an email to communicate the change! Most brands let customers know of erratas or updates. I will rarely download a pattern again, assuming it’s the final correct version when I buy it 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@amyoungil]

"Don't skip the step of stabilizing the pocket entrance..." Hahah! I was thinking I would like to skip that step.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You can if you want to 😀. It’s never in the instructions. It does make the pocket look nice :)

[@susankidd9963]

Great video

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much 😊