Sewing Pattern Review: The York Pinafore

After seeing several versions of the York Pinafore from Helen’s Closet pop up in my social feeds, I knew I had to take a crack at this pattern! The easygoing vibe and beginner-friendly construction got me hooked, and I can totally see this becoming a TNT pattern in my sewing arsenal. Keep reading out more about why I love this pattern, my first adventures in making bias tape, and how dreamy this Tencel twill fabric is!

If you watched my April Makes / May Sewing Plans video, you may recall my plans to make the York Pinafore from Helen’s Closet using a delicious copper-hued Tencel twill I purchased a while ago from Blackbird Fabrics (linked below).

This is my second attempt at a Helen’s Closet pattern. You can read more about my first make, the Ashton Top, here. I love how accessible her patterns are with their simple construction and timeless design with a modern twist. Both of these patterns have become instant wardrobe staples for me for sure, and I can’t wait to make another one of her designs very soon!

I am a sucker for any garment I can throw over my body in under 30 seconds and call an outfit, so the York Pinafore has been on my radar for a while. This pinafore was sewn in a straight size 12 based on my measurements in View A. No other adjustments were made, and I am really pleased with the easygoing fit.

Can we talk about this 6oz Tencel twill?!? I pulled this fabric from my stash (details below) for this project because it just feels so dreamy. It features a soft hand-feel and a gorgeous drape so it’s the perfect swishy piece to wear around on the muggy rainy days an Ohio spring is known for.

The only snag I ran into was realizing that I had no bias binding available to make this pattern! However, I was able to make my own using this spotted cotton fabric that’s been sitting in my stash forever. It felt great to use up the overlooked fabric, and the pop of pattern against the copper color of the Tencel is fantastic.

Let it be known that making your own bias tape, though practical and a great way to use up scraps, sucks and is at least 1 hour of your time that you will never get back. If I could go back, I would have saved this step for its own day ahead of making my project because it was a huge bummer to walk into my craft room ready to sew, only to have the bulk of my precious alone time eaten alive by the tedious measuring, cutting, sewing, and pressing. Hated every minute of it (don’t care that it was worth it #notsorry)!

With that done, making this piece was a breeze! This pattern is a fast make, and can easily be sewn up in an afternoon. I made it in a few short, 30-minute sessions over the course of a few days because…y’know, Mom Lyfe. What I love about Helen’s Closet Patterns is that she is excellent at breaking down her steps. They’re easy to follow and she uses a clear, encouraging tone. She also includes manageable stopping points, which is perfect if you only have enough time to complete a few steps during your sewing sesh. When all was said and done, this project took me about 5 hours to complete, including the time spent printing and assembling my PDF pattern pieces and making my bias tape. So, about 3 hours of actual sewing time.

Since I didn’t have a close enough matching thread on hand, so I opted for this golden sunflower color instead. I love the subtle pop against the earthy tone of the fabric.

I finished the side and shoulder seams using a French seam. Paired with the bias binding, the inside of this piece is just as pretty as the outside. I’d really like to continue to work on my guts game with future garments. Taking time to construct pieces that are not only pleasing to look at on the inside but more durable and longer-lasting too. It’s tough since I’m impatient when it comes to my makes, but definitely worth the wait!

I finished this garment 1 week ago and have already worn it 3 times. I actually just pulled it out of the hamper to wear again today, but don’t judge me for that, ok?! haha!

I cannot wait to make another one of these. Since it needed no adjustments, I know I can just jump right in next time! I love it just the way it is, and I want an entire army of York’s in my closet NOW!

Want to see the full sewing process of this York Pinafore by Helen’s Closet? Check it out on my YouTube channel here! If you love beginner-friendly sewing pattern reviews, then you need to see how I refashioned an old dress into this swoon-worthy Bathurst Top from Stitch Witch Patterns.

Happy Making!

-XO-