It’s that time again—time for a new FREE Helen’s Closet pattern! We love providing approachable, accessible options for your sewing practice and this design fits the bill. Two top options, two dress options, inseam pockets, and a gorgeous bias binding finish. Let’s take a closer look!
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The Orchard Top and Dress is an effortless addition to any wardrobe. This pattern includes sizes 0-34 (up to a 60” chest and 62” hip). Orchard features spaghetti straps and a dartless a-line silhouette. Inseam pockets are included for the dress views. Orchard is easy to fit and can be adjusted to include a bust dart if required.
Four views are included: two tops and two dresses. The cropped top is super cute with high-waisted garments and the longer top is ideal as a classic tank or camisole layering piece. The short dress is fun and flirty, and the long dress is dreamy and oh-so comfortable. All views make great wardrobe staples because they are so versatile and easy to style!
Sew Orchard in a drapey lightweight fabric for a flowy tank or sundress. Try it in a light cotton or linen for more structure and volume. The straps and bias finish can be sewn in a contrast fabric if desired! We love our versions in washed linen and lightweight cotton. Rayon/viscose challis or twill or would be absolutely dreamy, too!
Orchard is an obvious choice for summer and it also works well for holidays and events when sewn in a fancy fabric. We love wearing Orchard in the garden or to the beach! Orchard has narrow straps that will show bra straps when worn, but we say—embrace the straps! Who gives a hoot! You can also pair Orchard with your favorite t-shirt or turtleneck for more coverage in the cooler months. We love that it can be an all-season workhorse in your wardrobe. Looking for something to pair Orchard with? Try our new Moss Jacket or Dawson Top! They pair beautifully together.
The name ‘Orchard’ fits this pattern so perfectly because it is exactly what I would want to be wearing if I were to walk around in an orchard. In this scenario, I’d be admiring the trees and not doing any picking, haha. Orchard is also the last name of my high school home economics teacher, Ms. Orchard! She was so supportive and kind to me and really encouraged my creative endeavors, especially at the sewing machine. It feels fitting that we have a pattern named after her, and a FREE one at that! I hope this pattern inspires and encourages others to try sewing, too. Here is a picture of me and Ms. Orchard from my high school yearbook, alongside the dress I made in class and wore to prom.
You can get this FREE pattern by signing up for our newsletter. Already signed up? No worries! Simply sign up again using the same address here and you will get the pattern in your inbox. You won’t be added to the newsletter twice.
