Helen's Closet Patterns | First Impression Review

This week we are taking a look at Helen's Closet Patterns for First Impression Friday! This company has been around for a few years and some of their patterns are cult favorites among the sewists I follow on social media! So, let's take a look at all the patterns and see what Helen's Closet has to offer!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for filming this video. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[@CazPiranha]

The same fabric on the Pona jacket will be THE linen from Blackbird Fabrics (which is owned by Caroline who co-hosts the Love to Sew Podcast with Helen). I wish I had a Blackbird Fabrics here in the U.K.!

[@chrischristian08]

Helen’s Closet patterns are my wardrobe staples and I’m new to sewing. Amazing directions and beautiful designs! 💗

[@CazPiranha]

This is Helens 4 year anniversary as a pattern designer! I ADORE her patterns. The instructions are the best I’ve ever used. Her blog is really extensive covering hacks of their patterns. And their sizing is awesome. There’s not a pattern of hers that I’ve not loved. I’ve sewn 7 versions of the York, thanks to the blog hacks!

[@nanastevens4094]

These are definitely well thought out basics and pretty much classics. Think they will stay in your closet for long time, go with everything. Your review has me convinced to try a few of these.

[@Mrsfalldowngobump]

Super cute collection. I was really impressed by the range of sizes and tons of information. Another great video!

[@InsidetheHem]

Thank you so much!

[@k3of5ks]

Lindsey! Where have you been? 😉😘Helen’s Closet has a huge following with indie community as Helen also co-hosts Love To Sew podcast. I’ve made Blackwood Cardigan, Yanta Overalls and Pona Jacket. New shirt pattern looks like Love Notions Melody Dolman which I already own. Thanks for a great review. ❤️🇺🇸

[@SewCraftyNana]

I love Helens Closet. Helen does a LOT of hack instructions on her blog. Her patterns seem very versatile depending on fabric and hacks.

[@robinagaines6388]

Thank you for all your hard work and going thru all these.

[@donnabrisbois7714]

This is one of my favorite indies designers....her instructions are so great. She just released a really pretty blouse today and not sure if you knew but also starting today all her patterns are on sale 25% off. I have made 5 Arden pants (As shorts, crops and pants), 3 Elliot tees and 1 Elliot sweater and 4 Ashton tops...highly recommended all of them!

[@tonyak8848]

Only half way through and i already know im doing some shopping this weekend. I really like these patterns, thank you for introducing this company to us!

[@CazPiranha]

Helen also has a blog post on doing alternative pockets for the Winslow’s :)

[@TamaryaS]

Thanks for the great review! Love these types of videos. Maybe you could do a follow up video to this when you make one of the patterns that you buy. ❤️

[@hollyqu]

This is a great video. I like these way better than the first impressions of the Big 4. These patterns are so much more wearable.

[@m00nwise]

Thank you for reviewing these patterns so thoroughly. I haven’t heard of this designer, like her basics well thought out designs. Good photography on several body types. Line pictures on a curved (like mine) body. I am going to try on of the patterns, think the pinafore

[@sewonsister]

Helen's patterns are so GOOD. My daughter really wanted to make a pair of overalls for her first garment. I bought the Yantas and she was able to make a very cute pair (with a small amount of guidance from me). Helen's directions are perfect, especially for new sewists. And as others have said, there are so many hacks and different ideas available. Just put the pattern name in her search bar. Thanks for reviewing the indie pattern makers. It's fun to watch.

[@carlalissa7693]

I adore Helen's patterns. I have most of them if not all! It is very true they are simple basics, very flattering and she also provides a bunch of hacks for each pattern in her blog, making the patterns more versatile and more bang for your buck is a win in my book.

[@ericajensen8602]

I love Helen's Closet. I've made the Blackwood, Arden pants and Yanta overalls (you only need the invisible zip if they won't slide over your hips without, I didn't use). I've not been disappointed with any of these ...

[@ljholliday1]

Lindsey I’m with you!! There are several cute ones here! I’ve made 2 Blackwoods and will make more. There are a few more I want so I went to her site AND GUESS WHAT?! THEY ARE ALL ON SALE RIGHT NOW!! I’m out of work due to Covid-19 and unfortunately money is tight so let this bit of information be my tip!

[@tammymasson2343]

I follow MANY sewing KZbinrs from the UK, so I am super familiar with Helen's Closet. They love her patterns! Yes, they are basic, but they are like a foundation for creativity and personalization. AKA hacking. Another appeal seems to be how well they fit and how clear the instructions are. Another great review. I'm loving this series! Thank you!

[@alisoneichler4257]

On a recent Love To Sew podcast Hell told us that the model for the Arden is her mother-in-law. . . Who learned to sew this year! Here’s directions are fabulous.

[@luannculhane8878]

Thank you for the review. I have seen the Blackwood cardigan made in several videos. I would like to try it and a couple of others.

[@michellepage6043]

Love Helen’s Closet. Love the size range and the flattering contours. Great pattern choices for wardrobe staples

[@weepingwillow49]

One of my favourite pattern designers! I’ve made four of the York Pinafores 😊

[@baxter3877]

Yanta Overalls are fantastic! Made mine in soft linen and I can’t stop wearing them, the fit is just so good. The darts on the front and back are really good for shaping, didn’t need the zipper as they slide over my hips just fine. The patterns are on sale this week and I plan on buying more of her patterns.

[@heatherthrone9999]

the bib front of the overall can either be narrowed or buttonhole placement moved. I had the same problem with my aprons. Yardage is due to 1pc design, love it, easy to sew once you fit the rise and crotch depth. Thank you for your spontaneous narration and exposure to indie patterns

[@renasiscoe7443]

Thank you again for a wonderful review of this Indie pattern designer. I love that the photos also include fuller size women.

[@nicolegooding7724]

Received an email from Helen's closet yesterday. She has a new release and is offering a discount on all her patterns

[@jolynnwhite7946]

Love this pattern companies pres3ntation great picture s including line drawings . The overall esthetic exceptional 👌🏾✌🏿👼🏿😍🙍🏽👌🏾🙍🏽👼🏿💕

[@nancynewman6592]

HI I just wanted to mention that there is a 25% sale right now (to July 11 I think) , which is fairly rare. Helen Closet directions, tutorials, and hacks are amazing. The connection can be found on the right side, top, says Menu, drop down has BLOG ; LEARN: there is a HUGE amount of information there.(eg, an elastic back for the culottes, and a floor length, float-y tiered version of the Ashton top. She pays exquisite attention to detail in her instructions so each one is a fantastic lesson in itself)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

None of these are really jumping out at me - but I will say that Raven @DIYRaven did a review of the pinafore and it looked fantastic on her.

[@raquelseydewitz203]

Love this series! Great finds!

[@lesatressler8450]

I also liked the 3 patterns that you liked plus the Winslow culottes. Nice selection. Thank you.

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

I love the Winslow Culottes, especially right above the knee. Making another today!

[@kelleyking]

Love all those measurements! Community makes show up for me.

[@kelleyking]

Actually, I was about to order the Ashton top because I need a nice summer basic and they do cup sizes. But the D cup starts at size 12. That's too big! I guess HC isn't for me.

[@louiset2079]

How have you not heard of Helen’s Closet. Not only does she have a catalogue of patterns which are very popular in the home sewing community but she is also co-host of one of the most popular sewing podcasts. Maybe you have heard of The Love To Sew podcast? If you haven’t you have a lot of episodes to catch up on.

[@InsidetheHem]

Haha. No I have heard of her before and listened to the podcast. But I wasn’t an avid consumer of her patterns. I had heard of the super popular ones but the others were a fun surprise!

[@cr8tivecarbaholic]

That podcast is THE BEST

[@debbiegauvain8539]

I love Helen’s Closet patterns. I made the York Pinafore and my daughter was then convinced that I could make one for her ;). Haha.

[@hilarydeluca8675]

She released a new pattern July 3 and currently has a site wide 25% off sale.

[@cathiesueandersen9451]

TRY THE YORK!

[@stonecrestquilt]

Great review, I appreciate your good eye on drafting issues. I have a large bust so the Yanta shorts which are cute is definitely gaping at the front. Other than the Yanta shorts none of the other patterns are that great. I almost bought the York a while back but I don’t like that cocoon shape.

[@CazPiranha]

Quilterbee Tarpley I have a very large bust and neither of my Yantas gape there, so maybe just a fit issue on that model, which wasn’t adjusted for? It would be a straightforward adjustment 🤷🏻‍♀️. The York can be made A-line. There’s also a lovely gathered waist hack. And I’ve made a button down version that’s straight. And a thick sweater version. Such a great starting point pattern for hacking.

[@stonecrestquilt]

@@CazPiranha I may give them a try when they go on sale.

[@denisedorsey2889]

Quilterbee Tarpley According to other comments there is a 25% off sale going on now.

[@bstitched3446]

@@stonecrestquilt Yes there is a sale on right now until July 11!

[@sandraobrien8705]

I wasn't sure about the York pinafore but I love it. Have made 2 and will definitely make more, so easy and comfy to wear. Fromthe others, I think I'd try the yanta overalls

[@SamanthaLlanos]

Another great review! I’m a big fan of the Love To Sew Podcast and I have the Ashton top pattern in my queue of to-dos. Maybe I’ll pick up a few more of her patterns since there’s a sale and you make a really good point about these patterns being good basics. As a beginner, I could probably use basics in my stash! Sigh...your reviews are making me go broke, LoL!

[@InsidetheHem]

Don’t worry, they make me go broke too!

[@pattyknoll7428]

I was able to see the Community Makes. Not sure what the problem was but there are some lovely examples pictured.

[@claudianowakowski]

Those high waist leggings look great. I would love those for skating. I also like the inverted box pleat culottes. That is a very versatile and stylish pattern. Most of the rest is just too basic unless you are just starting to sew and don't already own hundreds of patterns.

[@kckazcoll1]

maybe with the Yanta overalls (first model) a FBA was required to stop the gaping at top of bib?

[@edinacole6382]

Great job! I hope this company takes off they have such a great range of sizes. Have you looked at victory patterns? They seem to have some great designs also

[@InsidetheHem]

On my list. ;)

[@litestreamer]

What's wrong with teardrop pockets? No pockets? I love pockets!

[@wannadonna1074]

👍🏽 cool...

[@molly_sewsmolly_sews8477]

I have sewn some of these patterns: York Pinafore & the Arden pants. I was sceptical about whether the cocoon shape of the York would suit me but I've sewn two - so clearly I love this style! I've just finished the Arden pants in a corduroy because Sydney is in winter time right now. I love the drafting and the clear, teaching instructions if you need them. I have the Elliot sweater, Winslow culottes and Pona Jacket waiting in the wings. There are plenty of community makes and hacks. My makes are on my Insta Molly_Sews. Please keep doing these Indie reviews.

[@enerostar83]

The Blackwood cardigan is really popular.

[@dovilepauliukaite8402]

💜💜

[@kathyshepley2768]

Lovely basix patterns. All look good for a new sewer as they would have a beautiful wardrobe, which would make them feel good giving confidence to continue their sewing experiences.I really like these patterns.

[@janetlink9756]

I wish they carried printed patterns

[@CazPiranha]

Janet Link it’s an almost impossible expense for most indie companies.

[@cr8tivecarbaholic]

They really aren't difficult to put together or you can save the file on a thumb drive and take it to staples or office max and have them print it out for you on one sheet. And I prefer the paper to tissue paper and tracing any day

[@cindysalas7853]

I'm new to the sewing community, so this review is helpful to me. Thank you for doing it. I would like to try the leggings and the culottes.

[@candie58]

Thank you for the review. Nothing appeals at the moment though.