- The PDF digital file for the Helens Closet Gilbert Top. The link to the PDF instruction booklet and PDF files for all sizes will be contained in your order confirmation email.
- A0 print out of the Helens Closet Gilbert Top Choose between sizes ranges US 0-22 (B-cup) OR US 12-30 (D-cup).
- Fabric: Size 0-22 kits contain 2.1m of fabric and size 12-30 contains 2.2m of fabric. These lengths are based on making the longer version with short sleeves.
- Thread: Gutermann Sew All thread in shades 299 (charms & blooms kits) or 1 (waves kits)
- Interfacing: 0.8m of lightweight iron-on interfacing
- Buttons: 5 x 12mm corozo buttons, in cobalt (charms & waves kits) or pink (blooms kits)
- Sewing Machine Needles: Schmetz universal needles
- Label: Exclusive sew in woven label, 1 of 4 designs
- Video: access to Lauren’s top tips video, as described below
- Free UK shipping!
A physical print out of the instruction booklet will NOT be included. You can view the instruction booklet on your device at home, print it out at home, or add the 'printed pattern instructions' product (see link below) to your order and we will print it for you.
The Gilbert Shirt is back for the summer in our exclusive new collection of fabrics!
Originally featured as a popular Sewing Society kit, Gilbert is a relaxed shirt pattern that works beautifully as part of a handmade summer wardrobe. With a boxy, loose shape, it can be worn buttoned up, layered open over dresses and tops, or paired with matching trousers or shorts for an easy summer outfit.
You can keep it classic with the straight hem view, or opt for something more playful with the tie front version. In her top tips video Lauren also discusses how to make the shirt sleeveless - giving you even more mileage from this lovely pattern!
We’ve chosen Aegean Waves, Bougainvillea Blooms and Thora’s Charms for this kit as each one gives the shirt a completely different feel - from relaxed and coastal through to more detailed and textured.
Each kit includes everything you need to make your own Gilbert Shirt, with carefully selected fabrics and notions to take the guesswork out of choosing supplies. Our buttons have also been custom dyed so you know they're a perfect match for the fabric!
Please note each kit includes enough fabric to make either view of the shirt with short sleeves, as modelled above.
This Gilbert Kit is available in all three designs of our exclusive new fabrics: Thora's Charms, Bougainvillea Blooms and Aegean Waves
Thora’s Charms draws inspiration from the symbols and motifs featured in our popular Goddess Power print, reworked here through delicate embroidered details scattered across the fabric.
The detailed embroidery is a vibrant blue with accents of gold and features stars, hearts, waves, moons and other Goddess inspired symbols, giving the fabrics a lovely texture.
Bougainvillea Blooms takes the trailing florals from our much-loved Bougainvillea Island print and reimagines them through beautifully embroidered flowers. Inspired by bougainvillea climbing through sun-soaked Mediterranean streets, the embroidered blooms create lovely movement on the garment.
The embroidery is soft and delicate, meaning the fabric still has a gentle drape and is comfortable to wear.
The Aegean Waves design features little boats bobbing on sunlit waves, with soft painterly blue brushstrokes inspired by the colours and movement of the Aegean Sea.
Taken from the much-loved details within our original Bougainvillea Island print, this design brings a softer, more relaxed feel to the fabric whilst still keeping that Mediterranean holiday mood running through it.
All three fabrics are on a viscose linen base, meaning they are breathable and lovely to wear in the warmer months. The embroidered fabrics are 80% viscose, 20% linen and the Aegean Waves fabric is 70% viscose, 30% linen.
The Gilbert Top pattern included in the kit is yours to keep. Not only will you have the full sized A0 print out, with all the variations and styles inside your kit box, you also have access to the PDF files for your future reference. This means you can remake Gilbert in different fabrics and combinations long after your kit make is complete - yay!
The Gilbert Top is a button up shirt with a camp-style collar and a relaxed fit. View A has short sleeves and a tie-front. It is slightly cropped but still very comfortable with mid to high-rise bottoms.
View B has a straight hem and a longer length, perfect for tucking into high-waisted trousers or skirts. The pattern also has the option to have long, lantern sleeves, though please note the fabric included in the kits is enough to make the short sleeve only (as modelled).
There is an optional breast pocket and both views feature a front facing and a lined back yoke, which are sewn with a really clean finish.
This pattern is available in two size ranges: US sizes 0-22 and 12-30
US 0-22 (B cup): Bust 31 - 48" (78.5 - 122cm), waist 24 - 40" (61 - 101.5cm), hips 33 - 50" (84 - 127cm)
US 12-30 (D cup): Bust 40 - 58" (101.5 - 147.5cm), waist 30 - 48" (76 - 122cm), hips 40 - 58" (101.5 - 147.5cm)
Sizes 0-22 are drafted for a B cup and sizes 12-30 are drafted for a D cup. If you are unsure about what dressmakers cup size you are, please check out this article and note that it is different to what bra size you might wear.
The full size charts, including finished measurements, can be viewed in the gallery above.
Included with this kit is Lauren's Top Tips video, which gives you extra advice to use alongside the pattern instructions.
With clear, step by step videos she shows you how to:
- work with drapey fabrics and cut them acurately
- adapt the pattern to be sleeveless, giving you more options for your make
- sew the front tie
- finish the back yoke and front facing using the burrito method
With Lauren's advice you'll have the skills you need to start your make with confidence!
The video has over 29 minutes of footage, sectioned out with time stamps/chapters for easy reference and navigation.
The link to the video will be contained in your order confirmation email along with the pdf files, please please file this safely for future reference.
Helen's Closet rate the Gilbert as suitable for an Intermediate dressmaker. Techniques include sewing patch pockets, lining the back yoke using the burrito method, sewing a flat collar and buttonholes.
To complete this project successfully you'll need a regular sewing machine along with Lauren's essential recommended sewing tools.
You can see some of the tools most used by Lauren in her top tips video in the Related Products section above.
If you would like a printed copy of the instructions sent out with your kit, in addition to the PDF copy that you will receive, please see the related products below and add it to your cart as a separate product.
Your kit will be wrapped in tissue and beautifully presented in recyclable packaging.
We will aim to dispatch all kits as soon as possible after orders are placed, and we aim to have all kits shipped out by Wednesday 15th July.
As Sewing Society kits are processed and shipped from a different location to the shop, we are unable to group together kit orders with past or subsequent orders or combine orders retrospectively. Please click here for the full g&g Sewing Society shipping terms.
