I didn’t think I could love the patterns from Helen’s Closet more. Then came the Jackson tee. Who wouldn’t love a pattern that makes both a tee and a jumper, AND is not gender specific! I made one for my husband and then quickly made one for myself too!


The fabric is a lovely soft cotton jersey in old rose melange stripe from The Rag Shop. It’s been through the washing machine quite a few times now and is still looking like new. It’s pretty stretchy, and a bit more weighty than a normal t-shirt weight jersey so a nice choice for all seasons. I love the colour too – since I realised how much I like how I look in pink, I can’t stop making pink garments!

I’m getting much more confident with sewing knit fabrics. I make most on my sewing machine with either a zig zag or ‘lightning’ stitch. I’m enjoying being able to use a twin needle for hems too.


A good basic tee is hard to come by, but this pattern is great. I often have issues with tightness in the bust but with the Jackson I didn’t need an FBA for my D cup bust (sewing D cup means there’s a 4 inch difference between my upper bust and bust measurements).

The instructions are really good as always too, and great for a beginner. They even talk through how to approach sizing, including lengthening and shortening. My top is a size 12. I shortened it by an inch as the length is made for a taller body than mine (I’m 5ft 2). For my husband’s I lengthened by 3 inches and we’re both really happy with the fit.

It pairs well with so many items in my wardrobe, I wear it at least a couple of times a week.

It’s a super quick sew and I can see myself making many more. As for the lovely fabric, I have enough for another top so look out for another one soon!

As for more Helen’s Closet patterns, I’m desperate to try out the Gilbert Top, just need to pick a fabric. I’ve a pair of Avery leggings ready to cut out in an athletic fabric, and I’ve two fabrics ready to make a couple of March tops. I have plans for some Arden pants in tencel, and would love some Yanta overalls for moving house… but don’t have time to make them. And finally a hack of the Winslow culottes to make an elastic waist pair of breezy summer shorts. Just need to move house first… Definitely not sponsored, I’m just a Helen’s Closet super fan.
I’ll try to see if my husband will let me photograph and share his tee too…
I am a Helen’s closet fan too, I think you will like the Arden pants, I’ve made 3 for myself and 2 for my daughter. Also made 4 Suki Robes (that’s what the pattern was called when I bought it) and 2 Pona jackets. Have got the Blackwood cardigan though but not even stuck the pattern together, somehow not keen on it now.
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