The Ardens are a versatile trouser that you’re sure to love wearing and will make you wonder why you haven’t sewn them before!
They’re a classic elastic-waist trouser with handy pockets; patch pockets on the back and sleek slant pockets on the front. It has lovely topstitching which adds definition to these areas and gives a professional look.
The legs have a gentle taper to them and can be finished with a simple hem, as in view A, or a cuff can be added to create a jogger-style finish. An optional drawstring can be added to either view and in her top tips video Lauren demonstrates how to add neat thread stops to these.
We’ve added extra comfort factor to this pattern by including fabric with a slight stretch in this kit. This also helps to keep the shape of the trouser and prevent it bagging out with wear.
The Ardens are a straightforward sew, with the excellent instructions you’d expect from Helen’s Closet, which makes them an ideal first trouser pattern for beginners. If you’re a more experienced maker though you can challenge yourself further by trying out options such as the topstitched cuffs and flat felled seams!
The elastic included in this kit is to make views A or C of the pattern. This kit includes free UK shipping!
For this kit we’ve chosen four colours of a gorgeous viscose linen: black, dark navy, denim blue and muted khaki
This viscose linen has the wonderful slubby texture of linen that we love, with the added drape from the viscose. This means that the fabric hangs really nicely and the gathers are soft and not bulky. It has a weight of 210 g/m² which is ideal for these trousers; weighty enough for bottoms, but also light enough for spring and summer wear.
The fabric is 88% viscose 10% linen and 2% elastane. The addition of the elastane in the fabric gives it a slight stretch, making the trousers even more comfortable to wear and also helps to avoid getting baggy knees!
To see the fabrics close up check out the video in the main gallery.
