The Great British Sewing Bee Series 10 2024 Patterns & Shopping Lists

It was time for Luke, Pashca and Ailsa to head into the Sewing Bee sewing room one last time for the final of series 10 of the Great British Sewing Bee.

Series 10 Episode 10: The Final

The Pattern Challenge: Opera Gloves

The pattern challenge was to sew a pair of opera gloves requiring the ability to sew with precision due to teeny tiny seam allowances and a narrow gusset running between the fingers.

If you fancy trying your 'hand' at sewing gloves Vogue 8311 includes a pattern for eight different styles of gloves including two elegant, longer pairs plus more regular day to day options too.

The Made to Measure Challenge: Draping Evening Wear

For the first time in ten years of the Sewing Bee the contestants were tasked with draping evening wear rather than using a sewing pattern. They were even given a dressmaker's dummy the same size as their model's body to perfect the fit.

Patrick shared tips on using tape on the mannequin to highlight where the lines of the garment would be and calico to create pattern pieces.

You can see our range of dressmaker's dummies here and calico here.

Luke

Luke was excited about the challenge having done a lot of draping in the past.

He created a tailored asymmetric tailored jacket with one long sleeved and one sleeveless side, buttoned pleats and a oversized lapel paired with a tiered maxi skirt.

Butterick 6915 is an asymmetric button up blazer and could be paired with McCalls 8150 to create the look.

Alternatively Simplicity 9638 has the biker jacket style lapels and could be adapted to have an oversized lapel.

Ailsa

Ailsa embraced her Scottish heritage once again and made a kilt with a pleated waistcoat top and dramatic cape.

The closest pattern we have to a kilt is McCalls 8479, which is a fun, pleated wrap skirt pattern.

Pascha

Pascha made a vibrant fuchsia pink taffeta dress with a pleated bodice and ruched skirt with a dramatic asymmetric hi lo hem.

I thought Vogue 1655 had similar vibes thanks to the neckline and shoulder straps and pleated bodice.

As always it was an emotional episode and great to see the full complement of Sewing Bees back in the studio examining the garments.

It was great to have a truly original challenge for the made to measure task and I genuinely believed the winner didn't ever expect to make it to the final yet alone win it.

Where on earth did ten weeks go? One thing is for certainly it has done it's usual job of boosting my sewjo back up to the highest levels once again and has left me wanting to try lots of new sewing tasks.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for series 11 and keep following us to keep that sewjo topped up in the meantime.

Series 10 Episode 9: Fashion Icons

This week I'm wrapping up the semi final and final of series 10 of the Sewing Bee and there are some super interesting and challenging sewing challenges to look back on, as has been the theme all the way through this series.

The Pattern Challenge: A Balenciaga Inspired Dress

This week was a very unusual challenge for the Bees with Patrick admitting most of them wouldn't have ever sewn anything like the Balenciaga style dress they were asked to recreate.

The dress was bat shaped, fitted at the front thanks to an internal belt and loose at the back with grown on sleeves and fastened with a hook and eye.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

Vogue 1982 is a very couture feeling pattern and has a fitted dress with an attached cape creating a similar red carpet worthy look. Choose from a sleeveless or 3/4 length sleeve design.

Vogue 1579 also has a fitted dress finished at the waist with a bow belt and has a short cape that finishes above the bust at the front and dips down to the waist at the back.

The Made to Measure Challenge: A Coco Chanel Inspired Outfit

For the made to measure challenge the Sewing Bees had to create an outfit inspired by Coco Chanel giving them a career spanning 60 years to refer to.

Coco Chanel was famous for garments sewn in boucle tweed, which can be a tricky fabric to sew, and for embellishing her often monochrome designs with items such as pearl buttons and motifs.

The judges said they were looking for well made, ambitious garments that had real impact. Over to the busy Bees...

Pashca

Pascha sewed a 1930s inspired dress with a tiered hem using alternating fabric panels in shiny satin and matt silk to create a luxe feel. The flutter sleeves were also sewn in matte silk to contrast against the shiny satin bodice.

One of my favourite dress patterns I made many years ago, Simplicity 8875, has a very similar shape with empire line bust pieces and the option for a ruffled hem and flutter sleeves.

Ailsa

Ailsa was inspired by a quirky Chanel runway look that combined a feminine, chiffon tiered skirt with a sharp tuxedo style tailored jacket, shirt and tie.

You could create a similar and very on trend look by replacing the jacket with a tailored waistcoat like Butterick 6901 and McCalls 8150 for the skirt.

Luke

Luke made a little black dress from black boucle tweed, gold trimmed pearl buttons and a white quilted collar inspired by the iconic Chanel quilted handbag.

McCalls 8239 could be used to create a similar looking dress thanks to the fitted silhouette and pointy collar.

Suzy

Suzy decided to make a monochrome dress with a boned bodice featuring a white faux silk centre front panel sandwiched between two white faux silk panels at either sides overlaid with black flocked spot chiffon and finished with white tie straps at the shoulders.

Although Simplicity 9738 has a fit and flare silhouette rather than the looser fitting design Suzy made, it would allow you to create monochrome panels thanks to the princess seams running the length of the dress at the front and back. It is also finished with tie straps at the shoulder.

I loved the variety of ideas in the made to measure challenge and felt a definite urge to pair a waistcoat with a tiered skirt and sew up a sexy bias cut dress.

We're down to the final three and I wonder what tricky challenges the judges will have in store for them next week.

Series 10 Episode 8: Diva Week

I couldn't wait to see the crazy outfits the Sewing Bees would conjure up for Diva week! How wonderful to have an excuse to sew something outlandish and impressive enough for your favourite superstar Diva.

The Pattern Challenge: A Tina Turner Inspired Fringed Dress

I do so love a bit of Tina Turner and that fringed dress was just so iconic, I can immediately imagine her owning that stage, shimmying around and belting out one of her massive hits. Oooh I feel all goose bumpy!

The Sewing Bees were tasked with re-creating Tina's fringed dress - a sexy, fitted, strappy slip dress and I've found the patterns you could use to sewalong too.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

Simplicity 9297 would be perfect for sewing up a red carpet worthy fringed dress as you can see from the styling on the packet.

It has a lined, boned bodice and sweetheart neckline.

I've included some other slip dresses for you too:

Know Me 2032 is another fitted mini slip dress with a maxi length option included too. Although it doesn't have a waist seam the princess seams make it fitted and is is a similar shape to Tina's famous dress.

Simplicity 9594 is an original vintage re-release pattern with only two main pattern pieces for easy sewing.

The shape is created by the bust darts and French darts and it has a similar neckline and overall silhouette to the Tina Turner dress.

Sewing the fringing on evenly so it matched up at the centre back seam and the different layers were equally spaced was no mean feat, but most of the Bees handled it very well.

The invisible zip was also a tricky step bearing in mind the fringing so I've shared my favourite invisible zip tutorial for you.

The Transformation Challenge: Animal Print Loungewear

I don't usually share anything from the transformation challenge, but just had to share our gorgeous animal print fabrics that would sew up into perfect loungewear or wear everywhere wear!

I recently sewed up a skirt in this gorgeous classic leopard print viscose fabric and am loving wearing it thanks to the perfect weight and drape of the fabric.

Leopard print skirts are so on trend at the moment, but I will also be able to layer this one up for Autumn and Winter too.

I also adore this fun pink and red animal print viscose fabric and it seems you lovely lot are enjoying it too, I don't think it will be around for long.

If you prefer more muted tones, have a look at our cream and grey Lyocell fabric, light as a feather and silky soft to the touch.

The Made to Measure Challenge: A Stage Outfit fit for a Diva

What a wonderful opportunity for the Bees to let their imagination run wild sewing up a stage costume for their favourite Diva.

Although I'm not planning on walking down the High Street in a catsuit any time soon, their visible excitement and delight at what they'd created made me crave an opportunity to make something so out there!

Pashca

Pascha made a silver bodysuit and structural skirt attached to a harness.

Although you might not be planning on strutting down the street in a silver puff sleeve turtleneck bodysuit and not a lot else, a turtleneck bodysuit or bodysuit in general can be a great layering piece for your wardrobe.

Simplicity 8513 includes a turtleneck, crew neck, lace up front and cross over V neck option plus a range of sleeve options too.

The Friday Pattern Company Elysian bodysuit has a super sexy scoop neck and curved seaming under the bust.

Over the bodysuit the model wore a hoop skirt and the McCalls 2091 Cosplay pattern would be perfect to sew your own wild hoop skirt up.

Ailsa

Ailsa made a full length hooded zip up coat inspired by Shania Twain in a polyurethane animal print fabric.

Simplicity 8482 could be used to create a similar Shania-esque coat.

Luke

Luke made a Lady Gaga bustier style top with dramatic structured shoulders worn with leggings and knee high boots and a crazy helmet and whip.

As you can imagine it was pretty tricky finding a pattern to recreate this look, but I thought Simplicity 8363 would enable you to make something similar paired with leggings.

Alex

Alex made a cowboy style shirt and flares with fringing and godets on the trouser legs.

You could create some real yee-haw vibes with McCalls 7980, which is a unisex pattern so great value for money too.

Every cowboy loves a good pair of jeans and the Thread Theory Fulford jeans have always been a super popular men's jeans pattern and could easily be adapted to create a flare.

Suzy

Suzy made a swing coat with a large collar and whilst many of us won't be planning on leaving the house in a coat and knickers, a jacket with a large collar could be a super useful garment to have in your handmade wardrobe to be combined with trousers, dresses or skirts!

The Tilly and the Buttons Sonny jacket isn't a swing coat, but it does have a lovely big statement collar and is great for the sort of 'summer' we're having here in the UK at the moment!

The Sewing Bees sewed everything from vinyl to pleather, sticky, tricky fabrics indeed.

Even if you're not planning on creating a gaga outfit you might like bag making or want to create a simple leather skirt or jacket and a Teflon or non stick sewing machine is your friend if this is the case.

You can find our full range here.

There was also a lot of hardware in the made to measure task this week and I spotted punch pliers being used. Our Prym punch pliers are a super useful tool and can create 6 different sized holes in leather, foils paper and many more craft materials and fabrics.

What a week! It almost felt like a final with those crazy costumes and I wonder how they're going to trump that for the grand finale!

Next week is the semi final so only two weeks to go before we know who will be crowned the Great British Sewing Bee 2024.

Series 10 Episode 7: Lingerie Week

More tricky tasks for the Sewing Bees this week in lingerie week including piping on a pyjama blouse and boning in a bustier dress that must fit the models perfectly.

The Pattern Challenge: A Piped Pyjama Blouse

For the pattern challenge the Bees were tasked with sewing a pyjama blouse with flat piping round the cuffs and front.

We have lots of tips and advice for achieving beautifully neat piping (although the easier non flat version using piping cord) as well as the patterns, habby and sewing machine feet that can make the task so much easier.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

Simplicity 8803 is great value pyjama pattern with a piped collar and cuffs, the option for patch pockets and includes both women's and girls' sizes.

The Carolyn pyjamas by Closet Core has been a hugely popular pattern over the years. It includes the option for full length pyjama trousers or shorts and has a piped collar and cuffs and a patch pocket.

From experience the instructions in the Closet Core sewing patterns are excellent.

McCalls 8484 is more of a blouse style top rather than a traditional pyjama top, but still includes the all important option for piping running along either side of the button band and above the cuffs and hem.

You can also choose from shorts or full length trousers with this pattern.

We've added lots of lovely new viscose and cotton fabrics that would be perfect for pyjamas in the last week, you can see them all here.

To create your piping you can find our bias binding here, piping cord here and sewing machine piping feet here. We've made it really easy to find the right feet for your machine, but if you have any difficulty don't hesitate to contact us.

Watch our all important piping tutorial below to find out all of my top tips for sewing neat, even piping.

You can even sew piping on an overlocker and I created a handy tutorial for this technique too - watch below.

If you're planning on silky pyjamas like the Bees you might also want to check out my top tips for sewing with slippery fabrics here too.

The Made to Measure Challenge: A Bustier Dress with Boning

The Sewing Bees had to sew a sexy bustier dress using boning for structure and support for the made to measure challenge this week and a perfect fit was crucial.

A great opportunity to really go for it and make a red carpet worthy dress, but definitely another tough challenge.

Pashca

Pascha sewed a strapless bustier dress with expensive eyelet lace detailing, a lace centre front panel and a maxi length skirt with a gathered tulle overlay.

Suzy

Suzy sewed a colour blocked bustier using pink and yellow satin fabrics paired with a fitted skirt and contrast ruffled panel.

You could sew similar designs to Pascha and Suzy using Simplicity 9850, which has options for a dress or jumpsuit, seamed cups and boning plus separate pattern pieces included for cup sizes A to J.

Luke

Luke sewed a bustier bodice with satin cups including pleat details on the lower half of the cups, a sheer torso piece and a satin skirt.

I'm pretty sure I spotted the Viki Sews Ornella dress pattern on Luke's sewing table.

You can find boning here and other lingerie supplies including bust cups and wires here on our site.

Ailsa

Ailsa went for a rebellious look lengthening the centre front panel of the corset to create an almost unflattering look (her words not mine) and take a stand against what a corset does to a woman's body.

I've always thought Esme was a rebel, but she didn't look very keen as Ailsa revealed her plans!

The skirt was symmetrically draped on either side of the extended centre front panel and sewn in seersucker.

You could use the Viki Sews Tally top pattern to create a similar top.

Alex

Alex made an inside out buster using ric rac to create a scalloped effect over the bodice and underneath the boning paired with a jacquard skirt and gathered tulle overlay.

I loved the way she made the cups of the bodice opaque and left the torso sheer using mesh.

You could sew something similar using Simplicity 9293, which is a patterns by Gertie range fully boned bodice slip with front and back princess seams and a ruffled skirt. It would be easy to lengthen the first tier and omit the second and third tiers for the skirts.

Marcus

Marcus sewed up a skater chick bustier corset top complete with yet more piping paired with a gathered tartan skirt.

Butterick 6338 could be used to create the same Avril Lavigne theme by lengthening skirt G and giving it a level hem.

I was amazed at how neat the finish and how perfect the fit of some of the dresses were, some truly beautiful dresses were sewn up in such a tiny amount of time.

Week 8 next week and we are now hurtling through to the final - who do you think will make the final cut?

Series 10 Episode 6: Children's Week

This week the Sewing Bees were tasked with sewing a jazzy jacket for a child, making an animal themed fancy dress costume and sewing up a cute outfit inspired by their own childhood.

As always we've got you covered with the sewing patterns, fabrics and sewing tips and tutorials you need to sewalong with the Bees.

The Pattern Challenge: A Sequin Bomber Jacket

It appears the judges aren't letting up with their extra tough challenges this year. Sewing sequins isn't something I'd fancy doing against the clock!

In an ideal world you would remove the sequins from the seam allowances to prevent needle breakage (just one of many tips in my helpful video and blog post detailed below), but did the Bees have time for such luxuries?!

The ribbing and construction were another challenge, especially when working with such small pattern pieces and the fact they had to hand sew in a pattern challenge is something I can't remember ever seeing before.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

McCalls 7619 is a unisex children's bomber jacket pattern with lots of fun design details to play around with including a kangaroo pocket and a shaped back yoke plus ribbing for the cuffs, collar and hem.

Simplicity 9654 includes a girls bomber jacket, trousers and a skirt pattern. The bomber jacket has the ribbed cuffs, collar and hem details, a zip fastening and contemporary balloon style sleeves.

Fin dour range of ribbing for cuffs, hems and necklines here.

You can find our sequin fabrics here and see my top tips for sewing with sequins below.

Watch the video here:

Read the blog article here:

The Refashion Challenge: An Animal Costume

I don't normally include the refashioning challenge, but there were some kids animal costume patterns that were just too cute to miss out!

Simplicity 9624 includes a cat, a rabbit, a dog and a dinosaur.

Simplicity 2788 includes a ladybird, an incredibly cute sheep and duck. Cuteness overload!

The Made to Measure Challenge:

For the made to measure challenge the Bees had to use a photo of themselves as a child to inspire their creation, which could only mean lots of 80s and 90s fashion based on the age group of those left in the competition.

One of my favourite parts was seeing Kiell, Esme and Patrick's childhood pictures - apparently Esme loved quirky necklaces and fashion even as a tiny tot.

Suzy

Suzy made a super cute patchwork skort inspired by a skirt her Granny made for her as a little girl from scrap fabrics.

Simplicity 9797 includes a skort, trousers, two crop tops and a hat pattern.

Pashca

Pashca made a tiered skort and tiered tie strap top alternating denim and broderie anglaise. We have the perfect chambray broderie anglaise fabric which blends the two fabrics together here.

You could use Burda 9442 to create a tiered skirt (this isn't a skort pattern, but would look the same as the skort without the shorts underneath) and Simplicity 9963 to create the top adding an extra tier by measuring the hemline of the first tier then cutting a panel double the length and gathering it to fit.

You can see my tiered skirt tutorial video below.

Ailsa

Ailsa made a dress with a fitted bodice a hi-low hemline and long, wide sleeves.

Simplicity 8065 has the full hi-low hemline skirt and you could lengthen and modify the sleeves to recreate the look.

Alex

Alex decided to sew a pair of velvet dungarees inspired by her favourite party outfit as a child.

McCalls 8489 is a fun children's dungarees pattern with cargo pockets and the option for a pinafore dress included.

Luke, Georgie and Marcus

Luke sewed up a denim boiler suit with webbing straps in blue and yellow, which joined two patch pockets on either side.

Georgie sewed a two tone denim jumpsuit with a D ring and zip pocket.

Marcus made an astronaut themed jumpsuit complete with cool patches.

I wasn't able to find a boiler suit pattern, but Burda 9245 is a button down all in one jumpsuit pattern you could use to create something along the same lines as Georgie, Luke and Marcus, especially sewn up in some of our lovely denim.

You can find our colourful bag straps here and D rings here.

Children's week is always a fun one with unique challenges.

I loved the sequin bomber jacket, the judges loved the fancy dress and seeing everyone's photos from their childhood was adorable too.

I especially loved Ailsa's little video of her in her mermaid outfit.

Firmly into the second half of the competition we stride for lingerie week - boning, underwires and lace at the ready!

Series 10 Episode 5: Celebrating Fashion & Textiles from India

This week the Sewing Bee's were sewing garments inspired by India including a jacket inspired by Jawalharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. They were also sewing evening wear inspired by the sari so the episode was destined to be a real dopamine hit of colourful creations and I couldn't wait to hear from the guest judge Priya Khanchandani.

The Pattern Challenge: A Jawaharlal Nehru Jacket

When I read about the pattern challenge I had no idea what type of jacket the Bees would be sewing, but when I googled it I immediately recognised the style - a chic, tailored design with a stand up collar and welt pockets.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

Although there weren't any perfect matches for the Jawalharlal Nehru jacket I did find some patterns along a similar theme.

Vogue 1717 has a jacket with a stand up collar, button down front, optional patch pockets that could easily be replaced with a welt pocket and the choice of two hem lengths. It also includes a skirt and trouser pattern for maximum value for money.

Butterick 6328 has a stand up collar, open front and options for a collarless and sleeveless designs included.

Vogue 1926 is a coat pattern in two lengths with collar options including a stand up collar and button down or covered button closure.

Vogue 1930 is a men's coat pattern with a notched stand up collar, button down front and welt pockets.

Don't forget you can find all the tailoring supplies you need including interfacings, tapes, stiffeners and shoulder pads here.

A few of the Bees chose linen fabrics for their Nehru jackets and we have a range of lovely linen cotton mix plain fabrics, which I've used to sew a waistcoat recently. View the range here.

You can also find helpful tailoring tutorials on our YouTube channel including how to sew a sleeve header to give your jackets and coats more structure in the sleeve head:

There's also a tutorial for sewing a bound buttonhole to give those tailored coats and jackets an extra special finish.

The Made to Measure Challenge:

The Bees were tasked with sewing up a sari inspired storm for the made to measure so I was expecting delicious silk fabrics, bold and beautiful colours, draping and sashes.

The judges were looking for genuine sari details such as pleats and drapes to be incorporated into the designs.

I've included a link to my top tips for sewing with slippery fabrics article for you below in case you're embarking on any silky fabric sewing following the show.

Suzy

Suzy sewed a mini dress with a pleated, fitted bodice and gentle Aline skirt and sheer mesh drape.

I thought you could create something similar with the a skirt and bodice combo from McCalls 7896.

Pashca

It was very difficult to find anything like Pascha's design to say the least, it looked incredibly authentic and there weren't really any commercial or indie patterns that fit the brief.

She made a fitted tunic style top with an asymmetric panel at the neckline and hipline with one short sleeve and a draped wide sleeve and almost fishtail shaped skirt with pleats.

The wide flowing sleeve on Vogue 1665 reminded me of the sleeve on Pashca's dress.

The fishtail skirt on Vogue 2027 reminded me of the skirt.

Ailsa

Ailsa made a vibrant orange dress with cut out detail at the waist and asymmetric hem wrap over skirt with a dipped hem at the back.

I thought you could create a very similar skirt with Vogue 1683.

We have a good range of sewing patterns with cut out details at the waist, but the closest match was McCalls 8252 thanks to the short sleeves and high neckline.

Lauren

Lauren sewed up a silver number with sari and Greek goddess vibes. It was a glamorous asymmetric one shoulder sleeveless design with a sash and Vogue 1616 could be used to sew up something similar.

Georgie, Alex and Marcus

Georgie, Marcus and Alex sewed a very similar design to Lauren and I though I'd include Simplicity 8870 and McCalls 8142 as a alternatives to Vogue 1616.

Luke

Luke sewed a dress with a slash neck design and sari fabric sash. McCalls 8311 could be used to sew something along the same lines if a sari sash was added.

If you're sewing with slippery fabrics like silks and chiffons, my top tips for sewing with slippery fabrics article may come in handy, just click the image below to find all the sewing goodness:

It was another tough week for the Bees, you can see how much they all want to reach the final as the weeks go on and the already tough challenges get tougher.

Onwards and upwards for the remaining 7 who survived the judges beady eyes and the plethora of sewing techniques required to make it past the half way point.

Series 10 Episode 4: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Week

It's reduce, reuse, recycle week for episode 4 series 10 of the Sewing Bee and with a lot of keen refashioners as contestants this year I was excited to see what they sewed up. I was especially excited to see the made to measure challenge where wedding dresses were dismantled to create a party outfit.

The Pattern Challenge: A Quilted Bag

For the pattern challenge the Sewing Bees had to create a quilted bag from scraps of fabric sandwiched between layers of organza.

This was a tricky challenge for many of the Bees who not only had to create a stylish colour scheme and demonstrate quilting skills by sewing perfectly parallel lines of stitching, but they also had to construct the bag itself including a zip and magnetic clasp.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

The bag was a rectangle shape with a flap, zip fastening and magnetic clasp fastening.

McCalls 8467 includes two similar styles plus larger bag designs too.

If you fancy busting some scraps between layers of organza, you can purchase our silk organza by the half metre here.

If you're going to have a go at quilting a walking foot and quilting guide can help to feed the multiple layers of fabric through the machine evenly and keep your lines of stitching parallel. You can find them for a range of makes and models of machine here.

Below you can see a video where I talk through quilting guides and how and when you might want to use a walking foot in dressmaking.

The sewing machine used on the show comes with a walking foot as part of the bonus quilting pack. You can see a full review of the Janome 5060QDC used here:

The Made to Measure Challenge: Repurposing Wedding Dresses

I couldn't wait to see what the Sewing Bees created for the refashioning a wedding dress task, not only were they demonstrating their sewing skills they used their crafting skills to dye and paint the dresses too.

The Bees were also asked to incorporate some of the original design details in the dress too.

I also thought having so much fabric to work with would give them endless opportunities for garment choices too and was hoping to see some truly unique and unusual designs.

Luke

Luke used their Mom's wedding dress - so many supportive Sewing Bee family members willing to sacrifice their dresses.

Luke made a dramatic transformation dying the fabric shocking pink and creating an 80s power party dress.

Vogue 1936 has definite 80s power dressing vibes and is just such a unique design.

And I just had to include Vogue 1782 for those crazy puff sleeves for any full on 80s fans out there!

Georgie

Georgie created a mini slip dress with a deep scoop back and faced some tough challenges transforming the construction of the original dress, including a bussell, into such a simple and elegant design.

New Look 6373 could be used to sew up something similar.

Lauren

Lauren sewed a puff ball skirt with lace up fastening at the back and a cropped bandeau top, which meant I had my work cut out for me trying to find a suitable pattern - if only I was searching through the 80s archives!

The closest match I could find to the skirt was a tiered skirt and I thought you could add ruffles and ruching to the tier on Simplicity 1110 plus there are lots of wearable options to sew up for every day wear too.

Suzy

Suzy sponge printed her fabric and sewed up a party dress with a deep V neck with lace insert and double circle skirt and who do we look to for deep V necks? Well Vogue of course!

I've always loved the look of Vogue 9053 and think you could create a very similar look to Suzy's party dress by using this pattern.

It also includes a gorgeous maxi dress version too.

Alex

I loved Alex's idea to create a sheer baby doll dress in fabric she painted worn over a bandeau top and shorts.

You could create a similar dress using Vogue 1723 with it's puff sleeves and baby doll style bodice. It would be relatively simple to add a ruffle hem panel like Alex's.

Pashca

Pascha sewed an asymmetric shoulder strap dress with a large bow on the shoulder and a full skirt.

Although I wasn't able to find a design with a full skirt I thought Simplicity 9916 would be a good alternative in keeping with the single shoulder bow design.

Alternatively Simplicity 9917 is a very similar style dress and you could easily add a shoulder strap and bow.

Marcus

Marcus used his Wife's wedding dress to recreate a menswear outfit - what a supportive Wife indeed! There's no way I'd let Ed refashion mine!

He created a waistcoat using the button down back and lace fabric and an accompanying pair of cropped trousers with a fly front zip.

You could create a similar waistcoat with Vogue 8987:

And some similar cropped trousers or shorts using Vogue 1896.

Ailsa

Ailsa sewed up a corset with a tulle overlay and a skirt with giant kilt pins.

You could sew a similar lace up corset using Butterick 5662.

Vogue 1872 looked like a similar style of skirt with a handkerchief hem.

Don

Don dyed his dress a deep red and recreated a dress he sewed for his daughter years ago (how wonderful to have a Dad who could sew you party dresses?!)

It had spaghetti straps that crossed at the back, a sweetheart neckline at the front and a ruched skirt with lace bodice.

Simplicity 8635 would sew up into something similar with its crisscross spaghetti strap option, fitted bodice and sweetheart neckline. The skirt panels could be ruched to complete the look.

All in all a super creative episode with the Sewing Bees showcasing multiple crafting and sewing skills and breathing new life into garments normally only ever worn once.

Yet again they seem to be raising the bar higher and higher as each week passes and I can't wait to see what next week brings.

Series 10 Episode 3: Travel Week

Week 3 series 10 of the Sewing Bee rolled round so quickly and we couldn't wait to see the French Riviera inspired sewing patterns for the made to measure challenge and how the Bees fared using vintage tablecloths as fabric for the pattern challenge.

The Pattern Challenge: A Summer Blouse from Tablecloths

Refashioning and repurposing clothes and textiles has become more and more popular in recent years. Many of this year's Sewing Bees have already professed their love of reworking preloved textiles making the pattern challenge a well trodden path for some of the contestants.

Not only did the Bees have to sew the pattern neatly and accurately, they also had to think about pattern placement and how they could use any trimmings to amplify the impact of their finished garment and impress Esme and Patrick.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

Liesl and Co recently released the Positano blouse and dress pattern, which looked a very similar design to the pattern used by the Bees.

It has a V-neck, front and back yoke, a loose fitting bodice and wide sleeves.

The Kent tunic by Style Arc also has a V opening at the front, a back yoke and full sleeves finished with a cuff.

Another blouse with a similar vibe, which I recently made is the Roscoe blouse and dress pattern by True Bias. It has a definite boho feel, a V shaped front and the neckline is finished with bias binding.

Simplicity 9928 is also very similar to the Sewing Bees pattern with a V-neck opening, front and back yoke and wide sleeves finished with a cuff.

The bias binding round the neckline of the pattern the Sewing Bees sewed was under harsh scrutiny by the judges.

Here are my top tips for sewing with bias binding:

And here is a tutorial for using a bias binding foot on your sewing machine:

And finally, check out our bias binder machine for making your own custom, folded bias binding to match your project perfectly at the touch of a button.

The Made to Measure Challenge: Outfits inspired by the French Riviera

Anyone British will no doubt be dreaming of heading to warmer climes at the moment.

We've been teased by a few super hot sunny days one day then back to grey skies and cooler temperatures the next.

We couldn't wait to see the French Riviera inspired outfits to further inspire our summer holiday fantasies.

Luke

Luke sewed a pair of men's linen trousers with side pockets and a fly front zip. Lots of the men's trouser patterns seem to be very tailored with an obsession for welt pockets, but I thought McCalls 7987 had a more casual look similar to the trousers Luke sewed.

They paired it with a casual Broderie Anglais shirt with a patch pocket and collar.

McCalls 8486 has definite French Riviera vibes and would work well with the casual trousers.

Georgie

Georgie sewed a slinky, silky bias cut midi length skirt and a crochet lace top.

McCalls 7931 is a classic bias cut skirt and would sew up beautifully in silky fabrics like crepe de chine and satin.

The Tessuti Tavi top is the same shape as Georgie's creation at the front, although it has cute buttons down the back too.

Janet

Janet made a co-ord short and wrap top set.

Although it is sleepwear/lounge wear Vogue 2020 would create a similar look for the top and the slash sleeves could be replaced with a simple short sleeve (or left slashed for extra glamour).

Like Janet's shorts Vogue 2034 is fitted at the waist with a nice loose leg for easy fitting and wearing comfort.

Lauren

Lauren made a super sexy wide leg and cropped, cross over halter neck top combo fit for any A lister.

McCalls 8292 looked like a very similar (if not identical) trouser pattern with a super wide leg gathered at the top and sewn into a wide cummerbund.

I thought you could pair it with the top from McCalls 8368 which has a cross over cropped design with regular straps rather than a halterneck.

Suzie

Suzie made a gorgeous co-ord skirt and crop top set. The skirt had box pleats and the top was low cut and tied at the back.

The skirt in Vogue 1961 looked like the same sort of design as Suzie's skirt and comes with a crop top and trouser pattern too.

Alex

Alex chose to make a wide leg jumpsuit with a fitted bust and tie shoulder straps.

I thought Simplicity 9697 would make something along a similar theme, although it has a tiered panel on the leg, which could easily be omitted. I've always really liked the look of the dress version of this pattern too.

Pashca

Pascha made a super chic separates set with wide leg nautical inspired trousers and a fitted cross over scuba top.

KnowMe 2043 nail the nautical trend perfectly.

The Named Sisko top would work well to create a fitted top with keyhole opening along a similar theme.

Marcus

Marcus made a bardot style top and paired it with an asymmetric skirt with pleats at the front and back.

McCalls 7757 has multiple cropped bardot top options and some lovely loose fitting trousers included.

Vogue 1850 is an asymmetric skirt with pleats and comes with two hem length options.

Ailsa

Ailsa made a wide leg pair of trousers with side pockets and back welt pockets (eeek tricky in a rush!) and a scoop back figure hugging vest/cami top.

I thought KnowMe 2053 was a very similar looking trouser pattern with a wide leg, side pockets and back welt pockets. I would really like to get around to sewing this pattern myself.

Although it has a racer back I thought the Allie Olson Kila Tank would sew up a similar style top to pair with the trousers and is a very cute wardrobe staple to have in your pattern stash.

Don

Don seems to be a big fan of drafting his own patterns and created a trouser pattern without side seams. Although we don't have one of those, we do have lots of floaty trouser patterns and New Look 6289 fits the bill nicely.

Don created a high neck, round neck top with princess seams and Butterick 6948 would create a similar style, although it doesn't have princess seams. It also includes a jacket and two dress patterns too!

I don't know about you, but I'm well and truly ready for a trip to the French Riviera after that episode!

I wonder what the theme will be next week. Stay tuned for more pattern, fabric and tutorial inspiration.

Series 10 Episode 2: Sports Week

It's week two series 10 of the Sewing Bee and we were excited to see how the new Bees fared after a wobbly start last week for some. We reckon it was just newbie nerves, let's see if we're right...

The Pattern Challenge: The Half Zip Fleece

The half zip fleece (or sweatshirt) has been hugely popular in the last year or so and we can see the Sewing Bee team are taking their cues for the pattern challenge from High Street fashion once again.

For those of us in the UK a sweatshirt is such a useful staple all year round - you will regularly see me on a British beach in the summer wearing shorts and my favourite handmade sweatshirt.

We have a range of lovely patterns and fabrics for you to peruse as always plus our top tips for sewing a stitch in the ditch and some amazing stretchy thread you can use in your sewing machine on stretch fabrics.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

Jalie 3907 Alex half zip pullover can be sewn for all the family and includes girls sizes 2 to 13 years and a very size inclusive women's sizes 2 - 24.

I love the funnel neck and side pockets for extra comfort and practicality.

The Friday Pattern Company Pogonip pullover is a super contemporary half fastened sweatshirt/fleece pattern with snap fastenings rather than a zip.

I love the stand up collar and kangaroo pocket and you can find all the habby you need for this pattern on our site too see our snap fasteners here.

It can be sewn up in a range of woven and stretch fabrics and I suspect has the usual clever, simple construction techniques I know and love from the Friday Pattern Company patterns I've sewn.

The size range is also incredibly inclusive.

McCalls 8240 is another sweatshirt pattern with a half opening at the front, but no fastenings this time. It has a traditional collar and the option for cuffs and a hem band.

The Style Arc Bert knit top has a half opening with button and buttonhole closures, a collar, cuffs and a hem band. I love the relaxed fit for a modern look and the very inclusive size range up to a size 30.

Simplicity 9828 is a unisex half zip sweatshirt pattern and also includes cargo pants so you can create a complete lounge wear or active wear set.

Simplicity 9481 is a unisex pattern and includes sizes for all the family - children, teens and adults.

It has a fun geometric panel design giving you the option to play around with colour blocking or pattern clashing.

We have a gorgeous range of sweatshirt fabrics to choose from including subtle sparkle fabrics and a beautiful new lilac colourway perfect for this time of year and getting matchy matchy with Kiel! See them all here.

If you're sewing with stretch fabrics on a sewing machine, I can highly recommend our Gutermann Maraflex thread, which stretches with the fabric and reduces the risk of pesky popped stitches!

Also remember to use ballpoint or stretch needles and don't forget to check out our interfacings including stretch interfacing designed especially for stretch fabrics.

Check out my top tips for stitching in the ditch on Instagram here. If you're not on Instagram here they are:

1. Go slow and enjoy going slow, it isn’t often we get to do that in this life!

2. Use a clear sewing machine foot or a stitch in the ditch foot, which works well too. See our full range of sewing machine feet here.

3. Make sure there is enough fabric on the other side so you will catch it with your stitches, there’s nothing worse than sewing that seam then realising you haven’t secured the fabric properly on the other side. Overlocking the raw edge rather than pressing under can help here.

The Sewing Bees also used a coverstitch machine in the fleece challenge to sew super neat hems.

You can view our full range of coverstitch machines here (including the Janome model used on the show, at the time of writing this post both Janome coverstitch machines are on sale too).

Don't forget to drop us an email if you need any help choosing a coverstitch machine.

The Made to Measure Challenge: Olympic Themed Sports Outfits

The made to measure challenge was sure to be full of surprises thanks to a wide reaching theme of choosing a country and making an outfit for a sporting event.

Pretty much anything goes here, but I was expecting a fair bit of lycra.

Luke

Luke created a pants and vest track combo inspired by their fiancé and their Spanish heritage.

Jalie 3242 would enable you to sew up both the vest and the pants.

Georgie

Georgie was inspired by her days on the track and made a shorts and cross over bra co-ord set in the colours of Trinidad and Tobego.

Jalie 3887 and Jalie 3242 featured above for Luke would create a similar set.

Janet

Janet sewed up a V-neck, cross over front, long sleeved leotard in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

The Jalie 3891 Tessa leotard, one of our best ever selling leotard patterns would be a great way to recreate a similar look.

Comfort

Comfort sewed a Ugandan rugby kit including a raglan sleeved t-shirt.

Simplicity 8613 would be an ideal pattern to sew up this look and comes with a Henley and V-neck option included too.

Lauren

Lauren sewed up a Jamaican inspired sequin leotard with a high neck and long sleeves.

Jalie 3356 would be perfect to recreate the look.

Suzie

Suzie sewed up a weight lifting unitard in the colours of the Kenyan flag.

Although we don't have a unitard pattern I think Jalie 3462 combined with the Sewholic Dunbar vest and crop top pattern would work to create the same sort of look.

Alex

Alex sewed a marathon men's shorts and racer back vest combo inspired by her Dad and chose blue and white fabrics in honour of his Scottish heritage.

Simplicity 9795 would be ideal for recreating the shorts and there are pattern pieces included for women too.

Jalie 2914 is a sporty racer back vest pattern with shorts and trousers also included and runs from children's sizes right through to adults.

Pashca

Pascha made leggings and a vest and Jalie 2914 featured above would be a great option for any budding javelinists out there.

Pascha had a very close connection with the Olympics indeed with her God Brother potentially competing in the javelin competition for team Great Britain.

Marcus

Marcus decided to sew up an outfit for the team GB climbing team and chose a loose fit jersey shorts and colour blocked t-shirt combo.

Recreate the look with McCalls 8414 for the shorts and New Look 6760 for the panelled t-shirt.

Ailsa

Ailsa sewed a zip up polo shirt and pleated skort for the Canadian golf team.

Although the polo shirt is button up and the skort isn't pleated I think McCalls 8481 is perfect for a round of golf, or tennis, or running errands pretending to be sporty!

Don

Don sewed an A-line skirt and half opening polo top.

The Liesl and Co Gardibaldi A-line skirt would work with the top from McCalls 8481 featured above for Ailsa to sew up the same style of golf inspired outfit.

With so much lycra flying around the sewing room the overlockers were in full force so don't forget to check out our super popular 7 clever overlocker tips and tricks video below and check out our full range of overlockers on our site here.

Well another action packed week under our Olympic weight lifting belts.

Sewing with stretch fabrics and especially lycra can be super tricky and I think the Bees fared very well overall.

Series 10 Episode 1: Sewing Bee 10 Year Anniversary

I can't quite believe the Great British Sewing Bee is celebrating it's 10 year anniversary for series 10. The time has gone nearly as quickly as it does for the Bees in the made to measure challenge! We have a new host and 10 new Bees to get to know, let's see how they fared for week one.

The Pattern Challenge: A Denim A-Line Midi Skirt

Could the Sewing Bee be more on trend for it's 10th birthday celebrations? The denim midi skirt has been a firm favourite for the fashion pack these last few seasons.

Such a versatile piece to have in your handmade wardrobe you can style it with T-shirts, vests, camis and sandals or pumps in summer then layer up with fitted knits and ankle or knee high boots in winter.

The Bees were tasked with sewing perfect topstitching and neat, even buttonholes.

Not only do I have the perfect patterns for you to sewalong, but I have plenty of tips and tutorials too.

Sewing Bee Patterns, Fabrics, Tools and Habby

The Grainline Studio Reed skirt pattern nails the A-line denim midi skirt button down trend. Choose from mini or midi length, button down or zip closure, patch pockets and a whole lot of fun with top stitching.

I love the size inclusive size range of this pattern too, available in sizes 0-30.

Burda 6252 is another great option for a button down midi length A-line skirt with options for midi or mini length and patch pockets. I've actually made the mini version before and it is one of my most worn makes of all time.

Simplicity 9267 is another great option with three different hem lengths in case you prefer something a little shorter.

Although it's not a button down I love the Style Arc Tommie Jeans skirt pattern for a bang up to date denim midi skirt.

Don't forget you can find topstitch needles jeans needles and topstitch thread on our site to perfect those top stitching results.

We also have a range of denim fabrics to choose from and lots of tools to help you sew super neat buttonholes, you can find them all in our helpful video and blog article linked below:

If you prefer tips in written format you can read the blog article below at your own pace.

The Made to Measure Challenge: A Casual Day Dress

The Sewing Bees were charged with sewing up their interpretation of a casual day dress in their first made to measure challenge fitting it to a model they had never met before.

To me this sounded like the perfect opportunity to sew something loose fitting to get through that first week relatively easily.

Georgie

Georgie chose a loose fitting shirt dress with a button band and no collar. I thought the Style Arc Emerson dress was along a similar theme and comes with two sleeve length options and the option for a tiered skirt.

Neil

Neil chose a 1970s vintage dress with a collar and fastened at the back with an invisible zip. Although Butterick 6055 is a 1950s vintage pattern and has a lower waist seam it does have a similar collar and upper bodice design and is fastened with a zip at the side seam.

Janet

Janet chose a sleeveless midi dress with a high neckline and gathers under the bust for shaping and said her model would wear it to a garden party. I think she might even have actually used Simplicity 9543...

Luke

Luke sewed up a utility style dress with patch pockets, a collar, cuffs, a yoke and a belt. The Viki Sews Eleonora dress has all the utility vibes going and looks like a fun project to sew too.

Comfort

Comfort chose a cocoon shaped dress with a V neck and inseam pockets. The Adeline dress by Style Arc has a gentle cocoon shape, a V neck and patch pockets rather than in seam pockets, but you could easily omit the patch pockets and create an in seam pocket instead.

Lauren

Lauren gave herself a big challenge by choosing to sew a dress that required lining - two dresses to sew in the time allocated for one. She chose a princess seam, strappy maxi dress with a thigh slit on one side with definite Rachel from Friends vibes.

Know Me 2032 is a similar looking style with a twist thanks to the halter neck/spaghetti strap combo.

Elsa

Elsa chose to sew up a very casual dress in denim with cross over front, sleeveless design, gathers at the waist and clip fastening.

Unfortunately I really struggled to find something similar to Elsa's pattern so I chose a sleeveless wrap dress with an alternative, unusual fastening. Rather than with a buckle, Butterick 6727 is fastened with an asymmetric button down closure.

Suzie

Suzie created a fun sundress with tie straps, bust darts and a ruffle panel hem. MCalls 8213 has a similar look thanks to the band across the top of the bodice, the option for tie straps and the optional ruffle hem.

Alex

Alex chose a crew neck, sleeveless design with neck darts, a dropped gathered waist and patch pockets.

Although the Tessuti Felicia dress doesn't have neck darts and has in seam rather than patch pockets it has a similar vibe and the pockets could easily be switched.

Pashca

Pascha chose a milkmaid style dress with puff sleeves, a shirred panel at the back and gathered across the bust. I'm pretty sure she was using the Viki Sews Nola dress.

Marcus

Marcus sewed up a simple, collarless, button down dress with a short elasticated hem sleeve. The closest pattern I could find to Marcus's choice was McCalls 7920 thanks to the V neck button down design with waist seam and short sleeves.

Don

Don sewed a self drafted pattern with a crew neck, princess seams and godets.

If anyone has an appreciative tweenager out there I found a very similar design to suit 8 - 16 year olds in New Look 6360.

Phew! Week one is always a mammoth post thanks to all of the contestants still being present and correct.

It will be interesting to see how everyone progresses over the coming weeks. It seemed like everyone got off to a shaky start in the pattern challenge, but picked up the pace in the made to measure challenge.

Series 9 Episode 10: Final Week

The Sewing Bee series 9 final was a phenomenal watch to say the least! Incredible garments were sewn, tears were shed and the judges seemed to be almost speechless at one of the dresses produced in the made to measure challenge. High sewing drama at it's best. Now let's take a look at the patterns and fabrics you can use to sewalong with the Bees.

The Pattern Challenge: a Victoriana Dress

I was unfamiliar with the term Victoriana dress, but as soon as we saw the pattern we recognised the style, which has been hugely popular in recent years.

The Victoriana dress featured a round neck, fitted bodice, a midi length skirt that skimmed the body, short puff sleeves finished with a double ruffle hem and a ruffle hem to finish the skirt.

Sounds simple right? Wrong! The Bees were tasked with sewing it up in a slinky fabric and had to finish the ruffles with a rolled hem created on the overlocker (although I must admit I thought more of a fuss was made about this technique than is the reality - see my video tutorial below to see for yourself).

Sewing Bee Patterns

McCalls 7971 would create a similar look to the Sewing Bee Victoriana dress if you combine the view B bodice with the view C skirt.

McCalls 8032 would also create a similar look if the fullness in the skirt was reduced and the length increased, although I think the mini version is really rather lovely.

We think either of these dresses would look red carpet worthy sewn up in our Mystique satin fabric, which features a matt and a high shine finish to choose from.

Sewing Bee Techniques

The babylocked or rolled hem on an overlocker is demonstrated in my tutorial video below and honestly I don't think it is anywhere near as tricky as the judges were making out.

Made to Measure Challenge: a Two in One Red Carpet Dress

The Bees had to sew not one, but two dresses for the made to measure challenge inspired by recent appearances from Blake Lively and Lady Gaga at the Met Gala who transformed their gowns half way through the night.

To sew two dresses and engineer them so that they could be rolled into one and transformed whilst on the model was such a tough challenge and we were blown away by one dress in particular and wanted to keep watching the transformation over and over again. Patrick was also visibly stunned.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Mia's Dresses

Mia made a short, strappy dress with a sweetheart neckline and full skirt as her first dress and I think Simplicity 9284 is a great pattern to create a similar look sewn up in our John Kaldor Mystique fabric in black.

Mia's second dress was a full length, strappy gown with a gathered skirt and the Viki Sews Iris dress would make a great lookalike sewn up in our Mystique fabric in pink.

Tony's Dresses

Tony's first dress was a bubble hem mini with a fitted, sleeveless bodice and crew neck in a super slinky black satin.

I think view A and view G of Simplicity 8328 would work together to create a similar look. Although the skirt isn't a bubble hem, it is crying out to be turned into one, either using a fork like Tony or gathering stitches as an alternative to a pleated version!

Tony's second dress maintained the same simple bodice, but the bubble hem skirt was unravelled to create a full length fish tail skirt in a dramatic and wacky fabric, which Esme appeared to love. I previously made the short version of Simplicity 8330, which also has a fishtail option and could be used to recreate Tony's wacky skirt.

There will be a delay on our weekly coverage of the Sewing Bee for finals week, but just when you're missing it the most we'll be back with a large dose of Bee themed inspo.

Asmaa's Dresses

Asmaa's first dress was a simple Tshirt dress with a bagged over top and sexy fitted skirt. I made Burda 6540 some years ago and added elastic at the waist to create the bagged over look. Sew it up in our royal blue John Kaldor ritual fabric and you will have a very similar looking dress to Asmaa's.

Asmaa's big reveal was simply mind blowing. The short Tshirt dress unravelled like a Cornetto ice cream to reveal a full length sparkly emerald green evening gown and the world seemed to stop turning.

The gown had a low neckline and a semi fitted silhouette with a dramatic Esmee pleasing bow on the back. I decided to be led by the bow for this final pattern choice and picked out Vogue 1102.

It would look beautiful sewn up in our John Kaldor duchesse satin fabric in jade green, although you may want to use a lighter weight fabric for the bow. I thought a green organza would set it off beautifully.

Another inspiring, emotionally charged, fun and smiley series. What on earth will we do on a Wednesday night now?!

Don't forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter to receive a dose of sewing inspiration to your inbox every week while we wait for series 11.

Series 9 Episode 9: Semi Final Week

Utilitarian week on the Sewing Bee gave the contestants some tough challenges to face making garments most sewers would set several weeks aside to make in just a few hours.

The Pattern Challenge: The Trench Coat

I simply cannot imagine trying to make a coat in a few hours! Hats off to the Bees who rolled up their sleeves, dusted off their sewing kits and tackled this immense challenge head on!

Sewing Bee Patterns

The Named Patterns Isla Trench Coat is a classic trench coat pattern with double breasted button fastening, a belted collar, welt pockets, waist belt, top stitching and vent.

The Cashmerette Chilton Trench Coat is another classic trench coat design and runs in a very size inclusive 12 - 28 with options for C to H cups.

It has lots of thoughtful details to help achieve a great fit including princess sleeves and a two part sleeve, plus lot of fun sewing details to get your teeth into including epaulettes, a cape and two part collar.

The Viki Sews Peyton Trench Coat is a super contemporary take on the trench with asymmetric front fastening and storm flap, welt pockets and cape feature.

Most of these trench coats could be sewn up in our Sevenberry cotton twill fabric, available in a range of colours here. Do check the individual pattern details for fabric recommendations.

McCalls 8246 is a modern take on the trench coat with dramatic storm flaps, pleated raglan sleeves double breasted button fastening and waist belt.

Made to Measure Challenge: a Boiler Suit

Boiler suits have been incredibly popular in recent years and I can see why thanks to the comfort and practicality they offer without compromising on style.

Another difficult challenge for the Bees to fit a boiler suit to their models, no doubt everyone fearing Patrick's pet peeve 'the hungry bum'!

Sewing Bee Patterns

I have a deep obsession with the 1970s, loving both the music and the fashion in equal measure, and just had to share this Simplicity 9700 boiler suit pattern.

The Closet Core Blanca Flight Suit pattern is a highly customisable boiler suit pattern with multiple sleeve and leg options plus lots of opportunities to sew fun design details such as a shirt collar and pleated back design.

The Style Arc Melrose Boiler Suit is another pattern packed with fun features including patch pockets, a double yoke and tucks and is also available in a very inclusive 18 - 30 size range.

McCalls 8243 is a fun boiler suit pattern with D ring belt fastening, button down front, collar and multiple sleeve and leg options.

There will be a delay on our weekly coverage of the Sewing Bee for finals week, but just when you're missing it the most we'll be back with a large dose of Bee themed inspo.

Series 9 Episode 8: Fashion Icons Week

It was a sexy, glamorous week for the Sewing Bees as they produced film star worthy elegant gowns and jackets for fashion icons week. Once again some very tricky challenges for them to tackle and I fully expect they were all ready to retire to a dark room for a lie down afterwards!

The Pattern Challenge: Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's Inspired Dress

For the technical challenge the Bees were asked to recreate a lookalike Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's dress with a halter neck detail requiring 'the burrito method' of sewing. Most of the Bees chose slippery, silky fabrics adding an extra layer of difficulty to the task at hand.

Below I've included patterns and fabrics you could use to sew up Audrey inspired dresses and also some helpful tutorials for sewing with slippery fabrics and sewing the Burrito method.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Vogue 1692 was the pattern that immediately came to mind to recreate the pattern challenge look. A sexy, full length evening gown with keyhole detail, racer back and sexy thigh slit, it ticked all the boxes.

Burda 6866 is another very Audrey Hepburn looking dress with a fitted bodice, French darts, V neck, fish darts at the back for shaping and full length skirt. It also has options for overlays, hi-lo hems and sleeves.

I was surprised to see that it is designed for stretch fabrics and thought it would be perfect for our stretch velvet fabric.

Although it isn't Breakfast at Tiffany's, I couldn't resist including Simplicity 9289 a stark lookalike of one of the famous gown Givenchy designed for her.

It would look stunning sewn up in our Duchesse satin fabric.

Sewing Bee Tips and Techniques

If you fancy sewing with slippery satins like the Bees I've included our top tips for getting great results below.

If you want to master the burrito method (super useful for sewing lined shirt and blouse yokes too) check out my in depth tutorial below. Don't be put off by our old branding, the tutorial is timeless!

Made to Measure Challenge: a Smoking Jacket

It was time for some tailoring and male models for the made to measure challenge and the Bees were tasked with sewing a smoking jacket. Not only do we have a range of patterns and fabrics fit for the task, we also have some excellent tailoring supplies, which I've included below.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Simplicity 8899 is a classic tuxedo style jacket with lots of tailored details to get your teeth into plus dress trousers and a bow tie.

You could sew it up in our Prestige crepe or a suiting fabric of your choice.

Vogue 9097 is another classic tux jacket pattern with matching dress trouser.

The pattern suggests stretch wovens can be used for this style and I know our Dynasty stretch twill fabric is a firm favourite with a customer who sews suits for ballroom dancing.

If you would like to pipe the seams of your jacket, check out our piping tutorial below.

Pressing is so crucial in any sewing and is especially important for tailoring, check out our top tips in the video below.

Also do check out our extensive range of tailoring products and interfacings including, canvas, bias tapeand edgefix tape for lapel breaks and sharp cuffs and hems.

Semi final week next week, who are your bets on for the final?

See you next week!

Series 9 Episode 7: 90s Week

I was so excited for 90s week on the Sewing Bee. As a teenager of the 90s I loved everything about that era - the Britpop movement, Cool Britannia, the sense of opportunity and new beginnings and, of course, the fashion.

The Pattern Challenge: Cargo Pants

For the pattern challenge the Bees tackled one of my favourite things to wear in the 90s, which have also seen a huge resurgence in recent years - the cargo pant. I used to love trying to recreate the Gwen Stefani look with my baggy cargo pants, cropped vest and wacky pigtail bun hairstyles.

The great news is the cargo pant is a super wearable and comfortable make for today too.

Sewing Bee Patterns

There were SO many patterns to choose from for this theme and I couldn't resist including them all for such a wearable look.

McCalls 8099 has a comfortable elasticated waist with options for an elasticated, tapered cuff hem or a loose fit wide leg hem finish compete with side seam pockets and classic cargo pockets. There is also an option for some cute shorts for summer.

McCalls 8206 ticks multiple trends with the wide, flared leg option and classic zip, waistband and cargo pocket design features. There are also options for a plain wide leg trouser and a cargo style pant with elasticated cuff.

The Style Arc Victor trouser is a fun, understated cargo themed trouser pattern with a tapered leg, waistband, zip fastening, cargo style patch pockets and topstitching details.

The Viki Sews Deryll trouser pattern is a super contemporary cargo trouser style complete with fun belt detailing on one leg and drawstring hem.

McCalls 8367 is a fun cargo pant pattern with shirred, elasticated high waistband, optional belt, options for an elasticated cuff or wide leg hem, cargo pant pockets and pattern pieces to create shorts.

The Viki Sews Joanne pants are a super comfy track pant cargo themed trouser we think would be a super stylish way of hanging out at home.

New Look 6644 is a cargo pant pattern with an elasticated waist, options for a hem folded back and fastened with an epaulette or elasticated cuffed hem and a cute long sleeved top to complete the look.

All of the woven cargo pants would look perfect sewn up in our Sevenberry cotton twill fabrics, available in a range of wonderful colours from understated neutrals to bold bright.

Sewing Bee Tips and Techniques

Some of the Bees found the fly front zip a little tricky to tackle so we've included our step by step tutorial for you below.

Made to Measure Challenge: a 90s Supermodel Dress

The made to measure challenge this week gave the Sewing Bees the opportunity to sew the types of dresses we all dream of sewing and wearing and they certainly rose to the challenge. I loved drooling over all the beautifully sexy evening gowns they produced.

Sewing Bee Patterns

First up Vicki created a boned bodice with cups and used a contrasting satin bias to make the boning and cup detail stand out for some real wow factor. The bodice was joined to a slim fitting midi length skirt.

The Viki Sews Ornella dress has all of the wow factor of Vicki's dress and a little more thanks to the impressive godet on the back skirt.

You could recreate Vicki's look with our John Kaldor Mystique fabric and our ivory satin bias binding.

Asmaa created one of my favourite ever made to measures a super sexy figure hugging number with dramatic leather fish tail and back belt straps.

McCalls 6838 has the same dramatic fish tail and fitted bodice and skirt design and could easily be adapted to recreate the look.

It would also sew up beautifully in the John Kaldor satin fabric listed above and available in a range of colours including black.

Mia made a sexy Liz Hurley inspired little black dress and although we do have patterns on the site with the simple strap and neckline design, I thought it too good an opportunity to show you a slight twist on her idea with Know Me 2032.

This dress is on a very similar theme to Mia's, but in addition has a cute sweetheart neckline, a halterneck and regular spaghetti strap design and sexy V at the back.

This dress would also work well in the satin above or our John Kaldor Prestige crepe fabric, available in a range of colours.

Lauren made a slinky, cowl neck slip dress and although I wasn't able to find a cowl neck slip dress pattern I thought the Tessuti Sadie dress was very similar with a scoop neck design, spaghetti straps and body skimming skirt.

I didn't feel we had a suitably slinky fabric for this design, but I did think this glorious John Kaldor Paris fabric would be perfect. The print is just so pretty and also more forgiving than a plain fabric.

Lizzie also plumped for a slinky slip dress with a fitted bust design detail. Vogue 1842 would create a very similar look.

It would also work brilliantly in the John Kaldor Paris fabric shown above.

Tony sewed up a storm in his beloved scuba fabric again creating a very fitted dress with asymmetric block colour design. McCalls 7999 has a simple crew neck, long sleeves and flirty side thigh slit and would be easy to hack to recreate Tony's look.

You could sew it up in our John Kaldor scuba fabric in black and silver grey to create a similar look.

I hope you enjoyed our trip back to the 90s as much as I did, although it is always sad to say goodbye to another lovely Bee. Only three weeks left now, who is your favourite for the final?

See you next week!

Series 9 Episode 6: Children's Week

There's nothing cuter than a mini me dressed up for a party, I always love seeing them strut their stuff down the catwalk at the end too and this year children's week did not disappoint. The Bees whipped up some super cute party outfits in record time, although there were a couple of sewing casualties along the way.

The Pattern Challenge: the Dragon Dressing Gown

For the pattern challenge the Sewing Bees had to sew a dragon themed dressing gown complete with teeth, eyes and spikes. Some of the Bees found sewing the bias binding particularly tricky so I've included some super useful tutorials on this topic for you in the blog post today.

Sewing Bee Patterns

We don't have a dragon themed dressing gown pattern, but we do have a dragon and dinosaur themed onesie pattern which also includes a cute matching outfit for your dog and wings! Simplicity 1765 is perfect for any aspiring fire breathing dragons!

Sewing Bee Tips and Techniques

If you saw some of the Sewing Bees struggling with the bias binding and would like to perfect your bias binding skills, check out my tutorial below for 7 ways to sew bias binding.

If you'd like a quick and easy way to sew bias binding, check out my how to sew with a bias binder foot on your sewing machine video, demonstrating two types of bias binder feet.

If you would like to be able to make your own bias binding at the touch of a button, watch our handy video on the Simplicity bias tape maker below.

Made to Measure Challenge: a Party Outfit

What could be more fun than sewing a party outfit for a little one? Sewing a party outfit for myself (did I just say that out loud?!) As a selfish sewer I've made very little for other people, but I must admit some of the cute outfits the Bees produced had me tempted to sew for my nieces.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Mia made an adorable sleeveless dress with a button down back and bow to complete the look. You could create a similar look with Simplicity 9154.

I thought it would look incredibly sweet sewn up in this fresh cornflower polka dot cotton fabric.

Tony made a beautiful sleeveless dress with a dramatic bow and decided to go for a controversial scuba fabric, which worked out brilliantly and created real drama in the full skirt. You could create something on a similar theme using New Look 6548.

If you're sticking to the fabric recommendations on the pattern our Sevenberry cotton ditsy print fabric would work beautifully.

If you're feeling brave like Tony you could try sewing it up in our ivory scuba fabric.

Lizzie made a super cool outfit I would have loved as a child - a waistcoat with a tiered skirt and Doc Martin boots. Never one for a party dress and always in dungarees it was nice to see one of the Sewing Bees sew my dream party outfit. McCalls 7223 gives four different options for a children's waistcoat and would create a super contemporary look styled a la Lizzie!

I thought it would be party perfect sewn up in our faux silk dupion fabric.

Vicky made a dress with a tiered skirt and long sleeves and lots of sewing details. Burda 9332 would be a great pattern to create a similar look.

It would have definite Laura Ashley vibes sewn up in this pretty ditsy cotton lawn fabric.

Asmaa sewed up a dress fit for a princess including criss cross lace up design on the front and handkerchief hem. Simplicity 1303 gives you multiple options to sew up a royalty worthy gown including a lace up design and skirts that could easily be adapted to create a handkerchief hem.

I adored Lauren's choice for the made to measure challenge, a strappy dress with faux button down blouse underneath. Simplicity 9559 would create a similar look with the added advantage of the most adorable ruffle effect straps, the ability to create a matching headband, options for a tunic and trousers and matching bags! A lot of mileage in this pattern!

Our colourful ditsy print cotton fabric in yellow and purple would make the perfect partner for this delightful pattern.

Fauve also opted to choose an alternative to dresses and made a jumpsuit for her mini model. Fauve's version didn't have any fastenings and was a loose fit. New Look 6612 would create a similar shaped jumpsuit, although it does have a zip feature at the front. The zip could easily be omitted just check that it fits over the head first! There are also options for a playsuit and dress with this pattern giving you multiple outfits for the price of one pattern.

Who doesn't want a ditsy print jumpsuit?! Our John Kaldor Lizzano cotton floral print fabric would make a fun jumpsuit any party goer would love to wear and is silky soft to the touch for extra comfort points.

I won't give the game away, but I was really sad to see this week's Bee leave as the competition becomes more and more fierce now as the last few contestants battle their way to the final.

I cannot wait for 90s themed week next week, on trend cargo pants and super model dresses to die for. Take me back to my hey day!

See you next week!

Series 9 Episode 5: Art Week

This week it was chance for the Sewing Bees to revel in their creativity and tackle three challenges inspired by the art world. The made to measure challenge was wide open for the contestants to use their imagination with relatively few boundaries guaranteeing a feast for our eyes.

The Pattern Challenge: the Appliqued Skirt

For the pattern challenge the Bees were tasked with sewing a skirt inspired by the modernist movement with abstract shapes created by applique. We've shared similar skirt patterns below and also our top tips and tools for applique if you fancy having a go.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Simplicity 8211 is a gathered skirt with waistband and optional bow, just add applique!

Jalie 4017 is a lovely gathered skirt with elasticated waist and options for a button down front and cute bum bag.

McCalls 8066 is also a gathered skirt summer classic with options for tiers, a ruffle hem or a simple flared skirt design.

Sewing Bee Tips and Techniques

Our top tips for applique:

• Choose simple shapes to start with, either straight lines or gentle curves.
• Iron your fabric onto your Bondawebbefore cutting out your shapes for the most accurate results. Once your shapes are cut out peel off the underside layer and position your shape on the main fabric, which negates the use of pins. You can also find smaller packs of a similar product to Bondaweb here and here.
• If you do want to use pins we recommend applique pins, which are smaller than regular pins to help you pin your shapes accurately.
• Do a practice run to check you are happy with the stitch you have chosen, both in design and size. The trick is choosing a stitch that compliments the shape rather than overpowers it. Experiment and try different stitches too.
• Use an applique foot on your sewing machine for maximum visibility and control.
• Check for puckering and adjust your needle tension if necessary.
• Have fun with super shiny rayon or metallic threads.
• Use applique scissors to trim off any excess fabric, these allow you to get nice and close to the stitches without cutting them.
• Keep any sticky Bondaweb away from heated appliances, it responds so well to heat it can jump up and onto your iron when you're not looking!
• Use an applique mat to protect your iron from the glue.

Made To Measure Challenge: a Surrealist Inspired Fantastical Outfit

The Sewing Bees had the opportunity to go wild for the made to measure task and I was quite sad some of the contestants who left in previous weeks weren't here for this one because I think they would have excelled and shown us some crazy ideas. Nevertheless the remaining Bees knocked it out of the park with their creations and we loved every minute of it.

Let's take a look at the sewing patterns you could use to recreate the looks.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Lizzie made a cross over front top with dramatic sleeves and although I couldn't find exactly the same design I thought McCalls 8145 would create a similar look. It is also very similar to a top I bought recently and lots of people were asking for a similar pattern on Instagram.

It would look great sewn up in our red John Kaldor ritual jersey fabric.

Vicky made a shell top and skirt with an impactful eye design on the front of the top. I thought the Tessuti Tavi top looked like a great shell top for summer.

It would look pretty and cool sewn up in our Robert Kaufmann neon fleck chambray fabric.

Asmaa made a beautiful gown with twisted design on the bodice and a flowing skirt, which told a story about her past. Although I couldn't find something exactly the same I though New Look 6717 with cross over neckline design and maxi skirt and waterfall skirt options was along a similar theme.

It would look so pretty sewn up in our cotton jersey fabric.

Fauve made a super cool, punk like dress with handkerchief hem and one shoulder design. McCalls 7315 has the handkerchief hem and a simple bodice that could be hacked to create a one shoulder design.

It would look pretty sewn up in our blue and white cotton lawn fabric for summer.

Tony made a super sexy fitted dress with dramatic godet sleeves and feather trim paired with a bolero. I thought Burda 6364 would be a great way to recreate the look.

Although completely seasonally inappropriate, you cold recreate the look with our John Kaldor Carlotta stretch velvet in wine. I've made two dresses from this velvet and it is beautiful.

Lauren made a gathered skirt with lots of tulle for a dramatic shape and paired it with a mini shirt attached to the front of a bodice. You could recreate the skirt using Simplicity 8211 featured in the pattern challenge section of the article above.

Mia made an awesome cloud inspired dress by sewing a simple slip and attaching tulle or net pom poms to it. It was so cute! A simple slip dress pattern for summer is the gorgeous Claudia dress by Tessuti patterns.

Recreate the classic look on the front of the packet with our cotton linen mix navy fabric.

It would look fab sewn up in our cotton linen mix fabric shown above and available in a range of colours here including Tony's chosen black.

Another week another rush of adrenaline, excitement and emotion for the Bees!

See you next week!

Series 9 Episode 4: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Week

This week is all about how we can do our bit for the planet through our sewing, a cause very close to Patrick Grant's heart with his environmentally focused fashion label Community Clothing. We love seeing ideas for using up those scraps and repurposing fabrics we all have lying around the house.

The Pattern Challenge: the Zero waste wide leg trouser

The pattern challenge kicked off with a zero waste, wide leg, drawstring trouser, which required accuracy and precision when cutting out.

Although we don't have a zero waste pattern, we do have lots of lovely wide leg, drawstring trouser patterns, which not only recreate the Sewing Bee pattern challenge look, but also nail the hugely popular linen trouser trend this summer.

Sewing Bee Patterns

The Saguaro set by Friday Pattern Company has been on my to make list since it was released. The perfect casual, chilled out summer coord set.

Simplicity 9756 also nails the summer trends and includes a wide leg, drawstring trouser, cute crop top and oversized shirt cover up, perfect for the beach.

The Style Arc Milan trousers also nail the trend with cropped hem for extra contemporary, on trend points, plus box pleats and waist darts at the back for shaping.

If you need to do some precise, accurate cutting like the Bees on the pattern challenge, I'd highly recommend a rotary cutter, cutting mat and quliters rulers. You can see our full range of rotary cutters and accessories here and quilters rulers here.

Made To Measure Challenge: a crochet outfit

For the made to measure challenge the Bees had to whip up an outfit made from old crochet blankets, which was quite a tough challenge and many of the contestants found rather tricky. We don't have old crochet blankets on the site, but we do have lots of gorgeous patterns and fabrics you could sew lookalike outfits up in and I've listed them below for you.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Tony made some wide leg trousers and a crop top, which is a super popular look right now. You could recreate something similar with McCalls 7757, which has all the summer vibes.

I think it would look beautiful sewn up in our deadstock viscose challis fabric.

Tony made a simple shift dress AKA a great dress to have in your summer wardrobe. You could recreate this look with the Style Arc June sheath dress pattern.

I think this simple silhouette would show off this Dashwood rayon print beautifully.

Lauren sewed up a really cute wide leg, box pleat trouser and cami top coord set. McCalls 7907 would make a great version of the trousers in our indigo denim fabric.

You could sew a similar cami up in one of my all time favourite patterns, the Ogden cami. I actually made it in the same fabric I've featured below in a different colourway, many years ago and I still love it and wear it all the time.

Matthew made a 1950s inspired full skirted dress with square neckline and wide straps. We think this incredible Vogue 1884 pattern would make a great lookalike.

Mia made a beautiful boxy jacket and mini skirt combo and McCalls 8370 would make a great copycat. I love the way these individual pieces would give you so many outfits from one project.

It would look great sewn up in our boucle suiting fabric, which could be styled differently to take you through the seasons - a crisp, white tshirt or shirt in summer and thick black tights and a black turtleneck in winter.

Fauve made a Twiggy inspired 60s dress with a cute collar and I thought Simplicity 9371 would make a great replica.

It would look great sewn up in our John Kaldor Prestige crepe fabric in this pretty Delphinium blue.

Lizzie made a lovely hoody cardigan and although we don't have exactly the same pattern, we have McCalls 8019, which I think would also make a great extra layer for any British seaside holidays this year! Personally I spend a lot of time on British beaches wearing my favourite shorts and a hoody.

It would look great sewn up in our bright red sweatshirt fabric.

Asmaa made a simple calf length jacket and I thought the Style Arc Sigrid jacket would make something very similar, which is a super easy to wear throw on knit jacket with patch pockets, fun hem and no fastenings.

I think it would look fab sewn up in our pale grey marl sweatshirt fabric and would be a complete wardrobe workhorse.

Finally Vicki made a long sleeved raglan dress and I thought Butterick 6428 would work well. Although it is a sleepwear pattern it definitely has the same swing shape and long raglan sleeves as Vicki's dress.

I thought it would look lovely sewn up in our retro tropical print jersey fabric for definite 70s vibes paired with chunky tan or gold strappy sandals.

I also wanted to share this fun Simplicity 9633 pattern, which incorporates crochet and dressmaking.

We also have a small selection of crochet tools and patterns here if you fancy having a go at crochet.

Phew! Another jam packed week and definitely a super tough made to measure challenge for the Bees. Don't forget to check out our weekly YouTube videos and Instagram competitions too.

See you next week!

Series 9 Episode 3: International Week

What a feast for the eyes as the Sewing Bees tackled international week sewing up garments from West Africa. The beautiful, vibrant fabrics reminded me of a batik print I created for my art GCSE back in the day and a stunning batik I bought in Mozambique when I was 18, which is now proudly displayed on the landing at my parents' house.

The Pattern Challenge: the Ghanaian Batakari or Fugu Tunic

Special guest judge, fashion designer Banke Kuku, talked the judges through the garments and fabrics including the Ghanaian Batakari or Fugu tunic sewn with strips of handwoven deboya fabric.

It was surprising how much more complicated this task was than it looked, lots of different parts that required real precision including godets, pocket placement and a tricky neckline.

Although we don't have a pattern for this very specific type of West African garment we do have lots of lovely tunic patterns perfect for summer sewing.

Sewing Bee Patterns

The Style Arc Kent tunic has definite Batakari vibes with the neckline and loose fitting design. We think it would look great sewn up in our white Swiss dot fabric for a floaty summer top.

Simplicity 9333 is another loose fitting tunic with a similar neckline to the Batakari tunics the Bees sewed up. We think it would look great sewn up in our plain linen cotton mix fabric in a colour of your choice.

Simplicity 9130 fits the Batakari brief with a similar neckline, optional collar and sleeves or sleeveless option. It would look chic and perfect for summer in our cotton line stripe fabric.

Made To Measure Challenge: a Boubous

The boubous is a flowing, wide sleeved robe worn by men and women across West Africa. We couldn't wait to see what vibrant creations the Bees sewed up for their models for this one and found lots of patterns that could be boubous inspired.

I didn't expect to feel inspired to make a gown along Boubous lines, but after seeing the Bees creations I am sold! So many glamourous, drapey, beautiful designs perfect for summer holidays and poolside mooching!

Sewing Bee Patterns

Butterick 6900 reminded us of the boubous robes and we thought it would make a great summer holiday beach cover up too. We think it would work brilliantly sewn up in our leopard print floral viscose challis fabric.

The Victory Patterns Satsuki pattern also felt decidely boubous with the wide flowing sleeves and we loved the pretty ruffle at the centre front. We think it would look so pretty sewn up in our John Kaldor Fernando fabric.

Butterick 6853 is loose and floaty with wide sleeves and a holiday feel for sure. We think it would look fab sewn up in our double gauze fabric in your favourite colour.

Simplicity 8505 is a gorgeous retro boubous design and screams 70s Hollywood glamour.

It would look beautiful sewn up in our retro inspired cotton lawn fabric.

One of the Bees broke the mould and sewed a sleeveless boubous design, which had so much wow factor. We think the Named Ilma dress would work brilliantly to create a similar design.

This would look so pretty in our linen cotton plain range mentioned above, we'd opt for a vibrant pink.

Simplicity 9323 is a complete boubous winner! One of the Bees created something very similar.

We think it would look fabulous in our cotton lawn fabric.

Another week has gone by already - how did that happen?! We can't wait to see what the Bees rustle up next week, the standard is just so high and some of the garments being produced have our pulses racing and our feet running for the sewing machine!

Series 9 Episode 2: Travel Week

We were certainly dreaming of our summer holidays watching the Sewing Bee this week as the Bees sewed up travel themed garments and accessories. Are you feeling inspired to have a go at swimwear or will you be sticking to travel luggage for now?

The Pattern Challenge: A Rucksack

The pattern challenge required the Bees to sew up a rucksack using some complex strap construction and a bit of heavy metal in the form of hardware. Wouldn't it be lovely to pack your holiday must haves in a handmade bag?

Sewing Bee Patterns

Burda 6400 includes two contemporary bag patterns for you to choose from - a rucksack that couples up as a tote and a slouchy hobo style bag. We love them both and think they would look great sewn up in our Kona cotton or Sevenberry twill fabrics.

Don't forget we have handbag stabilisers and all the hardware you need for bag making on our site, we have some lovely, colourful Prym bag straps.

If rucksacks aren't your thing, but you fancy a go at bag making we have a range of bag making patterns here.

Made To Measure Challenge: a Swimsuit

A tricky challenge for the made to measure, the Bees had to whip up a swimsuit requiring precision cutting small pieces of fabric and the ability to work successfully with stretch fabric. We have lots of gorgeous swimwear patterns to choose from, but also lots of habby to help you with the task such as swimwear elastic and bra making supplies including cups if you prefer padded swimwear.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Fauve opted for a long sleeved swimsuit suitable for cold water swimming and the Friday Pattern Company Seabright Swimmer fits the bill perfectly. We love the deep V neckline, long sleeves and low cut leg.

Another long sleeved option is Jalie 4013, we stock the full range of Jalie patterns and they really excel at activewear and swimwear as well as their gorgeous range of size inclusive garment patterns.

Lauren chose a one shoulder swimsuit design and we love Vogue 9192 to cover this look. Not only is there a one shoulder swimsuit design, there is also a deep Vneck swimsuit, a cross over bikini top and briefs, a long sleeved top and a cover up skirt. So much mileage in one pattern!

New Look 6734 is a super contemporary design with one shoulder and cut out effect with optional waist tie and cover up wrap skirt/sarong included. It reminded us of Lauren's make.

I couldn't resist throwing McCalls 8329 into the mix, a super contemporary bikini and swimsuit design with ring detail.

Matthew opted to make a swimsuit with a skirt and there are multiple options included in Butterick 5795 for this look, plus it is a super inclusive size range.

Sewing Bee Techniques

If you're planning to have a go at sewing swimwear and activewear a coverstitch and/or overlocker machine will make life so much easier and will enable you to sew stitches that will stretch with the fabric.

You can see our full range of overlocker and coverstitch machines here and don't hesitate to ask if you need any help. We love nothing more than a good natter about overlockers and coverstitch machines and can match you with your dream machine.

Here is a video for some top tips when sewing on an overlocker to show you some of the capabilities of these machines:

We are loving this series so far, for week two there seems to be such high drama, fantastic sewing and we feel like we're right in at the deep end already. I wonder what week three will bring?!

Series 9 Episode 1: Classics with a Twist

The Sewing Bee is finally back and we are so happy to see a new bunch of contestants take to their sewing machines and sew up a storm. Here's our weekly round up of patterns and techniques you can use to sewalong and join in the fun.

The Sewing Bees three challenges were set around classic designs with a twist this week including a top to be sewn with French seams, a refashion of some office wear and a made to measure cut out dress challenge. What a great start!

The Pattern Challenge: A Twist Top

The Sewing Bees were asked to whip up a relatively simple top with a twist (literally!) They were also asked to sew with French seams including French seaming the armholes. Luckily we have a whole host of patterns and fabrics you could use and two tutorials on sewing French seams, including the armhole.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Burda 6911 has the twist detail and options for a short sleeve, long sleeve and dress version, which can be sewn up in comfy jersey fabrics.

New Look 6733 has the fun twist crossover detail plus sleeve options and can be sewn up in a nice comfy knit.

Butterick 6899 is a woven twist top pattern with easy to sew grown on sleeves and option for pretty sleeve hem ruffles.

Sewing Bee Sewing Techniques

The Sewing Bees were asked to sew the twist top with a French seam including French seaming the armhole. Luckily we have a video tutorial to hold your hands through this sewing technique, which is actually relatively simple and will give you super sleek results.

Made To Measure Challenge: a Cut Out Dress

Cut out dresses have been so on trend in recent years, in fact I made one for my friend's wedding last year and I love it dearly. There are so many patterns to choose from to sewalong with the Bees and I wish I had time to make them all. Here's some of the ones we spotted on the show.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Tony sewed up McCalls 8253in a pretty floral jersey fabric, you can find our range of printed jersey fabrics here.

Fauve sewed up McCalls 8175, we love the different length and sleeve options.

Mia, Lauren and Catherine chose New Look 6731 complete with sexy ruching detail.

If you're a fan of vintage designs you could replicate Tony's cut out back 50s inspired dress with Simplicity 8051.

We have so many more cut out dress and top patterns up on the site so do jump on and check them out and don't forget our gorgeous dressmaking fabric range too, you can see them all here.

Do jump on to Instagram and check out our weekly Sewing Bee themed giveaways too for even more chance to join in the fun.

Do you have a favourite contestant yet?

See you next week.

Series 8 Episode 10: The Final

The final: Sewing Bee series 8 episode 10. The Bees didn't disappoint in the final tasked with sewing up Esme's iconic Swanky Modes design, the Amorphous dress. They also had to pull out all the glitz and glamour to create a party worthy jumpsuit. This is our last update for this series of the Sewing Bee, but if you haven't already, do sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up to date with our top sewing tips, vlogs, promotions and more.

The Pattern Challenge: Amorphous Dress

Imagine making a dress to be scrutinised by the very designer who developed the initial concept - yikes! This is exactly what the Bees were charged with for the final episode of this year's Sewing Bee. They had to sew up the Amorphous dress, a super slinky Esme Young design made from a single piece of lycra and fastened with D rings.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Whilst many of us might not be quite ready for something as revealing as the amorphous dress there are lots more wearable designs incorporating subtle cut outs that can be sewn up in stretch fabrics. Here are a few of our favourites:

Simplicity 9370 is a Mimi G design for knit and jersey fabrics or even stretch velvet. There are options for varying hem and sleeve lengths and each design has a sexy cut out at the waist on one side and is finished with a waist tie. This would sew up well in our John Kaldor Ritual fabric available in a range of fun colours.

McCalls 8238 is a beautifully chic design with interesting cross over cut out detail neckline perfectly balanced with a flared maxi length skirt with dramatic slit.

The Named Clothing Sisko dress and top has a cross over, cut out detail on the top and can be sewn up as a separate top to wear with your favourite loungewear or jeans or a dress with elasticated waist.

All of the above patterns would work well in our John Kaldor ritual fabric, available in a range of fun colours. Some of the lighter and neutral shades can be a little translucent so you may need to self line. Don't forget we are always happy to send a free sample if you are unsure.

Transformation Challenge: Scraps To Party Wear

For the transformation challenge the Bees were reminded of the blood, sweat and tears that went into their projects over the last 9 episodes when they were presented with scraps from all of their challenges and tasked with transforming them into party wear.

Made To Measure Challenge: A Party Worthy Jumpsuit

For the last show stopping moment of the series the contestants had to sew a red carpet jumpsuit using sparkles and luxury fabrics. Here are some of our favourite glamourous jumpsuit patterns and fabrics plus our top tips for sewing with sequins.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Vogue 1506 is perfect for sewing up in sequins, our favourite way to add some sparkle to our party projects. The wide leg is so on trend and the simple, semi fitted cut means it is perfect for trickier fabrics.

It would sew up beautifully in our John Kaldor luxor sequin fabric available in navy or black. Our top tip is to line it with our John Kaldor Libra stretch lining for a lovely comfy finish.

McCalls 7366 is a truly elegant design with high neck band, deep V front opening, wide waistband and tapered leg trouser.

Vogue 1524 is all about the drama at the back, just look at that cut out design with dramatic high neck, exposed zip and belt fastenings.

Vogue 1708 is full of drama and a design we're pretty confident Esme would love, I mean talk about bows!!! We love the full on drama of the deep V front finished with a bow the size that surely even Esme would think was big enough.

It would look perfect sewn up in our John Kaldor Lizzano fabric, which has a silky soft handle and a nice amount of drape and body.

Simplicity 9142 has definite red carpet drama with the shoulder sash asymmetric design, wide leg and box pleats. This would also work well in our John Kaldor Prestige crepe fabric mentioned earlier in the post.

If you are going to have a go at sewing with luxury fabrics such as sequins or velvet, do check out our top tips blog posts below:

We hope you've enjoyed our pattern and fabric picks and sewing tips this year. Now all we need to do is work out how to fill the Sewing Bee sized gap in our lives until the next series, any ideas anyone?!

Series 8 Episode 9: Semi Finals Week

Semi final week: Sewing Bee series 8 episode 9. There really was no room for error with a place in the finals up for grabs. The Sewing Bees had to sew a dress with complicated construction details and origami inspired garments for their models. See below for our pattern and fabric picks. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: Dress Pattern

The pattern challenge was another head scratcher construction wise, but who did it manage to outwit? We have some great pattern picks below for similar designs without the construction headache.

Sewing Bee Patterns

The Sew House Seven Wildwood wrap dress incorporates a similar style to the pattern the Bees used and also the origami theme thanks to the waist and shoulder pleats. It comes in a great range of sizes (0-22) and (18-34) and is the perfect casual day dress for keeping cool in summer.

Another dress on a similar theme is the Tea House top and dress by Sew House Seven. There are so many lovely features including in seam angled pockets, a back neck box pleat, cuffed dolman short sleeves and waist tie options.

Both dresses would work brilliantly in our plain linen cotton mix fabric perfect for summer and available in a wide range of colours here. We love the vibrant, contemporary jade green featured below, it is so on trend right now.

Transformation Challenge: Sashiko and Borro

The Bees had to put their needlework skills to good use in the transformation challenge using sashiko and borro techniques to mend areas of wear and tear on denim. We have a great range of hand sewing needles here, but if you're a super keen sashiko enthusiast you should check out our Babylock Sashiko machine featured below.

Made To Measure Challenge: Origami Folds and Pleats

Time for the Bees to get super creative in the origami themed made to measure challenge. There are so many patterns to choose from which incorporate origami inspired folds and pleats so we've picked out a few of our favourites below.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Vogue 1874 is all about the folds and pleats! We love the way the intensive pleating at the waist creates shaping round the bust.

It would sew up into a beautiful special occasion blouse in our peachskin fabric with its silky soft handle and luxurious finish. It's available in a lovely range of colours here, but we think the short sleeved blouse would look perfect in the pretty lilac colour:

Butterick 6804 makes a real feature of pleat on the neckline and comes with the option for a slim fitting shift dress or gently flared midi length skirt.

It would look lovely sewn up in our John Kaldor Prestige crepe fabric in red to recreate the chic shift dress on the pattern packet. Prestige crepe is available in a wide range of colours here.

Simplicity 9223 is a super easy to wear pattern perfect for the summer and would sew up beautifully in any of our woven fabrics.

Simplicity 9294 is such a dreamy dress incorporating box pleats for a gorgeously full skirt paired with a fitted short sleeved or strappy bodice.

It would look beautiful sewn up in our classic polka dot cotton sateen fabric.

There is also some seriously origami inspired pleating on Butterick 6555 with sleeveless and short sleeved options plus varying hem lengths to choose from.

Phew what a week, can't wait to see how the finalists get on, how did we get here already?!

Series 8 Episode 8: History Week 1930s

History week 1930s: Sewing Bee series 8 episode 8. It's quarter finals week and the Sewing Bees were charged with sewing a pair of women's sailor inspired trousers with a complex bib front button opening and tricky pockets plus a bias cut evening gown. See below for our pattern and fabric picks. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: Women's Sailor Trousers

With wide leg trousers making a comeback we can definitely take some inspiration from this week's pattern challenge of women's sailor trousers.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Ahoy there! Burda 6573 has definite sailor vibes with a high waisted waistband and wide leg. The buttons on the front are decorative and the trousers are fastened with a zip at the back so there's no need to tackle the complex button front opening like the Bees to achieve the same stiking look.

Vogue 9282 has the same great look minus the waistband and with a centre back zip fastening and can be sewn up in a range of fabrics from satin backed crepe to lightweight denim.

Burda certainly know how to rock the sailor chick vibe! Not only does Burda 6032 have the wide leg and options for button customisation, it also has a lovely, clever front fastening design detail.

Do check the individual pattern details for suitable fabrics, but our denim, linen, cotton twill and medium weight crepe would work well for these patterns and give you a great choice of base cloth and colour range.

Transformation Challenge: Men's Shirts to 1930s Women's Blouses

The Bees had to transform men's shirts to 1930s women's blouses for the transformation challenge and we wouldn't wait to see what they came up with.

Made To Measure Challenge: A Bias Cut Evening Gown

We knew our hearts would skip a beat for this challenge, both in terms of the beautiful dresses that would be produced and the difficulties the Bees would face sewing them. Check out our top tips for sewing on the bias below.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Vogue 1697 is a super sexy, sleek bias cut dress with a halterneck front, low back with cowl and spaghetti strap features plus panelling across the main body of the dress. It would certainly be a challenge to sew, but my oh my it is worth it!

Vogue 1842 oozes Hollywood filmstar glamour. A fitted bust with sweetheart neckline, low cut V back, empire waist and bias cut skirt all come together to create one knock out gown.

Vogue 8814 comes with round neck or deep vneck options, cross over straps or racer back, bias bodice, lower front and back and full skirt for full on drama.

Simplicity 8870 isn't cut on the bias, but is a smouldering Hollywood filmstar worthy dress with definite Grecian Goddess feels thanks to the dropped shoulder sash.

Another dress which isn't cut on the bias, but does tick all the glamourous evening dress boxes is Burda 6442. We love the twist front detail and fishtail skirt plus there is a knee length, pencil skirt version with 3/4 sleeves included for a more everyday look.

We have so many gorgeous fabrics you could sew these show stopping designs up in such as our John Kaldor Mystique satin backed crepe available in a range of colours:

John Kaldor Classique Duchesse satin also available in a range of colours:

Plain peachskin fabric in a range of vibrant colours:

Sewing Tips

The main challenge with sewing fabric on the bias is the potential to stretch it out of shape, in fact this is why bias binding is cut on the bias so it will stretch to fit around curves.

Here are our top tips for sewing on the bias:

• There is also the potential to stretch out the fabric as you cut it out so you may find it easier to use a rotary cutter and cutting mat than scissors.
• Consider stay stitching pieces cut on the bias prior to sewing them together. Stay stitching is sewn inside the seam allowance and remains in place after the garment has been constructed to prevent it stretching out of shape.
• Always use a walking foot with your machine so the fabric feeds through evenly. You can find our range of walking feet here and an explanation of how and when to use one here.
• Alternatively, if you have an overlocker you could consider sewing seams cut on the bias on your overlocker to allow you to use the differential feed and prevent the fabric fluting whilst feeding the layers through evenly.
• Always allow the garment to hang for up to a week before hemming. This is because the fabric can drop dramatically!

Series 8 Episode 7: Lingerie and Sleepwear Week

Lingerie and sleepwear week: Sewing Bee series 8 episode 7. The competition is really hotting up with a quarter finals place up for grabs this week. The Sewing Bees will have to make a lace underwired bra and matching knicker set for the pattern challenge and a pair of luxury pyjamas for the transformation challenge. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: An Underwired Bra and Knickers

Lots of fiddly, small pattern pieces to cut out in lace and a requirement for precision sewing in the pattern challenge this week.

Sewing Bee Patterns

This Simplicity 8229 sewing pattern includes soft cup bras in halter or racer back and knickers with a scalloped lace trim. The bra sizes range from a 32A to a 42DD and the knickers from a 23" waist to a 39" waist. The pattern also includes advice on choosing a bra size.

We also have John Kaldor stretch lace with scalloped edges on both sides available in four colours to sew them up in. We love the super sexy cherry red:

We also have a selection of bra making accessories, including underwires in a wide range of sizes, bra cups, hooks and sliders and bra straps here.

If you prefer a bra without underwires Simplicity 8228 is a great option and includes a knickers pattern too.

We also have some great lingerie patterns by Jalie such as this bra and camisole pattern with options for creating nursing bras too.

Transformation Challenge: Thermal Underwear to Daywear

There's no way I'd chop up my thermals, I love them too much and I'm not ashamed to say it! I would only ever wear them under my clothes though and it is certainly going to be hard work refashioning them into something truly wearable for the Bees.

Made To Measure Challenge: Luxury Pyjamas

The Bees had to sew up a pair of luxury pyjamas for the made to measure challenge - cue sewing with slippery fabrics, piping, buttons and buttonholes galore.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Our favourite luxury pyjama pattern has to be the Carolyn pyjamas by Closet Core featuring a notched collar and the option to add contrasting piping details for a high end finish with short or long sleeve and trouser options.

We think they'd look great sewn up in this super soft cotton lawn fabric in fun multi coloured feather print for summer. We also have a lovely range of Art Gallery cotton flannel fabrics and lots more cotton and rayon fabrics to choose from here.

We also love this Vogue pattern for the range of different luxury sleepwear garments you can create including a robe, camisole, slip and knickers.

If you prefer ultimate casual comfort when it comes to pyjamas this Simplicity 8801 pattern has some great options and is designed to be sewn up in soft stretch knit fabrics.

We think this fresh, pretty, super soft viscose jersey fabric would be perfect:

If you choose to sew up pyjamas in a slippery fabric such as satin or charmuese don't forget to check out our top tips for sewing with slippery fabrics blog article:

Series 8 Episode 6: Music Week

Music week: Sewing Bee series 8 episode 6. Some seriously advanced sewing is required of the Bees this week with a mod themed parka jacket, a country inspired transformation challenge and a Bowie-tastic made to measure. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: A Parka Jacket

A tough test to start the Bees off this week with features including a fishtail vent and complex zip opening and hood on a parka jacket they were right in at the deep end.

Sewing Bee Patterns

This Simplicity 9052 pattern nails the classic parka look with options for women, men and teens, two length and hem style options, a front zip and button placket, four patch pockets and a detachable hood.

It would look great sewn up in our Sevenberry cotton twill fabric available in a range of colours including this classic parka khaki colour...

There are also lots of great parka inspired jacket patterns on the site we just had to show you too...

Transformation Challenge: Country and Western Inspired Denim Outfits

The Sewing Bees had to channel their inner Dolly Parton to whip up a country and western inspired outfit from old denim. Yee ha!

Made To Measure Challenge: David Bowie

Well this one was wide open for the Bees, I mean you could literally make anything when it comes to the style icon that is David Bowie. Was there anything he didn'twear?!

I checked out his most famous looks and found patterns inspired by these.

Bowie was a big fab of the jumpsuit, some of his key jumpsuit looks included Ziggy Stardust and Halloween Jack.

The jumpsuits Bowie wore tended to be relatively fitted and to be made out of flambuoyant fabrics, have eccentric details such as oversized shoulder flaps or be paired with ostentatious blouses and accessories.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Bearing these themes in mind here are my Bowie inspired jumpsuit picks, which are a bit more wearable for us mere mortals!

Another one of Bowie's key looks over the years was a tailored jacket - some were oversized and paired with baggy trousers, others were more fitted, with an especially famous three quarter length Union Jack number.

Here are some pattern picks for recreating a Bowie inspired jacket.

Finally Bowie made pioneering fashion statements in dresses such as the maxi dress worn on the cover of his album 'The Man Who Sold the World'. Here are some pattern picks inspired by this dress.

Series 8 Episode 5: Children's Week

Children's week: Sewing Bee series 8 episode 5. It's cuteness overload in children's week when the Sewing Bees sewed up sailor suits, spooky costumes and refashioned school uniforms. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: A Sailor Suit

The Sewing Bees started by sewing a sailor suit for a toddler including elasticated shorts and a top with a square collar and ties.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Unsurprisingly there aren't a great deal of sailor suit patterns, but there are some very sweet designs along that theme such as McCalls 6913:

We think it would look perfect sewn up in our royal blue swallow print cotton poplin fabric.

Sewing Bee Techniques

These Prym elastic threaders are super useful tools for threading elastic through a casing with Sewing Bee speed!

When trying to achieve sharp, crisp corners on any collar (not just sailors!) these Prym corner shaper tools are excellent. I also love to use my tailor's point presser and clapper to press right into the corners.

Transformation Challenge: School to Cool

Everyone tries their best to make a school uniform look cool, but the Sewing Bees were able to break all the rules in the transformation challenge without any fear of detention. Is it really possible to turn school to cool?

Made To Measure Challenge: a Halloween Costume

It feels decidedly odd to making Halloween costumes in May, but there's nothing wrong with being prepared.

If you just can't get in the spooky mood I've included a few other children's fancy dress patterns for some fun sewing inspiration.

I've only included a small selection here, you can find our full range of children's fancy dress patterns here.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Children's Halloween Costume Sewing Patterns

Children's Fancy Dress Sewing Patterns

I just couldn't resist sharing these beauties, as a massive Little Mermaid fan as a little girl I would have loved this costume!

You simply can't beat a bit of girl power can you?!

If you have any wannabe Pirates of the Caribbean bring those swashbuckling dreams to life with this pirate themed sewing pattern.

Series 8 Episode 4: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Week

Reduce, reuse and recycle week: Sewing Bee series 8 episode 4. This week the sewers put their patchwork skills to use to create a jacket, used old coats to create new outerwear and had to make a maxi dress from an unloved duvet cover. See the sewing patterns, fabrics and techniques you can use to join in the fun in our weekly blog post below. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: A Patchwork Jacket

Time to grab your scraps and get creative with this week's patchwork jacket challenge.

Patchwork and quilted jackets are so on trend at the moment so there are lots of lovely patterns you can use to sewalong with the Bees.

Sewing Bee Patterns

The Megan Nielsen Hovea jacket and Grainline Studios Tamarack jacket are perfect for patchwork or quilted jacket projects.

Burda 6123 is also a great patchwork jacket option with a little customisation.

If you haven't saved your scraps we do have a range of plain and printed patchwork fabrics to choose from plus polycotton prints. Find the plain patchwork fabrics here prints here and cotton dressmaking fabrics here (check the descriptions for full details of fabric type).

Sewing Bee Techniques

If you're sewing any kind of patchwork project the right tools make the task so much easier.

Precision is absolutely crucial both when cutting and sewing the fabric. A rotary cutter, quilters ruler and cutting mat will give far more accurate results than scissors. We stock a wide range of patchwork and quilting tools here. See my favourites below.

A quarter inch foot will also help with accurate stitching. It has little markings at 1/8" and 1/4" to help you sew accurate, straight seams.

Find our extensive selection of sewing machine feet here (always check our compatibility charts to ensure compatibility with your machine).

If you want to get really nerdy with patchwork techniques geek out with our essential patchwork and quilting toolkit guides parts 1, 2 and 3.

Transformation Challenge: Old Coats to Stylish Outerwear

Unpicking a coat is a task in itself, let alone transforming it into a piece of stylish outerwear, quite the challenge for the Sewing Bees.

Made To Measure Challenge: a Duvet Cover to a Maxi Dress

Now this is a sewing challenge I can get behind, I mean who doesn't love a maxi dress?! Here are some of our favourite maxi dress patterns, which could be used to breathe some life into unloved duvets.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Maxi Dress Sewing Patterns

Series 8 Episode 3: Summer Week

Summer week: episode 3 of the Sewing Bee series 8 is sure to have our pulses racing with beautiful shirred summer dresses and tropical two piece co-ordinated trouser sets. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: A Shirred Midi Dress

The Sewing Bees were required to sew a midi length shirred dress with puff sleeves for the pattern challenge AKA my idea of heaven.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Both dresses would look beautiful sewn up in our swiss dot fabric or linen cotton mix fabric, available in a lovely range of colours, if you are team plain. The swiss dot is fairly sheer so you might want to add a lining.

If you're a print lover check out our range of cotton lawn or rayon prints. We think the strappy sundress would be beautiful in this red paisley print.

Or how about this pretty ditsy print lawn...

Sewing Bee Techniques

Top Tips for Shirring

You can find shirring elastic in black and white on our website here. The shirring elastic will be on the wrong side of the fabric so it isn't really important which colour you use unless you have a strong preference or it will show through.

Hand wind the shirring elastic onto the bobbin making sure you don't stretch the elastic as you wind it: this is why you can't wind the bobbin in the usual way on the sewing machine.

Insert the bobbin into the machine and leave a nice long tail making sure the elastic is firmly in the relevant grooves by keeping your finger on top of the bobbin as you feed the elastic through.

Bring the shirring elastic up to the top by turning the handwheel in the usual way.

You may want to make your stitch length longer than usual, perhaps a 3.5 to 4 stitch length and you may also need to adjust the tension. Test on scraps of fabric until you are happy with the results.

Do not need to push or pull the fabric, just let elastic do it's job and sew in the normal way.

Be sure to leave a long tail at other end when you finish sewing so it doesn't pop out!

Transformation Challenge: Garden Hammocks into Summer Garments

There's certainly plenty of fabric to work with in a hammock, which is always a bonus in the transformation challenge. I'm guessing the Sewing Bees still needed a lie down in a hammock after this challenge though!

Made To Measure Challenge: Two Piece Coordinated Trouser Outfit

For the made to measure challenge the Bees had to create a two piece coordinated trouser or short outfit for fun in the sun. We have lots of gorgeous patterns and fabrics to choose for this one.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Summer Trouser, Shorts and Shirts Sewing Patterns

Sewing Bee Fabrics

Series 8 Episode 2: Sports Week

Sports week: episode 2 of the Sewing Bee series 8 saw some unchartered territory with shoe making. Check out our top tips for eyelets and inspiration for shoe customisation below plus patterns for sports jackets inspired by the episode. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: A Pair of High Top Trainers

How many of us have sewn a pair of trainers? I'd hazard a guess not many, making it quite a tricky task for week 2 for the Bees.

Sewing techniques tackled included eyelets and stitching the soles and we have some tips and tools you could use to sew, or rather craftalong.

Eyelets are also often found on garments including raincoats, tops and trousers so knowing how to tackle them is a useful sewing skill to have at your disposal.

Also if you're not quite ready to create an entire shoe, check out our inspitation for customisation below.

Sewing Bee Techniques

Top Tips for Eyelets

Eyelets aren't just for high top trainers, they can be used in bag making for use with a drawstring, drawstring trousers or jogging bottoms and on hoodies.

A lot of the tools and techniques used to apply eyelets can also be used to apply plastic, fashion and anorak snaps, rivets, and jeans buttons all of which are useful techniques to learn and can be used on a wide range of garments.

Here are our top tips for applying eyelets:

Always test on scraps of fabric that replicate the real thing first.

Always think carefully about the position of your eyelet and mark it on the fabric before cutting a hole.

It's always a good idea to stabilise your fabric before cutting the hole to apply the eyelet, iron on interfacing is a good option. If working with thicker fabrics you might like to use little squares of the fabric to stabilise the hole.

The eyelets will usually come with a tool for application and you can also use some of these with pliers which make the job a lot easier.

You can see our range of pliers here and you can also use them to apply woven snaps, jersey snaps, rivets, jeans buttons and anorak snaps.

Make sure you apply plenty of pressure to the pliers when using them.

Organise the eyelet parts by pairing the two halves up before applying them to make sure you aren't trying to pair two identical pieces together, this is a mistake that is easy to make and it can be so frustrating when you can't work out why things aren't fitting together properly.

Double check which side of the fabric or garment each part should be applied to so you don't end up with them in the wrong place.

Make the smallest hole you can for the fastener, if the hole is too big there's no going back.

You can snip a hole in the fabric or use punch pliers, which come with a range of sizes and can be used to create holes for woven snaps, jersey snaps, rivets, jeans buttons and anorak snaps.

Punch pliers are especially good for thicker fabrics or you could also use an awl.

Customisation

If you're not up for making an entire pair of trainers, why not customise some instead? We love these high top trainers shared on the DMC embroidery (@dmc_embroidery) page on Instagram.

We stock a wide range of DMC hand embroidery threads and hand sewing needles you could use to great creative.

Transformation Challenge: Netball Kits into Garments

I'm not sure how many of us could dig out an old netball kit to sewalong with this challenge, but it was certainly interesting to see what the Bees came up with.

Made To Measure Challenge: Sports Jacket

For the made to measure challenge the Bees had to fit a jacket inspired by their sporting hero. Check out our favourite sporty jacket and sportswear patterns and fabrics below.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Sports Jacket Sewing Patterns

Series 8 Episode 1: Capsule Wardrobe

The Great British Sewing Bee series 8 is go! We loved the first episode and have pulled together a list of patterns, fabrics and sewing techniques you can use to sewalong with the Bees below. We'll be updating you every week so do stay tuned - we will share the weekly Sewing Bee scoop with you in our newsletter.

The Pattern Challenge: A Wool Mini Skirt With Piped Patch Pockets

The Bees were off the starting blocks sewing a wool mini skirt with piped patch pockets and what a great challenge for us all to sewalong with. Mini skirts are so on trend right now and we have a detailed step by step tutorial for how to pipe seams included below too.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here's our round up of our favourite mini skirt patterns with patch pockets.

These would look great sewn up in a wide range of our dressmaking fabrics (check pattern information on our site for full details). For patterns requiring a little structure our Sevenberry cotton twills, denims or cotton sateen prints (find a selection here check product information for full details) would be perfect for this time of year.

Mini Skirt Sewing Patterns with Patch Pockets

The Reed Skirt by Grainline Studios is a contemporary button down A line skirt with multiple pocket and closure options available in sizes 0 - 30. We think it would look fab sewn up in our Sevenberry cotton twill or denim fabric.

The Burda 6147 Skirt Sewing Pattern is a slightly flared mini skirt with options for patch pockets, a separate belt and an optional hem flounce. We think it would look perfect sewn up in our linen mix fabric.

Here are some more mini skirt with patch pockets patterns to choose from:

Burda 6252 Skirt Pattern

Burda 6682 Skirt Sewing Pattern

Tilly and the Buttons Bobbi Skirt and Pinafore

Cashmerette Ellis Skirt Sewing Pattern

McCalls 7475 Skirt, Shorts and Culottes Sewing Pattern

Sewing Bee Techniques

Piping patch pockets was a tricky first challenge for the Bees - working round curves and corners and trying to maintain a nice, even piping can send even the most experienced sewer into a cold sweat.

Check out our in depth step by step tutorial blog post below for all of our top tips including how to work round curves, how to cross seams and how to create an even piping (spoiler alert - a piping foot for your machine is a great investment!)

Find our full range of piping feet here and remember to check our compatibility charts for your make and model of machine.

Find our bias binding here and piping cord here.

Transformation Challenge: Lockdown Loungewear

Who didn't want to rip up their loungewear after lockdown?! In the spirit of sustainable sewing the Bees transformed loungewear pieces into a going out top, but did they manage to successfully combine comfort and style?

Made To Measure Challenge: Wrap Dress

Wrap dresses are one of our favourite dresses to sew and are relatively easy to fit, however, watch out for gaping necklines and a level hem where the front overlaps. Check out our top tips for nailing those necklines below.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here's a round up of our favourite wrap dress patterns for woven fabrics and jersey fabrics.

Wrap Dress Sewing Patterns for Woven Fabrics

We love Simplicity 8637 a wrap dress with a pretty hem flounce that extends along the wrap closure, perfect for wedding and special occasion season.

Here are plenty more woven wrap dress patterns to choose from:

Simplicity 9224 MimiG Wrap Dress Pattern

Sew House Seven Wildwood Curvy Wrap Dress Pattern

Simplicity 9042 Wrap Dress Pattern with Waist Tie

Burda 6207 Wrap Dress Pattern

New Look 6614 Wrap Dress Sundress Pattern

Simplicity 8735 Wrap Dress Pattern

McCalls 7953 Wrap Dress Pattern

McCalls 7745 Wrap Dress Pattern

McCalls 7406 Wrap Dress Pattern

Simplicity 8013 Wrap Dress Pattern

Butterick 5030 Wrap Dress Pattern

Vogue 1239 Wrap Dress Pattern

McCalls 6959 Wrap Dress Pattern

Sewaholic Yaletown Dress Pattern

Chalk and Notch Orchid Midi Dress Sewing Pattern

Style Arc Brigid Wrap Dress Sewing Pattern

Wrap Dress Sewing Patterns for Stretch Fabrics

Butterick 6054 is an easy to wear everyday wrap dress that can be sewn up in two way stretch knit fabrics. We love those extra details such as the front pleats, shaped front skirt and the fact it is a grown on sleeve makes it a super easy sew.

Here are some more jersey wrap dress patterns to choose from.

Cashmerette Appleton Wrap Dress Pattern

Named Patterns Olivia Wrap Dress Pattern

Named Patterns Kielo Wrap Dress and Jumpsuit Pattern

Burda 6211 Wrap Dress Pattern

Butterick 6703 Wrap Dress Pattern

Sew Over It Meredith Wrap Dress Pattern

New Look 6554 Wrap Dress Pattern

Vogue 8379 Wrap Dress Pattern

New Look 6581 Wrap Dress

Burda 6829 Wrap Dress Pattern

Sewing Bee Techniques

To prevent gaping on jersey wrap dress necklines you could use our top tip of sewing clear elastic into the seam. For full details check out our video below where Lucy also shares the making of one of her favourite wrap dresses, New Look 6581 in our Dashwood jersey fabric. Find our clear elastic here.

Series 7 Episode 10: The Final

We can't quite believe it's the Sewing Bee final already. What on earth will do on a Wednesday night without Joe's quips, Esme's necklaces and Patrick's impeccable tailored suits? As always the standard was super high and the Bees were pushed to their limits.

The Pattern Challenge: A Bridesmaid Dress

Yikes what a big ask under such time pressure! The Bees were tasked with sewing a bridesmaid dress including bound buttonholes, a lined bodice and puff sleeves.

Sewing with delicate, luxury fabrics and attempting couture techniques is no mean feat and our very own Angela knows this only too well having sewn many wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses including mine!

Angela's top tip is to never be frightened of sewing with silk, it is tough and presses incredibly well.

Here are the beautiful dresses Angela created for mine and Ed's wedding 11 years ago:

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here's a selection of children's bridesmaid dresses, this Simplicity 9246 design is very similar to that sewn by the Bees.

Other gorgeous children's designs fit for a princess:

• Little Flora Dress By Hand London
• Simplicity 9119
• Simplicity 8896
• New Look 6548
• New Look 6631
• McCalls 7648

We also just hadto include some of our favourite adult bridesmaid dress sewing patterns starting with a Royal wedding inspired Butterick B5710

Here are some more dreamy designs for that special day.

• Vogue 2965
• Butterick 5779
• Burda 6346
• Butterick 6131
• Vogue 1495
• Kwik Sew 3516

We also have a great range of wedding day worthy luxury fabrics including our John Kaldor Duchesse satin, which comes in a beautiful range of colours with complimentary John Kaldor Tocca lace options too.

We love the fuchsia Duchesse satin:

You might also like these other special occasion fabrics:

• John Kaldor Mystique satin backed crepe fabric
• John Kaldor Prestige medium weight crepe fabric
• Satin backed crepe fabric
• John Kaldor crushed taffeta fabric
• John Kaldor stretch velvet fabric
• Sequin fabrics
• Faux silk dupion fabric

Sewing Bee Tutorials

If you're sewing with slippery fabrics you may find our top tips tutorial helpful for getting professional results. You can find it here.

Transformation Challenge: Homeware Items into Summer Festival Outfits

We couldn't wait to see the fun designs created for festival wear in the transformation challenge.

We're thinking hot pants, tassles, head dresses - more is more!

Made to Measure Challenge: Glamorous Off the Shoulder Evening Gowns

More precision sewing working with copious amounts of fabric and attempting to create the perfect fit in the made to measure challenge.

Who would sew the most red carpet worthy gown and steal the Sewing Bee crown for 2021?

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Sewing Bee Patterns

There are so many off the shoulder gown sewing patterns to choose from, this Vogue 1655 design is a serious show stopper and would look beautiful sewn up in one of our luxury fabrics mentioned above:

Here are plenty more off the shoulder inspired designs to choose from:

• Rebecca's McCalls 7683 dress
• Similar to Serena's acid yellow dress New Look 6507
• Vogue 1426
• Vogue 1533
• Vogue 1742
• Vogue 1624
• New Look 6615
• McCalls 7926
• McCalls 7896
• Vogue 1604
• McCalls 7835

So there we have it, another Sewing Bee competition all sewn up (sorry not sorry!) We hope you've enjoyed our pattern and fabric picks and tutorials to help you sew along with the Bees and here's hoping for another series soon.

Series 7 Episode 9: 1940s

Who doesn't love a trip down memory lane, especially when it involves fashion and dressmaking? We couldn't wait to see how the Sewing Bees fared with the vintage themed challenges.

The Pattern Challenge: Oxford Bags

For the first challenge the Bees had to Oxford bags are a type of trouser popular in the 1940s and perfect for swing dancing.

The tricky elements for the contestants to master included tackling large sewing pattern pieces, sewing a fly front zip and sewing even pleats.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

We have lots of wide leg women's trouser patterns on a similar theme if you would like to sewalong (see below).

Hot off the press this brand new Simplicity pattern is super chic and would look great sewn up in our Prestige crepe fabric:

There are plenty more along a similar theme to choose from here:

• Simplicity 9235
• Burda 6286
• Simplicity 8956
• McCalls 7876
• Vogue 9302
• Simplicity 8701
• Vogue 1642
• Burda 6173
• Burda 6148
• Vogue 1758
• Vogue 1749
• Butterick 6715

Sewing Bee Tutorials

If you're tackling a fly front zip for the first time, there's a step by step tutorial here:

Transformation Challenge: Old Parachutes into Glamorous Dresses

This is a task that is close to our very own Angela's heart. When she was on holiday as a little girl in Minehead someone gifted her Mother with a yellow and white parachute and it was used to create a dress for her!

It was certainly a tough task for the Bees with such a short time frame and such slippery fabric, but we were blown away by Serena's effort.

Made to Measure Challenge: Dior's New Look

In order to pull off this iconic look the Bees had to use masses of fabric and focus on accentuating the female form, think cinched in waists, peplums and voluminous sleeves.

Once again Rafe and Serena excelled and produced truly stunning garments.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Sewing Bee Patterns

There are lots of vintage inspired sewing patterns to choose from on our site, here are a few of our favourites including jackets, skirts, dresses and tops:

• Simplicity 8747 skirt suit pattern
• Simplicity 8446 Vintage skirt and cummerbund pattern
• Simplicity 8882 Gertie blouse pattern
• Simplicity 8462 vintage blouse, skirt and bolero pattern
• Simplicity 8604 peplum jacket pattern
• Simplicity 9105 vintage dress with detachable collar

If you're really feeling in the vintage mood don't forget to check out our Simplicity vintage range of collectables including picture frames,tote bags, pattern organisers, tea towels and more.

It is such a super pretty range and will bring a splash of vintage style to any sewing space.

We love these gorgeous pattern storage solutions:

Sewing Bee Fabrics

There were lots of plain fabrics featured in this week's episode and we have some Dior worthy John Kaldor crepes and cotton sateens that would be ideal for these looks:

• John Kaldor medium weight Prestige crepe
• John Kaldor heavy weight Lugano crepe
• John Kaldor Marmaris cotton sateen

We're super excited for the final - who is your money on?!

Series 7 Episode 8: Music and the Movies

Time for more glitz and glamour on the Sewing Bee this week with the theme 'music and the movies'. As the five remaining contestants really come into their own and step up those sewing skills I couldn't wait to see what delights they created.

The Pattern Challenge: Baby's Dirty Dancing Dress

What a dream come true sewing the iconic Dirty Dancing dress for the pattern challenge. The hours I spent watching that film over and over and dreaming of dancing with Patrick Swayze! I couldn't wait to see how the Bees got on.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

If you want to join in the fun and sew a Baby themed dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt we have so many patterns to choose from.

My personal favourite is this vintage McCalls pattern:

And there are plenty more along a similar theme to choose from here:

• New Look 6553
• McCalls 7720
• McCalls 7719
• Vogue 1696
• New Look 6665
• McCalls 7626
• Vogue 9252
• Simplicity 8873
• Burda 6343

We have lots of Baby dress worthy fabrics to create them with, check out our:

• Prestige crepe
• Satin backed crepe
• John Kaldor satin backed crepe

Sewing Bee Tutorials

If you want a perfect finish on an invisible zip check out our clever invisible zip tutorial here:

To get a perfect fit on the bodice you may find the following tutorials useful.

How to lower or raise a bust dart:

How to make a small bust adjustment (a full bust adjustment is the opposite and mentioned in the video too)

Transformation Challenge: Old Curtains into Play Clothes for Children

The Bees needed to channel their inner Julie Andrews for this task. Some of the fabrics might be rather tricky to work with, especially when sewing such small and intricate shapes and sizes, however, there was plenty of fabric to work with.

Made to Measure Challenge: a Dreamgirls Inspired Disco Dress

Another super fun challenge for us to feast our eyes on, the contestants had to sew a 1970s influenced dress for ultimate Saturday Night Fever vibes. The dresses should skim the models' body so no room for error with fit and I couldn't wait to see what they came up with and if music from the cult movie was used for the models to strut down the catwalk!

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Sewing Bee Patterns

We spotted this super glamorous number sewn up in red satin and lace, you could use our John Kaldor Duchesse satin backed crepe or Mystique satin backed crepe to recreate the look.

Here are some other disco diva dress and jumpsuit patterns to choose from:

• Simplicity 8330
• Simplicity 6551
• Simplicity 8635
• McCalls 7683
• McCalls 8142
• McCalls 8037
• Vogue 1657
• McCalls 7910
• Vogue 1506

Sewing Bee Fabrics

You are spoiled for choice with our disco diva fabrics, I love this red stretch fabric with sewn on sequins, perfect for dancing the night away:

Here are some more to choose from:

• John Kaldor plain glitter jersey in navy (this is also available in teal and ivory)
• Sequin fabrics
• Stretch velvet
• Crushed taffeta
• Satin

Sewing Bee Techniques

Scroll down to last week's blog post for video and written tutorials on sewing with sequins, sewing with slippery fabrics and sewing with velvet.

Series 7 Episode 7: Winter Week

Winter week on the Sewing Bee and (sadly) it couldn't be more appropriate for the weather here in the UK right now! The Bees had to tackle lots of different fabric types and we couldn't wait to see the party dresses created in the made to measure challenge.

The Pattern Challenge: A Man's Flannel Shirt

You can't beat a tailored shirt for a satisfying sew, but I'm not sure I'd want to rustle one up in the time allocated for the Bees!

Sewing collars and cuffs can be tricky thanks to the precision required to line the edges of the fabric up evenly not to mention sharp corners and buttonholes.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Luckily we can sew along with the Bees at home and take our time to really perfect those techniques.

Here are some men's shirt patterns, my personal favourite has to be this men's shirt and jacket pattern:

• Simplicity 9157
• Vogue 1670
• McCalls 7980
• Simplicity 8753
• Simplicity 8427
• Vogue 8759
• McCalls 2447
• Simplicity 8475
• Burda 6931
• Burda 7045

We don't have any flannel, but we do have some gorgeous ex designer shirting fabrics, I love this subtle grey stripe shirting cotton:

You can find more shirting fabric picks here:

Shirting Fabrics

• Striped print shirting fabric, white, green and blue
• Stripe shirting fabric black and blue
• Stripe shirting fabric black
• Stripe shirting fabric blue
• Stripe shirting fabric blue
• Check shirting fabric blue

Sewing Bee Tutorials

The Sewing Bees had to sew the shirt yoke using the burrito method - a method which lines the yoke with no hand sewing required. Super neat, super professional and super easy if you follow our YouTube tutorial:

Transformation Challenge: Old Scarves into a Wearable Garment

As someone with a lot of old scarves I never wear I was interested to see what creative ideas the Bees came up with for this challenge. Depending on the size of scarf it might require rather a lot of sewing to create a whole garment.

Made to Measure Challenge: a Festive Winter Party Dress

Oh my goodness how do we all need a good old splash of sequins, glitter and party dress after the year we've had?! We have SO many gorgeous party dress patterns and luxurious fabrics perfect for this task too.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Sewing Bee Patterns

Once again Rafe's dress was simply stunning, you can create your own with this New Look pattern:

Here are some other top pick party dress patterns, but if we haven't got you ready to crack out the party poppers do check out our website for thousands of other designs:

• Farie's Vogue 8825 dress
• Damian's Burda 6452 dress
• Andrew's Vogue 9325 dress
• Serena's McCalls 7997 dress

Sewing Bee Fabrics

We have so many glorious party worthy fabrics to choose from - glitter jerseys, silky soft satins, intricate lace, stretch velvet and sequins to name but a few. We've added some links below, but this John Kaldor glitter jersey has to be one of my all time favourites:

Here are some more to choose from:

• John Kaldor plain glitter jersey in navy (this is also available in teal and ivory)
• Sequin fabrics
• Stretch velvet
• Crushed taffeta
• Satin

Sewing Bee Techniques

We've got lots of tutorials to help you with some of those trickier fabrics too:

Check out our article and video on our top tips for sewing with sequin fabric:

Find out how to sew with slippery fabrics like crepe de chine and satin here:

Here are our top tips for sewing with velvet:

Series 7 Episode 6: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Week

This week the Sewing Bees will face the challenge of reusing and recycling soft furnishings and charity shop clothes into a whole new look requiring not only excellent sewing skills, but also exceptional levels of creative thinking.

The Pattern Challenge: A Man's Waistcoat

The Bees had to create a man's waistcoat from second hand clothes. The judges were looking out for appropriate fabric choices and precision sewing - the waistcoat should match up neatly at the front opening, any buttonholes had to be sewn accurately, linings should not be poking out and corners needed to be crisp and sharp.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

We have a number of men's waistcoat patterns to choose from listed below, some with mini options for younger children. We love this slim fitting Vogue design (click the image to view)

• McCalls 6228
• New Look 6036
• Simplicity 1506
• Simplicity 4762
• Burda 3403
• Simplicity 8023

We have some great suiting fabrics to choose from, our favourite is the grey Prince of Wales check (click to view)

You can find more suiting fabric picks here.

Sewing Bee Buttonhole Tools

For perfectly spaced buttonholes you can't beat our Simflex sewing gauge:

If you're sewing a buttonhole on an uneven or bulky surface a bulky seam aid is a useful piece of equipment, you slip it under the back of the foot to give it something to work against.

If you want to avoid that heart wrenching experience of slicing through a buttonhole too far we would always recommend using a buttonhole cutter, you can find out range here.

Sewing Bee Techniques

You can find all of our top buttonhole sewing tips in this video:

Transformation Challenge: Army Clothes into a Stylish and Wearable Garment for Women

You can't beat a bit of military influence in fashion. Utility jackets and trousers in khaki, dessert shades and even camo print have been popular on and off for years, which will have given the Bees plenty of inspiration for the transformation challenge.

Made to Measure Challenge: Old Jeans to Create a Made to Measure Dress

One of the first projects many sewers tackle is to refashion something from denim, perhaps a bag or jeans to a skirt. The judges were looking for the Bees to take this concept further and create a perfectly fitting dress in the made to measure challenge this week and it's safe to say the contestants well and truly rose to the challenge.

If you're taking up the denim challenge this week don't forget your denim and topstitching needles and top stitch thread. We also have a great range of denim hardware.

Sewing Bee Patterns

We loved the halterneck dress produced and thought you could use this lovely pattern to produce something similar:

You could recreate an asymmetric design with buttons rather than a zip with this Butterick pattern:

Don't forget we have literally thousands of other dress patterns to choose from on our site too, you can find them here.

You can find our full range of denim fabrics here.

Series 7 Episode 5: Children's Week

The competition is really hotting up now and I always think this is the point where we start to see some really accomplished sewing amongst the Sewing Bees.

The Bees were tasked with sewing a toddler's romper suit, transforming wet suits into under the sea themed fancy dress and creating a children's raincoat.

The thing I was looking forward to most was seeing Patrick or Joe donning the fancy dress efforts.

The Pattern Challenge: Toddler Romper Suit

The small pattern pieces of a children's romper suit are challenging in themselves, throw in an elasticated back, cross over straps and snap fastenings at the crotch and the pressure was really on.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here are some sewing patterns which would work well for a toddler romper suit, we are positively cooing at the cuteness factor!

The image below is Simplicity 8894 tap to view.

• Burda 9299
• Burda 9314
• Burda 9384
• Simplicity 8894
• Simplicity 8933
• Butterick 5585
• Butterick 3405
• Burda 9328
• Simplicity 1565
• Simplicity 1447
• Simplicity 8098

These patterns are a mixture of knit and woven fabric patterns so do check patterns and fabrics for details.

The fabric in the image below is our cotton woven butterfly print fabric, click the image to view.

Here are some more super cute fabric picks:

Jersey Fabrics

• Stripe cotton jersey fabric turquoise and navy
• Stripe cotton jersey fabric pink and grey
• Stripe cotton jersey fabric grey and blue
• Plain cotton jersey fabric
• Plain sweatshirt fabric

Woven Fabrics

• Cherry print cotton woven fabric
• Bumble bee and ladybird print cotton woven fabric
• Lemon stripe cotton fabric
• Spot print cerise cotton woven fabric
• Spot print turquoise cotton woven fabric
• Butterfly print cotton woven fabric
• Red gingham fabric
• Royal blue swallow print fabric

Snap and Tools

Image below: Prym Love vario pliers and piercing/coloursnaps tool, click image to view.

• KAM plastic snaps and tool
• Prym plastic snaps
• Prym Love vario pliers and piercing coloursnaps tool
• Prym Love multi coloured snap set

Sewing Bee Techniques

Our top tips for using snaps:

• Always make sure you have a few pairs of snaps spare for testing on your fabric before you apply them to the garment and in case you have any mishaps.
• It can be helpful to set the snaps out in pairs of one male on female before you start.
• If you aren't using a specific snaps tool to create the holes in your fabric make sure you don't make the holes too big!

Transformation Challenge: Wet Suits to an Under the Sea Themed Fancy Dress Costume

The thought of sewing with a wetsuit would strike fear into the heart of many a home sewist.

Having to transform with a fancy dress costume idea and doing it under severe time pressure makes it even more terrifying.

I'm sure the Sewing Bees were relieved once this challenge was over!

Made to Measure Challenge: a Child's Raincoat

Another tricky fabric to sew with the Sewing Bees had to whip up a well fitting , fully waterproof child's raincoat - eek!

We love this Burda design with the option for a full length puddle suit (click the image to view)

Sewing Bee Patterns

• McCalls 6431
• Burda 9378

Sadly we don't have any fabrics suitable for this challenge, however we do have a tip for working with fabrics like vinyl or anything similar where you sewing machine struggles to feed the fabric through due to the 'stickiness' - use a roller foot or Teflon foot in your machine.

Pictured below is the Pfaff non-stick foot for IDT system (click to view). This foot is only compatible with certain Pfaff machines, check our compatibility information provided for details.

These feet are also available for other brands of machine you can find our full range of sewing machine accessories and feet here. Always check our compatibility charts and information to ensure compatibility with your machine.

Series 7 Episode 4: International Week

I was particularly excited to see everyone demonstrate their creative flair in the made to measure challenge inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Plus the all important - what will Joe be wearing and how will he be embracing the international flavour this week?

The Great British Sewing Bee brought us sewing challenges from around the world in this week's episode.

The Pattern Challenge: French Breton Top

This week the Bees faced a challenge many of us home sewers will have tackled before - a French Breton top.

The judges were looking for matching stripes, a smooth boatneck neckline and a neat button placket.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here are some sewing patterns which would work well for a French Breton inspired top, both woven and knit designs are included so check the patterns for details:

• Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress and Top (pictured above)
• True Bias Rio Ringer Tshirt
• Simplicity 8982
• Jalie 3903
• Burda 6328
• The Beatrix Top Made by Rae
• The Wanderlust Tee Fancy Tiger Crafts
• Burda 6427
• Simplicity 8376
• Simplicity 8375
• Cedar Top Cashmerette
• Simplicity 9121
• Butterick 6754
• McCalls 8059

We have a number of striped fabrics you could use to create the look, these are all knit fabrics so check your pattern details:

• Stripe Ponte Roma Style Jersey Fabric
• Stripe Jersey Fabric
• Stripe Jersey Fabric Navy and White
• Striped Ponte Roma Fabric Black and White

Sewing Bee Techniques

Here's a stripe matching example from my handmade wardrobe and my top stripe matching tips:

• Fold fabric carefully before cutting out and make sure the stripes are aligned. You can insert a pin along a stripe through the two layers of fabric to check they are lined up correctly.
• Use the notches on your pattern pieces to make sure the stripes will line up when sewn together.
• Pin at right angles to the raw edge to keep the stripes in place as you sew.

Transformation Challenge: Sarongs

I always say I think I'd really struggle with the transformation challenge, but this week's challenge I could get on board with. The sewers had to use bright, bold sarongs to create something entirely different.

Sarongs gave the contestants a good sized piece of fabric to work with, but it meant the judges were looking for even more creative flair in their finished garments.

I thought our blog post on sewing with slippery fabrics might come in handy for sewing along with the Bees on this challenge. You can find it by clicking the image below:

Made to Measure Challenge: a Frida Kahlo Inspired Garment

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her beautiful paintings and was also renowned for her personal style.

To honour Frida's style the Bees would need to embrace bold colours and rich mixes of textiles with a folk inspired theme.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

This recent Zandra Rhodes Vogue pattern would lend itself beautifully to a Frida Kahlo inspired dress:

Here are some other ideas for Frida Kahlo inspired designs:

• McCalls 8066 Gathered Skirt Pattern
• New Look 6671 Folk Inspired Top Pattern
• Simplicity 9013 Maxi Dress Pattern

Think bold, bright colours for your fabrics (our speciality) you can find our full range of dressmaking fabrics here.

I think this Samba crepe fabric would work brilliantly for this theme:

Series 7 Episode 3: Gent's Classics Week

As a selfish sewer only sewing for myself, I'm never too excited about gent's classics week, however, I was intrigued to see how the Bees got on with a baker boy cap and have been thinking about making myself a utility jacket for a while.

The Pattern Challenge: A Baker Boy Cap

The baker boy cap looked like a tough challenge working in very small areas with such bulky, thick, fabric and precision was key. Lots of the Bees seemed to struggle with the self cover button and I thought how useful our self cover button tool would be for this task, you can find them here.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

There isn't a huge demand for this style of hat, however, Simplicity do have a baker boy design which comes with a selection of other options to try, click the image to view:

Transformation Challenge: Men's Jackets and Blazers

This week the Bees had to transform a men's jacket into a garment for a woman, which reminded me of the refashioners challenge on Instagram a few years ago.

One of the most remarkable things about a challenge like this can be the intricate details and tailoring techniques you can discover when unpicking one of those garments to refashion it.

Made to Measure Challenge: A Casual Utility Jacket

What a great challenge for the Bees to get their teeth into and I loved some of the designs produced. There were a few mishaps as always, but in some instances these even turned into a happy accident.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

The Ilford jacket by the Friday Pattern Company and pictured below (click to view it on our website) is gender neutral:

There are also a number of women's utility jacket patterns here, my favourite being the Sienna Maker jacket by Closet Core Patterns (click the image to view):

Here are some more designs to choose from too:

• The Adelaide Woven Jacket by Style Arc
• McCalls 8011
• Butterick 6721
• The Thayer Jacket by Grainline Studios

We also have a great range of denim fabrics perfect for sewing up these jackets, which you can find here.

Although some of the Bees struggled with them, you might have more luck and can find our range of snaps here.

Series 7 Episode 2: Summer Week

The Bees seemed excited to embrace summer week choosing bright, bold fabrics for the challenges and sporting some rather jazzy numbers themselves.

We also got to know a little more about the Bees whose none sewing related hobbies range from bell ringing to gymnastics.

The Pattern Challenge: Paperbag Shorts

This week the Bees had to rustle up a pair of paperbag shorts in the pattern challenge, tackling pockets, turn ups and an elastic waistband.

Here's a pair I made using Simplicity 8651 (twice I liked them so much), which would be perfect for sewing along with the Bees.

We no longer stock the fabric, but any of our cotton lawn fabrics would work beautifully and we have so many vibrant new designs in stock to choose from here.

If these aren't your bag (pardon the pun!) you could also check out these alternatives on a similar theme. Some of these designs are more fitted and not a traditional paperbag effect, but have a similar aesthetic:

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here are our top picks for paperbag short and trouser sewing patterns:

• McCalls 8168
• McCalls 8118
• Jalie 3908
• New Look 6674
• McCalls 7942
• New Look 6606

You can find our perfect range of printed woven fabrics here.

Sewing Bee Techniques

Choosing the right fabric for any sewing project is crucial for success, check out our top tips for getting it right here:

Transformation Challenge

The Bees certainly had a challenge on their hands transforming men's board shorts into a cocktail hour outfit for women!

I admire the gusto and enthusiasm they approach these tasks with, I'm sure would suffer an extreme mental block and wouldn't know where to begin!

Made to Measure Challenge: Button Down Sundresses

A big step up from a loose fitting buffet dress, a button down sundress seemed like a tricky next step for the Bees.

Perfectly aligned buttonholes and a good fit are difficult to achieve under such pressurised circumstances, but we have some great tips and advice for those of you sewing at home so you can nail those techniques.

Here is a button down dress I made, which would be perfect for sewing along with the Bees. Sadly this pattern is now only available in PDF format, although we do have a very limited number of paper copies left. If you don't manage to grab one we also have lots of other great options:

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

• Fiona sundress Closet Core patterns
• McCalls 8091
• Simplicity 9097
• McCalls 7950
• McCalls 7944
• Butterick 6674
• Vogue 9182
• True Bias Southport dress

Check out our range of printed woven fabrics here.

Sewing Bee Techniques

Esme and Patrick were looking for neat and evenly spaced button holes plus a great fit in the sundress challenge, here are our top tutorials and tips for nailing those sewing techniques.

Series 7 Episode 1: Wardrobe Staples Week

The Great British Sewing Bee is baaaaaccckkk and what better way to open the show than Joe sailing across the Thames in a fur coat with definite Sully of Monsters Inc vibes?!

In our weekly blog posts we'll be sharing the sewing patterns and fabrics you can use to sew along with the Sewing Bees. We'll also be sharing tutorials for the sewing techniques the Bees use in the challenges.

The Pattern Challenge: A Shell Top

A nice easy way for the Sewing Bees to ease themselves in they were tasked with sewing a shell top with back button fastening.

The judges were looking for a flawless finish and were paying extra attention to the bust darts, facing and hem.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here are our top picks for shell top sewing patterns:

• Simplicity 9045
• Butterick 6175
• New Look 6656
• Kwik Sew 3848

You can find our perfect range of printed woven fabrics here including the classic spot print crepe Serena chose to secure first place in the challenge.

Sewing Bee Techniques

If you need to perfect your dart sewing check out our video tutorial and top tips for how to sew darts here:

Also find a rather old, but helpful tutorial on how to line a sleeveless bodice or dress here:

Transformation Challenge

The Sewing Bees had to transform up to three Tshirts to make a single item of clothing.

The efforts ranged from dresses and playsuits to skirts and tops and some of the pattern placement lead the judges to fits of hysterics!

Made to Measure Challenge: A Buffet Dress

A fairly easy first made to measure challenge for the Bees - the loose fitting buffet dress.

I've heard referred to more commonly as a peasant dress, although I love the logic of the buffet name - plenty of room for extra helpings from the buffet in these designs!

These dresses have been hugely popular on the High Street and in sewing circles for the last few years meaning there are plenty of suitable patterns for you to choose from.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

• Friday Pattern Company Wilder Gown
• Tilly and the Buttons Indigo Dress
• Burda 6265
• Burda 6401
• Simplicity 8551
• Simplicity 8872
• McCalls 7742
• McCalls 7969
• McCalls 7948
• Simplicity 9140

See my version of the Tilly and the Buttons Indigo dress here:

Check out our range of printed woven fabrics here including the fabric I used for my Indigo dress.

Sewing Bee Techniques

Lots of the Sewing Bees worked busily on gathering and ruffles find out top tips for sewing ruffles and gathers here.

Find our tutorial for using a gathering foot here:

Series 6 Episode 10

How on earth is it Sewing Bee final week already?! My nine year old Son is already desperately trying to find a new excuse to stay up late on a Wednesday! Will the contestants blow us away? Just how tough will the challenges be? Let's find out.

The Pattern Challenge: a Child's Traditional Kilt

Absolute precision was required to win the pattern challenge.

The Bees even had to reach for their calculators to work out the number of pleats required on the children's kilt.

Chuck in the ultimate pattern matching challenge, the need for neat and even pleats and neat sewing plus tough leather buckles. Wowzers what a challenge.

Sewing Bee Fabrics

You can find our tartan fabrics here.

The Transformation Challenge: a Swimsuit and a Prom Dress into a Carnival Outfit

An opportunity for the Bees to really have some fun and show off their creativity plus watching Joe live his best life dressing up in all the props!

A transformation challenge I think I could actually get into, unlike the carnival outfits!

The Made to Measure Challenge: a Red Carpet Dress

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Claire sewed up a beautiful satin gown for her work colleague, you can find our satin fabrics here and here.

Nicole chose a dress I made! You can see the blog post here and find the pattern here. Plus Nicole also had to throw in a lot of trimmings, of course! You can see ours here.

Matt drafted his own dress including a leatherette bodice. I made a leatherette skirt last year, you can see it here and find the fabric here.

Well that's it for another year folks, we can't believe it flew by so quickly. Another lovely bunch of people and lots of sewing inspiration for us all.

Series 6 Episode 9

This week the fabric was selected by the judges creating an even playing field for the contestants.

The Pattern Challenge: the Marilyn Monroe Dress

This week the fabric was selected by the judges creating an even playing field for the contestants.

Absolute precision was necessary to pull of the beautifully simple and elegant dress. Even pleats across the bust, an invisible zip, a bagged out lined bodice, the pressure was on!

Sewing Bee Patterns

Here are some gorgeous Marilyn worthy dress patterns:

• Vogue 9343
• Butterick 6682
• Butterick 5209

And don't forget our fantastic dressmaking fabrics, find them all here.

You can also find our top tips for working with slippery fabrics here.

The Transformation Challenge: a Sci Fi Themed Garment

The Sewing Bees were invited to choose a random selection of items gathered from charity shops and junk yards and turn them into a futuristic piece of couture in 90 minutes. Yep it was all kinds of crazy!

The Made to Measure Challenge: a Flapper Dress

For the made to measure challenge the Bees had to sew a flapper dress ensuring the simple silhouette hung perfectly on the model's frame whilst mastering an array of fancy fabrics and trimmings.

Sewing Bee Patterns

We have the perfect flapper dress pattern to sewalong with the Bees:

• Simplicity 9088

We also have some fantastic flapper worthy fabric:

• John Kaldor glitter jersey fabric

Find our fun selection of trimmings here

Series 6 Episode 8

World week and the Sewing Bees were challenged with sewing up a range of garments from, you guessed it, around the world. Fighting for a place in the semi finals the pressure was on!

The Pattern Challenge: A Terno Blouse

The Sewing Bees had to create a Terno blouse with dramatic butterfly sleeves.

Fabric choice was absolutely key since it must have enough stability to hold the shape of the butterfly sleeve.

Sewing techniques included even gathers on the sleeves, a neckline binding and self covered buttons.

You can find a tutorial on sewing gathers here and the easy way to create your own bias binding here.

Find our self cover buttons and button tools here.

The Transformation Challenge: a Provencale Tablecloth into a Garment

The Bees had to transform a tablecloth into a garment of their choice and the winner achieved an awful lot in the time allowed producing a very impressive garment indeed.

The Made to Measure Challenge: a Flamenco Inspired Skirt

The Bees were tasked with sewing a flamenco inspired skirt for their models, which should hug at the hips and cascade into dramatic rows of ruffles.

Sewing Bee Patterns

This task certainly got my creative juices flowing and I was busily dreaming up a ruffly girly skirt of dreams. Luckily we have plenty of patterns that fit the bill beautifully and don't forget about our fab range of dressmaking fabrics, which you can find here too.

• McCalls 7933
• Vogue 9349
• Butterick 6736
• McCalls 7540

Series 6 Episode 7

80s week for the Sewing Bees and I was transported back to my chidhood - Tears for Fears, images of Princess Di and some suitably garish garments!

The Pattern Challenge: A Lady's Power Jacket

The first foray into tailoring for this year's Sewing Bee contestants and it was a toughy - lapels, shoulder pads and princess seams - eat your heart out Joan Collins!

Our very own Angela loves to sew up a Chanel style jacket and shared one on the blog and her top tailoring tips here. Pressing was absolutely key and you can find our top tips to press like a pro here.

Find our suiting fabrics here and coating fabrics here. Find our shoulder pads here.

Sewing Bee Patterns

We have some super, some slightly less 80s, lady's power/tailored jacket patterns for you to try at home:

• Burda 6463
• Butterick 6641
• Burda 6461
• Burda 6376
• Vogue 9342
• Vogue 9138

The Transformation Challenge: High Vis to Party Style

The Sewing Bees were tasked with transforming three high vis safety wear pieces into a party outfit.

The judges were looking for a graphic, geometric, Wham inspired get up fit for an 80s night club.

There was a lot of gathering and ruffling going on - read our top tips and see how to use a gathering foot here.

The Made to Measure Challenge: an 80s Cocktail Dress

The final challenge was time for the Bees to shine, literally. The judges were looking for ostentatious bows, ruffles, lurex and full on drama.

Sewing Bee Patterns

80s inspired cocktail dress patterns are few and far between these days, but I managed to pick out a few which could work:

• McCalls 7895
• McCalls 7407
• Butterick 6557
• McCalls 6838

Well that was a fun trip down memory lane, looking forward to next week!

Series 6 Episode 6

Reduce, reuse, recycle week not only encourages the Sewing Bees to push their creativity to the limit it also encourages us all to ponder sustainable sewing. As he revealed the lack of fabrics in the haberdashery this week, Joe reasssured the contestants there hadn't been a robbery - Esme patrols the studio at night with an Alsatian and a tazer!

The Pattern Challenge: A Man's Bomber Jacket

The Sewing Bees had to choose four women's garments to whip up a man's bomber jacket.

Trying to find big enough fabric pieces to cut the men's pattern pieces from was quite the challenge.

The contestants also had to get to grips with sewing an open ended zip and sewing a layer of ribbing fabric between the facing and the neckline of the jacket, stretching it evenly as they sewed.

Sewing Bee Patterns

We have some fab man's bomber jacket patterns for you to try at home:

• Vogue 9290
• Vogue 9353
• Burda 6351
• Kwik Sew 3638

The Transformation Challenge: Laundry Bags into a Garment

The Sewing Bees were allowed to choose items from the haberdashery, but no additional fabrics. In all honesty this challenge looked like my worst nightmare in sewing terms!

Patrick pointed out the prints and designs on those tough, waterproof bags were actually once used in a Celine collection making fashion history. The key difference being the designs were printed on beautiful, couture quality cloth not the stuff your granny used to take the washing to the laundrette in!

The Made to Measure Challenge: A Winter Dress from Unloved Knitwear

What a challenge for the Bees - cutting up old jumpers to create a dress. The efforts from the Bees were so good Patrick and Esme couldn't agree on a clear winner for garment of the week. Joe suggested an arm wrestle, but they declined!

Series 6 Episode 5

Sleepwear and lingerie week saw the Sewing Bees tackle boned basques, granny nighties and sexy lace numbers.

The Pattern Challenge: A Boned Basque

Fit was absolutely crucial since a basque cannot be adjusted to fit unlike a corset.

With 13 small pattern pieces, hooks and eyes, boning and bias binding to tackle it was a desceptively difficult challenge.

Find our boning here, bias binding here and hook eyes here.

The Transformation Challenge: OAP Sleepwear to a Stylish Summer Outfit

The Bees had to incorporate both a granny nightie and some grandad pyjamas into a stylish, wearable summer women's outfit, yes it was as tricky as it sounds!

The Made to Measure Challenge: a Two Piece Sleep Set with a Lace Element

Sewing Bee Techniques

Cehck out our top tips for sewing with slippery fabrics here and French seams here.

Sewing Bee Patterns

See our lingerie sewing patterns here and lace fabrics here.

Series 6 Episode 4

Sportswear week is never my favourite week on the Sewing Bee, but Joe Lycett boxing Esme in a stupendously sparkly tracksuit immediately made me smile. Followed up by footage of a young Patrick Grant in his rugby years and, well, it didn't really matter what else happened in the rest of the episode!

The Pattern Challenge: A Men's Rugby Shirt

The Bees had to sew jersey and woven fabrics together and master a tricky placket in herringbone tape for the first challenge.

Sewing Bee Techniques

You can find our top tips for sewing with knit and jersey fabrics here and overlocker tips for garment sewing here and here

Sewing Bee Patterns

Here's a couple of rugby shirt themed patterns, i.e. polo shirts, no rugby shirt patterns I'm afraid.

• Vogue 9378
• Jalie 3137

The Transformation Challenge: a Toddler's Waterproof Onesie

Fashioning a waterproof onesie from a rain jacket was a big challenge for the Bees. The mini mannequins never looked so jazzy!

The Made to Measure Challenge: a Tennis Outfit

It was such fun seeing some of the flambuoyant tennis costumes from the fashion archives. Some of the Sewing Bees opted for tradional pleated cotton poplin skirts whilst others went for a more modern lycra look.

Series 6 Episode 3

Children's week on the Sewing Bee means teeny sewing tasks, which Joe likened to Esme - small but intimidating! How will the Bees fare with those mini sleeves and fancy decorative sewing techniques like smocking?

The Pattern Challenge: A Children's Dress with a Peter Pan Collar and Smocking

A perfectly balanced Peter Pan collar and pretty embroidered smocking were the key challenges for the Bees in the pattern challenge.

Sewing Bee Techniques

A super handy tool for neat, evenly spaced smocking is our Simflex sewing gauge, which can also be used for spacing buttonholes, pleats and anything else where precision is required.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Here are some super cute children's dresses if you fancy making the little people in your life a Sewing Bee themed treat.

• Simplicity 8565
• Simplicity 8619
• Burda 9332
• Simplicity 8661
• Made by Rae pattern
• Simplicity 8853

Challenge 2: the Transformation Challenge

Ever thought of refashioning a sleeping bag? Me neither! The Bees had to transform theirs into a children's food themed fancy dress costume. No you're not hallucinating!

If you'd rather use a pattern to create your little ones a costume check out our fancy dress costume patterns here:

• Costume sewing patterns for kids

The Made to Measure Challenge: Children's Dungarees

Finally the Bees had to sew a pair of dungarees for a mini model. Unfortunately we don't appear to have any dungaree sewing patterns for children on the site I'm afraid, but there are plenty of other children's patterns to choose from here.

Series 6 Episode 2

Week two was holiday themed and had me dreaming of escaping to a lovely beach. Seeing as that won't be happening any time soon we might as well hit our sewing machines instead and sewalong with the Bees.

Challenge 1: Palazzo Pants

Chic, cool and perfect for swanning around on your hols, especially in a bold, bright print. The Bees were asked to sew a perfect invisbilble zip, pattern match and sew seamless in seam pockets on a pair of palazzo pants.

Sewing Bee Techniques

Find out a super clever way to sew an invisible zip in our tutorial here.

Get our top tips for pattern matching here.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Here are our top picks for palazzo pants sewing patterns available on our site:

• Burda 6229
• Jalie 3908
• Vogue 1620
• Simplicity 8390
• Vogue 9361
• Vogue 9320
• Vogue 9257
• McCall's 7757
• New Look 6289
• New Look 6816
• New Look 6381
• New Look 6271

Challenge 2: the Transformation Challenge

Sewing with towels felt like a tough challenge for week two. The Bees were allowed two towels and however much habby they liked, but no other fabric.

Challenge 3: Made to Measure Men's Holiday Shirt

Finally the Sewing Bees had to sew a men's holiday shirt to fit their model perfectly. The judges were looking for symmetry at the neck and sleeves plus interesting details and design twists.

Sewing Bee Techniques

One of the contestants decided to sew pintucks to add an interesting little twist to their shirt. You can watch a video on our YouTube channel to show you how to sew them plus a Spanish hemstitch and ribbon stitches.

Sewing Bee Shirt Patterns

• New Look 6197
• McCall's 6972
• Burda 6349
• McCall's 6044
• Vogue 8759

Series 6 Episode 1

Whoop whoop the Great British Sewing Bee is back for a sixth series. With 12 contestants and more challenges than ever before it is set to be a corker and let's face it, we all need some light relief right now!

Challenge 1: a Wrap Skirt

Such a great wardrobe classic and a great way to get off the starting blocks. The Bees had to sew darts, a waistband and a rouleau loop and fabric choice was key.

Sewing Bee Techniques

Find our top tips for picking the right fabric here (you can also see a video I made on the subject on our You Tube channel) and how to sew rouleau loops here.

Sewing Bee Patterns

Here are our top picks for wrap skirts available on our site:

• Burda 6340
• Simplicity 8133
• New Look 6456
• Burda 6733
• Burda 6375
• Closet Case Fiore Skirt
• Simplicity 8606
• Simplicity 8612
• McCall's 7606
• Burda 6200

Challenge 2: the Transformation Challenge

This task would be my worst nightmare and I'm full of admiration of anyone who can do it well.

My lovely friend Ali produced a fab, fun A-line mini and I loved the corset produced by the biker from Middlesborough.

Challenge 3: Made to Measure Tea Dress

Finally the Sewing Bees had to sew a tea dress - initially popular in the 1940s the tea dress features a modest hemline and neckline, which was designed to be casual enough for day wear, but dressy enough for evening events.

Sewing Bee Patterns

• Simplcity 8686
• New Look 6594
• McCall's 7433
• Butterick 6586
• Butterick 6485
• Bella Tea Dress from Liberty Fabrics

 Series 5 Episode 8

Where on earth has the time gone? The final of the Great British Sewing Bee 2019 already?! I couldn't wait to see how Leah, Riccardo and Juliet got on in the evening wear challenges. I had my own ideas who would produce the most beautiful evening attire and be crowned Britain's best home sewer, but you just never know...

Task One: A Double Breasted Waistcoat

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns and Fabrics

You can find all of our men's waistcoat patterns in one handy place here.

Here are our top picks for a double breasted formal waistcoat like the one the Bees created:

• Simplicity 4762
• Vogue 7488

We also have some gorgeous formal wear fabrics that would be ideal for these sorts of projects. Check out our John Kaldor Duchesse and Mystique satin backed crepes here and here.

We also have a range of suiting fabrics here.

Sewing Bee Techniques

The Sewing Bees had to undertake a plethora of sewing techniques to complete the waistcoat.

The 'bagging out' technique where the lining was pulled through one of the side seams reminded me of a similar super clever method of lining a sleeveless bodice or garment where you pull the lining through the shoulder. You can see a video tutorial of this technique here.

Accurate buttonholes were a must, check out our top tips here. Interfacing to give the garment structure was essential - you  can find an article on how to choose the right interfacing for your garment here.

The judges pointed out the importance of understitching and pressing and you can find our top tips and step by step instructions for these techniques here and here.

Task Two: Net Curtains to Ball Gowns

Juliet had already taken on this challenge in a previous week and nailed it, but how would the other Bees fare?

The closest thing to net I've ever worked with was tulle for my Cocktail Hour dress for the McCalls pattern company Eve Appeal fundraiser a few years ago. You can see it here and read about my experience working with tulle, including machine embroidering designs onto it.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

If you fancy making evening wear with a lace theme our John Kaldor Tocca lace is a must see. It comes in a beautiful range of colours and has a stunning intricate design finished with scalloped edges perfect for using at the hem. You can find the full range here.

Task Three: Made to Measure Strapless Evening Gowns

The Bees had so many tricky tasks to contend with for the made to measure challenge. Fitting a corset well enough to hold up huge volumes of luxury fabric was no mean feat.

They certainly didn't disappoint and I would especially love to own the dresses created by Leah and Juliet.

Sewing Bee Patterns and Fabrics

Here are our top picks for strapless red carpet worthy ball gown patterns:

• McCalls 6838
• Vogue 1495
• Vogue 1533
• Butterick 6353
• Burda 6388
• Vogue 1604

We have the most beautful fabrics to make them with too including taffeta, faux silk dupion, satin backed crepe, lace sequins and plenty of beautiful printed woven fabrics.

Sewing Bee Techniques

The Sewing Bees sewed with slippery fabrics and you can find my top tips for getting great results here.

Leah expertly created gathers for her dress by hand, but you can use a gathering foot to make life much easier and you can find a video on how to use one here.

Inserting an invisible zip is a crucial part of most formal gown sewing projects, check out our super clever and easy method here.

All in all another wonderful series and oh my goodness even Joe and Esme welled up at the end! What a lovely bunch of people, what an inspiring programme and what a refreshing and welcome change from the usual TV schedule.

If you fancy taking part next year applications are already open - check out the BBC website for details if you dare!

Series 5 Episode 7

It was the semi final of the Sewing Bee, which made for tense watching. You could see the remaining Bees were all feeling the pressure, but the standard of the work produced was certainly semi final worthy. It was international week and our screens were graced with bright colours, unusual shapes and the usual welcome dose of Joe's specially themed quips!

Task One: Indian Dhoti Pants

The first task was to whip up a pair of Ghandi's garment of choice - Indian Dhoti pants. This involved sewing French seams, creating and spacing no less than 32 pleats accurately, calculating the correct amount of fabric and choosing the right fabric to showcase the billowing trouser legs.

The huge pattern pieces caused some confusion with a couple of the Bees initially creating circle skirts rather than trousers.

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

These patterns would create a super pair of Dhoti pants:

• Burda 6316
• Kwik Sew 3701

We've also shared some other Eastern inspired and loose fitting trouser patterns below. In my early twenties I was lucky enough to travel round South East Asia and spent my time in what we affectionately named 'fisherman pants' and the Nehalem pants by Sew House Seven reminded me of them. They were perfect for keeping cool in a hot, sticky climate:

• Nehalem pants
• Simplicity 8605
• New Look 6565
• Simplicity 8390
• Arenite Trousers

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

Choosing the right fabric for this task was absolutely critical. We wrote a blog post full of tips on how to choose the right fabric for any sewing project, you can read it here. The Sewing Bees also had to sew a French seam and you can see a step by step tutorial in our article here.

Task Two: Transformation of a Dashiki

Next the Sewing Bees were presented with a bold, bright traditional Nigerian tunic with the challenge of transforming it into something completely different. The border print on the fabric meant the Bees had to think incredibly carefully about print placement.

I must admit I think I would struggle with this task and was blown away by the work the Bees produced. Such great imagination and design skills were displayed with a knock out red carpet worthy dress and a beautiful top and skirt being expertly produced.

Joe asked Juliet about the differences in sewing in West Africa and she explained they tend to free cut the fabric. In other words they look at you, measure you then cut straight into the fabric without any pattern pieces. Joe laughed at the thought of them sizing him up after a large curry!

We have some gorgeous bold prints in our fabric range you can check them out here.

Sewing Bee Patterns

You can also find African themed sewing patterns here:

• Butterick 6534
• Butterick 5725

Task Three: An Origami Top

For the made to measure task the Sewing Bees were asked to design and produce an origami inspired top. There were some seriously complex and impressive looking patterns drafted with Leah even calling on the architects at her workplace to help her nail her design.

Once again the garments produced were stunning - crisp, precise and beautiful, although one poor Bee probably made the wrong fabric choice which made life rather difficult.

I desperately wanted to steal the bright yellow number Juliet created - the voluminous sleeves and an open back really had the wow factor.

Sewing Bee Tools

We spotted the Bees using a Sew Easy ruler, pattern weights, pattern drafting tools and paper and rotary cutters to create their designs. We have a great range of pattern drafting tools and paper, you can find them here.

I don't know about anyone else, but as the weeks go on I get more attached to the contestants, the judges, the host, well everything really. I always feel so sad when someone has to leave. You can see how hard they are all working and the lovely relationships they form with each other and I don't think any of us ever want it to end.

There was a real twist this week and I was so surprised to see who left. I wonder whether it is clever editing by the producers or whether people start to suddenly pull it out of the bag as the weeks go on?

Series 5 Episode 6

It was a big week for the Sewing Bees this week and the stakes were running high in the quarter finals. Tasked with sewing jackets and coats everyone seemed to be feeling the pressure. Luckily Joe was on hand donning a handkerchief hat and cracking jokes about Patrick in his trunks (ooh - er!) to lighten things up.

Task One: Create a Worker's Jacket from Patrick's Sewing Pattern

Sewing a soft tailored jacket under severe time pressure is enough of a challenge for even the most experienced sewers. For the Sewing Bees there was a further nerve racking twist - the pattern used was created by Savile Row designer and Sewing Bee judge Patrick. Tense to say the least!

Linen was the fabric of choice and there was much talk of the importance of pressing, lapels and two piece sleeves.

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns and Fabrics

We thought these patterns would make a rather good lookalike for Patrick's design:

• Vogue 8719
• Vogue 8988
• Kwik Sew 3485

Also check out our lovely range of John Kaldor Coast linen look fabric as a great, less crease-tastic alternative to linen:

• Coast Linen Look Fabric

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

Making a jacket can be a daunting prospect so here is a blog post with some top tips from our very own Angela:

• Angela's Pink Chanel Style Jacket

One of the important things to get right is the interfacing and tapes you use to help you create the shape and structure required. Here's a blog post on which interfacing and tapes you should use for all dressmaking projects including tailoring:

• Which Interfacing and Tapes should I use?

Pressing is crucial for success in any dressmaking or tailoring project. We wrote an extensive blog post all about it:

• How to Press for Success in your Sewing and Dressmaking

Task Two: The Deckchair Challenge

Ever thought of making a deckchair into a garment? No neither have we! As usual the Sewing Bees rose to the crazy challenge with aplomb!

I thought Leah's efforts were outstanding - such clever design for both pieces.

Task Three: Made to Measure Coat

For the final task the Sewing Bees were pushed to the limit again and created made to measure coats for their models using wool sourced from across the British Isles. Patrick was very, very excited and animated as he talked about Harris tweed and British wools. If ever you are lucky enough to end up stuck in a lift with him I would highly recommend this as a conversation starter!

Here are our top pattern picks to create coats similar to those the Sewing Bees created:

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns and Fabrics

• Vogue 9133 for Juliet's simple Stella McCartney inspired coat.
• Kwik Sew 4253 for Jen's 60s inspired panelled swing coat.
• Simplicity 8796 view D for Ricardo's 70s inspired belted coat.
• The Clare Coat pattern for a funnel neck design like Janet's.
• Simplicity 8017 for a Peter Pan collar 60s swing design like Leah's.

Don't forget we have a lovely range of wool blend fabrics to choose from if you fancy the challenge:

• Coat Fabrics

I STILL haven't gotten round to it, but would love to make a smart, tailored coat in this slate grey with silver fleck wool mix and a 60s style dress coat in this beautiful jacquard fabric in pale blue and gold. Dre-amy!

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

Angela's jacket blog post and the interfacing blog post are full of useful tips and ideas for making coats too (see above).

Many of the Bees were picked up on their lack of shoulder pads - don't make the same mistake you can find them on our site here.

Janet used a Hong Kong seam (although Esme said she'd never heard of one) or bias bound seam in her coat rather than lining. Check out our tutorial with five different ways to finish seams including this fancy method here.

Another great week and onto the semi finals. The person leaving this week was a bit of a surprise for me, but I won't say any more in case you haven't watched it yet!

One thing I will say though...I think I'm a little bit in love with Riccardo, he is thenicest guy. He took Janet to the Ministry of Sound because she'd never been to a nightclub before. I mean how sweet is that?! Not sure how I'm going to cope without my weekly injection of his sparkly eyes, gorgeous smile and generally lovely demeanour. Oh dear getting too emotionally involved as the weeks roll by!

Series 5 Episode 5

Inspired by the importance of waste in the fashion industry this week the Sewing Bee theme was to reduce, reuse and recycle. As always the Sewing Bees sewing skills were put to the test, but the main challenge was their ability to be creative and use their imagination.

Task One: A Pussy Bow Blouse from Charity Shop Clothes and Soft Furnishings

The Sewing Bees had to make a pussy bow blouse from up to four recycled garments including the placket from a man's shirt. One of the major challenges the Bees faced was the huge sleeves. Squeezing these bad boys out of another garment was like squeezing yourself into a pair of trousers two sizes too small!

I loved the 60s fashion history lesson, which covered the launch of one of my favourite fashion labels - Biba.

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

One of my most loved handmade garments was the Sew Over It pussy bow blouse. You can see the full blog post here. It truly is a fantastic pattern - quick and easy to sew with no fastenings, a lovely fit, options for a Vneck pussy bow or a high neck pussy bow and some pretty vintage details such as gathers at the cuffs. If this little number isn't quite your style check out these alternatives:

• Sewaholic Oakridge Blouse
• Vogue 8772
• Simplicity 8215
• McCalls 7868

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

If you choose to make a pussy bow blouse with buttons you might want to check out our top tips for machine sewn buttonholes here. If you're making it from sheer or delicate fabric our tutorial on how to sew French seams might be useful, find it here.

The Sewing Bees also used bias binding to hem the cuffs. Find our tutorials on how to create your own bias binding the easy way here and five different ways to apply bias binding here.

Task Two: Patchwork Garments

Imagine someone presenting you with all of your sewing scrap fabric from the last four weeks. Apparently we waste 30% of the fabric we buy - yikes!

Not only did the Sewing Bees have to face this scary reality they also had to turn the scraps into something wearable in the form of a patchwork garment.

I'm pretty sure Esme wanted to pinch Janet's efforts off the mannequin and to take it home!

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

If you're interested in getting into patchwork you can check out our essential patchwork and quilting toolkit articles here, here and here.

Task Three: Made to Measure Day Dress

Ed has been known to say some of my clothes look like they've been made from a pair of curtains. I know, lovely and encouraging isn't he?!

In this week's made to measure challenge he would be right. The Sewing Bees brought in their unwanted curtains and soft furnishings and were tasked with turning them into a day dress that fit their model perfectly. Never in all my days have I seen a pair of net curtains look so sexy!

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

We trawled the website to find dresses with similar design features to the Sewing Bees efforts in the made to measure task.

• Vogue 1172 for Janet's vintage inspired dress with a deep V neck.
• Vogue 9252 for Juliet's hi lo hem dress with a fitted bodice.
• Butterick 6415 for Leah's princess seamed full pleated skirt dress.
• Vogue 1543 for Ricardo's 1950s inspired dress with asymmetrical pleats in the bodice.
• Vogue 9261 for Mercedes bubble skirt dress (we couldn't find an adult pattern so we chose a little girl's instead)
• Simplicity 8230 for Jen's A line dress with pockets.

Another interesting week from the Bees with some of the usual strong contenders seeming to struggle somewhat. A tearful farewell for one Bee leaving just five behind for the quarter finals next week.

Goodness knows how they hold it together for so long I feel exhausted just watching them!

Series 5 Episode 4

This week it was all about the technical fabrics and as usual Joe fully embraced the theme. Esme said she wouldn't be seen dead in his 'Lycetra fabric' but it didn't stop him sporting a smiley face on his super sparkly sequin Tshirt.

This week certainly pushed the Sewing Bees to the limit and as always we admired their sheer determination and ability to master brand new techniques under such huge time pressure!

Task One: Sewing a Lined Swimsuit

The first task was super tricky. Not only did the Bees have to sew multiple layers of badly behaved lycra and power mesh, they also had to enclose the seams by mastering the complicated jigsaw of pattern pieces.

We spotted them using a walking foot, overlockers and a cover stitch machines in their quest for a professional finish. We stock a wide range of walking feet on our site, you can find them here. Always check the compatibility charts to ensure you have the right foot for your machine.

You can also find our overlocker and coverstitch machine range here.

It was lovely to see the camaraderie between the Sewing Bees, especially Janet, who seemed to help everyone else and nail the task herself with my favourite swimsuit of the bunch.

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

Here are our top one piece swimsuit sewing pattern picks (many of which also include bikini and cover up patterns too):

• Vogue 9192
• Butterick 4526
• Jalie 3893
• Cashmerette Ipswitch
• Kwik Sew 3608
• Jalie 3350
• Butterick 6358
• Kwik Sew 3780
• Butterick 6067
• Butterick 5795
• Jalie 3134
• Kwik Sew 4182

You can find all of our swimwear patterns including bikinis and cover ups here.

You can also find swimwear bra cups, bikini bra cups, clear elastic, bra hooks and sliders and bra underwires.

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

The rouleau straps proved a challenge for some of the Bees and we thought our video on 'sewing straps on an overlocker' might have helped them. You can find a video demonstrating this technique in our article here.

Task Two: Sewing a Dog Coat from a Tent

Whether dog lovers or not this was certainly a different challenge for the Bees. According to Joe if you've never made a dog coat from a tent you haven't lived!

My very good friend and co-host of the Stitchroom Sewcial, Anne Acosta, recently made her gorgeous pooch a coat by refashioning some old orange overalls. You can find her as new_vintage_sewing on Instagram if you want to see Frankie in his fantastically fluorescent coat! Perhaps the producers should tap her up for some more ideas!

If you have a four legged friend you want to treat you can find our full range of pet sewing patterns here.

Task Three: Made to Measure Luxury Tracksuits

For the first time this series the Sewing Bees had to make a garment for a male model.

Esme and Patrick stipulated the luxury tracksuit must have a stripe and be made from synthetic fabric. Ideally it should feature interesting pockets, zips and design details, but needed to look perfectly casual.

Joe confirmed no-one was enjoying this task and attempted to stage a walk out, but the Bees were determined to see it through!

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

Here's our top picks for mens and womens tracksuit sewing patterns.

Mens Tracksuit Patterns

• McCalls 7668
• Simplicity 8705
• Burda 7230
• Jalie 3884
• McCalls 7486
• Burda 6719
• Burda 6718

Womens Tracksuit Patterns

• Jalie 2795
• True Bias Hudson pants
• Jalie 3355
• Burda 6317
• New Look 6142
• Kwik Sew 3678
• Burda 6659
• Simplicity 8268

The Sewing Bees used scuba, mesh and microfibre to make their luxury tracksuits. We have a great range of scuba fabrics in our patterned jersey fabrics (just check the description for fabric type).

You can also check out our blog post 'Five Reasons to try Sewing with Scuba' here.

We also think our sumptuous John Kaldor velvet would be perfect for a luxury tracksuit find it here. In fact I saw an excellent pair of joggers made from one of our patterns and our velvet on Instagram a while ago and wanted them for myself. I'm not even a tracksuit person.

Another great week and a very inspiring one too. It was lovely to hear how sewing has positively impacted the life of one the Bees so significantly. Even Esme seemed to have a tear in her eye.

Series 5 Episode 3

Apparently Joe's parents didn't get it on early enough for him to see the seventies, but many of the Bees could remember it well. Another great week of super sewing, impressive garments and some great music too IMHO. Read on for our round up of patterns and fabrics plus step by step tutorials to help you nail the sewing techniques tackled this week.

Task One: Sewing Flared Jeans

I lived in flares in my teenage years yet can't remember owning a single pair in adulthood. After watching this episode of the Sewing Bee I'm feeling the need for flares again. Not sure I could make a pair in three and a half hours though!

The seventies is definitely my favourite fashion era and I'm loving the history element of the show. Who knew the flares trend was started by market sellers who bought up a load of old navy trousers and dyed them flambuoyant colours?!

The Bees did an excellent job: super neat top stitching, impressve fly fronts and secure buttons - apart from the one Joe attached!

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

Here are our top flared jeans and trousers pattern picks:

• Simplicity 8701
• Simplicity 2154
• Simplicity 8655
• New Look 6532
• Mccalls 7547
• Megan Nielsen Dawn jeans
• Burda 6470
• Jalie 2908
• Vogue 9350
• McCalls 7843
• Burda 6432
• Vogue 9181
• Vogue 9238

You can find our denim fabrics here, including some 70s tastic gold denim similar to Ben's fabric. We also have two lovely needlecord fabrics here and here.

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

The Sewing Bee's had to tackle a fly front zip and flat felled seams for this task and you can find detailed tutorials on these techniques here and here.

Task Two: Punk Transformation Challenge

The absolute highlight of the transformation task was Patrick's pogoing! Who knew he had such a wild side?!

The Bees were given a pair of trousers a Tshirt and up to three tartan garments to transform into something spectacular.

If you fancy chanelling your inner punk and 'smashing the system' check out our tartan fabric range here

Task Three: Made to Measure Maxi Dress

The made to measure challenge took us from masculine flared jeans and edgy punk outfits to glamourous and feminine maxi dresses. AKA my dream garment.

Here are our top picks of maxi dress patterns with a 70s retro vibe:

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

• Simplicity 8013
• Simplicity 5628
• New Look 6551
• Burda 6474
• Simplicity 8505
• New Look 6531
• New Look 6372
• Burda 6583
• Simplicity 8330
• Vogue 9311

We also spotted some fabrics and loved Ricardo's choice this John Kaldor peaseblossom fabric.

We thought this pretty John Kaldor Juliet fabric was very similar to Leah's choice.

The Sewing Bee's used clear elastic to gather a neckline and Jen pumped up the volume with some shoulder pads, although the judges didn't seem too happy about this!

It was so lovely to see Alexei triumph in this challenge too after a difficult week.

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

Working with those slippery and sheer fabrics was a big part of the challenge for the Sewing Bees this week. You can find a detailed tutorial on how to handle those tricky little critters here.

Another week and as always not only am I loving the sewing, but I'm starting to really love the Bees too. Ben gave us all food for thought with his comment: 'Being a bit unusual and not just doing what everyone else does is a good way to be in life.' Hear hear Ben I couldn't agree more!

Series 5 Episode 2

The Great British Sewing Bee kids week started with Joe dressed as a giant furry bee and ended with him sharing his spin off series idea of Patrick and Esme wrestling in the car park! He is certainly throwing himself into the role: dressing up, joking with the contestants and he even has Esme smiling week after week - floss anyone?!

Task One: Sewing a Children's Hoodie

The first task had the contestants testing their overlocker and stretch fabric skills as they took on the challenge of sewing a children’s hoodie.

Joe reckoned it would be ideal for when he hangs out at the shopping centre with the rough boys!

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

Here are our top children’s hoodie pattern picks, some of which can be made right through to adult size too:

• The Jalie Frederic hoodie pattern 3884
• Jalie 3355
• Burda 9355
• Kwik Sew 0251
• Kwik Sew 3773
• Burda 9407
• McCalls 7423

Sewing Bee Stretch Fabrics

You can check out our stretch fabrics hereand here.

Our top picks for children's hoodie patterns are:

• Slub effect jersey silver grey white and charcoal
• Textured ponte roma in royal blue
• Textured jersey in wine
• Geometric imprint jersey in teal
• Geometric imprint jersey in purple
• Ribbed crinkle imprint stretch jersey in fuchsia

You can also find our gorgeous range of John Kaldor cotton jerseys here.

Sewing Bee Techniques and Tutorials

As always we have loads of helpful articles to help you perfect the sewing skills the contestants tackled in the episode:

Get right back to basics with our 'Sewing with Knit and Jersey Fabrics' article here.

We have articles to take you from complete beginner status right through to advanced techniques on your overlocker too. Check out our articles 'A Beginner's Guide to Overlockers', 'Five Techniques for Sewing Clothes on an Overlocker', 'Hem Finishes on an Overlocker', 'Five Tips and Tricks for your Overlocker'and 'Sew Perfect Knit Neckbands with a Coverstitch Binding Attachment.'

If you're finally ready to take the plunge and treat yourself to an overlocker or coverstitch machine you can find our extensive range here.

You can find our overlocker threads and flosses here and rotary cutters and cutting mats here

Task Two: Refashioning a Fake Fur Coat

For the second task the Sewing Bee contestants had to refashion a fake fur coat into a children's costume. Cue Joe dressing up in more fur.

You can find our full range of kid's costume sewing patterns here.

We also spotted the Sewing Bees' clever use of pipe cleaners on a few of the outfits and you can find those here, plus felt, fake fur and leatherette and the boning that helped Ben's costume to stand out. Literally!

Even Patrick felt inspired to dress up in Riccardo's spikey hat. And, yes, he even managed to look thoroughly suave and dashing sporting a children's fancy dress hat.

Task Three: Made to Measure Dance Outfit

The Sewing Bees were able to let their creative juices and imaginations run wild in the made to measure task with a loose brief of  'a dance outfit'.

We saw everything from ballet to theatre to street dance.

Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

Many of the outfits were based around a leotard pattern so here are our top picks for children's leotards sewing patterns:

• Butterick 5545
• Jalie 3026
• Butterick 6469
• Kwik Sew 4011
• Kwik Sew 3508
• Kwik Sew 3774

The children were fantastic as always and it was lovely to see the contestants working with them so beautifully. My heart completely melted when Alexei was caught on camera thanking his model for being a pleasure to work with.

After two weeks we can see some strong contenders coming through. It's probably too early to say, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say Jen seems to have a special Sewing Bee sparkle.

Looking forward to next week already, but now - time to sew!

Series 5 Episode 1

It's finally here and we relished every minute of the the Great British Sewing Bee episode one last night. As usual the contestants were lovely, the drama was high and there were a good few giggles - baggy bottoms or hungry bums anyone?! Here we give you a round up of the sewing patterns, gadgets, sewing machines and even tutorials for the techniques used in each episode.

Task One - The Cotton Wiggle Dress

Well I was certainly blown away by the dresses created by the Sewing Bees for the first task. First designed by Dior in the 1950s a wiggle dress should fit like a glove. And they had to make it in cotton - yikes!

The key techniques for the contestants to master were the multiple darts and an invisible zip. You can find a super clever way of inserting an invisible zip in our tutorial here.

I've also picked out some wiggle worthy dress sewing patterns. You could always alter the neckline and taper the hem to up the wiggle factor:

• The Tilly and the Buttons Etta Dress
• McCalls 7279
• New Look 6541
• Butterick 6582
• Vogue 8875
• Butterick 5880

I noticed the sleeves on the wiggle dress sewing pattern in the show were very similar to the Pendrell blouse by Sewaholic. You can see my version and the sleeves in more detail here in case you want to use them for your dress.

If you fancy a similar challenge as the Sewing Bees our John Kaldor Ohio would make a great wiggle dress. Alternatively you could try something like our lovely John Kaldor Prestige crepe or Marmaris cotton sateen (just check the pattern details for suitable fabrics).

Task Two - The Denim Refashion

Refashioning requires such a different skill set to following a pattern. Not only do you have to sew well, but you need the imagination to see beyond the unloved, crumpled, second hand garment in front of you whilst avoiding the whole Becky from home eccy vibe!

After seeing Ricardo's incredible leather jacket sofa refashion we thought he'd be top of the pops for this task, but it was another Sewing Bee buzzing their way to the top this time.

My personal favourite was Sheila's gorgeous balloon sleeved top. You can see she has a keen eye for fashion and design with some great shapes and thoughtful details weaved into her garment. However, the judges chose a clever halter-neck design as the winner of this round.

If the Sewing Bees have inspired you to get sewing with denim you can find all of our denim fabrics here. We have some great new additions including the gorgeous gold denim Mercedes chose for her jumpsuit later in the show and some super shimmery denim.

Don't forget your jeans needlesand top stitching thread to achieve winning results with your denim.

Oh and if you're adding a bow and you want to impress Esme make sure it's a big one!

Task Three - The Jumpsuit

The final challenge for the Sewing Bees in episode one was to make a cotton jumpsuit for a real life model. There was a LOT of crotch talk! More importantly - how hot was Esme in her leopard print jumpsuit draped over a motorbike in her youth?! Wowzers!

Juliet smashed it with her polka dot/African wax print mash up winning a well deserved garment of the week title. I also loved Leah's peacock entry with the gorgeous neckline.

We saw great design tips from Sewing Bee Janet who created a nautical themed jumpsuit. She cut the yoke and pockets on the cross grain so the print was at 90 degree angles to the rest of the garment. It looked fab and the judges loved it.

Janet also created a lovely macrame belt and added piping at the yoke and pocket seams. You can find our in depth tutorial on how to sew perfect piping for truly professional results here.

We saw 80s jumpsuits, cropped jumpsuits, asymmetric jumpsuits to name but a few. You can find all our jumpsuit patterns here.

Ricardo even drafted his own sexy little number. If you want to step up your game and have a go at drafting your own designs check out our fantastic range of drafting tools and books here.

Did anyone else notice it was a bit of a giveaway who was going to win this task when the sexy music started?! Was it just me or did they save the sensual tunes until the winning garments sauntered their way down the makeshift catwalk?!

The Janome 725S Sewing Bee Sewing Machine

We also spotted the Sewing Bee sewing machine of choice for series 5 - the Janome 725S. As luck would have it we've made a comprehensive review video of this fantastic machine, which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ouOOBFMmNc

Sewing Bee Tools and Gadgets Spotted

We noticed the Sewing Bees making good use of my favourite Janome scissorsand our brilliant new Prym tailors hams, which alongside the matching sleeve roll are a firm favourite in our office too.

Joe Lycett

We couldn't finish this week's round up without mentioning Joe Lycett. You had big shoes to fill Joe and we do miss Winklewonkle, but you were great! Your technicolour dreamcoat, cheeky gags and genuine interest in the contestants were lovely additions to the Sewing Bee sparkle we all know and love.

Don't forget we'll be updating this post every week with the goodies we spot. Why not bookmark this page and create a quick reference Sewing Bee guide just for you?!

Series 4 Episode 8

Task One - The Men’s Pintucked Shirt

Some serious precision sewing took place as the ladies worked hard to create the perfect men’s pintucked shirt. If you fancy making a men’s shirt we have plenty of patterns to choose from here.

If you plan on adding some pintucks a pintuck foot such as this Janome pintuck foot will come in super handy. As explained by Charlotte it has grooves on the underside to guide your fabric along as you create the pintucks. For our full range of sewing machine feet for all the brands we stock click here.

A sewing gauge is also an incredibly useful tool to have in your sewing arsenal - perfect for measuring hemlines, spacing out buttonholes, pintucks and so much more. We have a whole range of sewing measuring tools right here for you to choose from.

Task Two - The Tuxedo/LBD Alteration Challenge

We have thousands of gorgeous dress patterns to choose from at Sew Essential and to help you search through them quickly and easily we've added filters. If you're up for making a little black dress the 'evening' filter will probably come in useful. Quicker and easier searching and shopping means more time for sewing and that can only be a good thing - right? We also have a wide range of beautifully exquisite and high quality black dressmaking fabrics to choose from, perfect for that special occasion. Check out our black tocca lace, black velvet, black taffeta, black crepe, satin, faux silk dupion and crepe backed satin. We promise, you won't be disappointed. We also have a good range of sequin trims for a bit of sparkle.

Task Three - The Floor Length Evening Gown

The contestants wowed us with their final pieces yet again and what could be more fitting for the grand finale than a glamorous floor length gown? If you're looking for inspiration check out our blog post on making your own prom dress where we selected some of our favourite and most glamorous patterns and suggested which fabrics to pair them with. If there's nothing there that takes your fancy you'll be sure to find something special in our extensive sewing pattern range plus the perfect fabric to make it with in our dressmaking fabric stash.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the ride this year, we had a great time. Until the next time - let's keep it reel! (sorry!)

Have fun sewing!

Lucy

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Series 4 Episode 7

Tonight’s episode of the Sewing Bee saw the last four contestants battle it out for a place in the final. Each of them have won a special place in our hearts and it was a joy to watch them showcase their incredible talents in some of the trickiest challenges we’ve ever seen on the programme.

Task One - The Asymmetric Yoked Skirt

The first challenge was for the ladies to get their heads around the pattern itself. The next challenge: sewing it! That curved seam was no mean feat and our very own Angela’s top tip for sewing curved seams is to use a ballpoint awl to ease the fabric under the machine foot as you sew, always sewing from the side with the fullness of the fabric.

If you fancy having a go at an asymmetric skirt check out Vogue 9113and New Look 6418 for two stylish options plus our range of dressmaking fabrics to rustle them up in.

Task Two - The Duvet Alteration Challenge

Using every last scrap of fabric was the tricky part here and we were so impressed with the garments the ladies produced. I recently read a blog post where Gabby Young (sewing blogger) made a Christine Haynes emery dress from a Snow White duvet so maybe this challenge doesn't have to be exclusive to the show...

Task Three - Self Drafting A Made to Measure Pattern

This was certainly a big test for the Sewing Bees requiring creative flair for the design process and technical ability for drafting and sewing the garment. I simply fell in love with Jade's dress and desperately want one for myself. This Burda pattern is a very similar style if you wanted to recreate the look and I think it would look fabulous in our Sevenberry cotton linen feel fabric with a striking geometric print in everyone's favourite navy blue. Best add it to my ever growing future sewing plans list, well done Jade! If you too loved the yellow vibe of Jade's dress check out our Cassandra fabric in lemon with a black print. We also have a similar design fabric to the one Charlotte used for her beautiful cowl neck dress - look no further than our delightful Ohio coral fabric. For a similar colour way to the dress Joyce created we have this lovely Rosaline fabric.

If you fancy having a go at pattern drafting we’ve got a whole range of pattern drafting tools and products to get you started on our site. From pattern drafting books to basic block patterns and the highly acclaimed Martin Shoben range of pattern drafting tools we’ve got it covered. You can also read a fantastic guest blog post from former Sewing Bee contestant Neela Mistry-Bradshaw on how to pattern draft using one of our basic block patterns.

And then there were three - how did we reach the final so quickly? We’re getting withdrawal symptoms just thinking about the series ending...

Series 4 Episode 6

The competition is really serious now and we know who is through to the semi final, but who will be the winner? The Bees put on another fantastic show of skill, steely determination and the ability to keep their cool despite Patrick’s and Esme’s scrutiny and Claudia’s shrieks of ‘five minutes left!’

If you fancy joining the Bees in their sportswear challenge this week we have a number of stylish sportswear sewing patterns for you to choose from and some top tips from our very own Angela for sewing with those tricky fabrics.

First up the gorgeous range of sporty numbers from Sewaholic - the Dunbar top, the Pacific leggings and the Fraser sweatshirt. All of these patterns were designed to flatter a pear shaped figure, but could be worn and would make you look super stylish when exercising whatever your body shape.

We also have some lovely designs from McCalls including this sportswear sewing pattern which provides you with several garments to choose from including a sports bra, tops, trousers and even a casual, sporty skirt plus the very sportswear pattern Joyce used to make her yoga outfit.

When you’re whipping these sporty numbers up you may well need our sports elastic or clear elastic to achieve the perfect fit in all the right places.

Top tips for working with tricky sporty fabrics such as lycra from our founding partner and sewer for over 60 years Angela are to use an overlocker if possible and use wooly nylon in the upper and lower loopers. Never use cotton thread and choose polyester thread instead plus remember to use those all important stretch needles designed with these fabric types in mind they will make your life so much easier!

Overlockers and coverstitch machines featured heavily in the programme and they are a fantastic investment for anyone who wants to work with stretch fabrics such as jersey and knit, oh, and lycra! We have an extensive range of both types of machine from a variety of brands and we can offer you expert advice on how to use them. If you think you might be interested in treating yourself to one of these amazing machines, just give us a call and we'll be happy to help.

Have fun sewing!

Lucy

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Series 4 Episode 5

At the risk of sounding like a broken record it was another great week from the Sewing Bee this week. Not only did we love the challenges set for the Bees we absolutely loved the music, make up and giggles about the fun that was had by some of the older Bees back in the crazy 60s. Everyone sewed some beautiful garments and we think it’s going to be pretty hard for the judges as the next few weeks go by and we head to the final.

Task One - The Mondrian Dress

This certainly tested the Bees’ ability to sew with precision and demonstrate their creative flair. If you fancy taking up the challenge we have a limited edition Vogue sewing pattern hack that allows you to recreate the original in a few simple steps. View our full blog post to discover the perfect fabrics and a few expert tips from our very own Angela then take the plunge into the 60s Sewing Bee stylee!

Joyce wowed us with her 60s sewing skills and her succinct summary of what the sixties were like, in your very own words Joyce: ‘sex, drugs and rock and roll!’

Task Two - 60s Alteration Challenge

We’d love to see Esme’s shower curtain fabric garments - they must have been pretty racy! Working with PVC is tricky for many reasons and whilst we’re imaging there won’t be a massive rush for PVC in the shops following this episode we thought it would be useful to share a couple of top tips for working with this fabric or something similar.

Use the right sewing machine foot such as this ultra glide Janome foot or this Husqvarna teflon one, great for working with sticky fabrics. Even if you’re not about to tear your shower curtain down to rustle up a dress these machine feet are great for working with faux leather, ultra suede and vinyl. Also make sure you use a larger stitch than normal and a denim or leather sewing machine needle.

Task Three - The 60s Tailored Jacket

It always makes us hold our breath when Patrick inspects the tailoring task, can you imagine the pressure?! The ladies did really well and produced some lovely garments and we especially loved Jade's little beauty. Tracey used this Simplicity pattern to recreate one of her Mother's own makes from back in the 60s and there wasn't a dry eye in the house when she said 'she would have been proud.' We've got a fabulous range of jacket sewing patterns with handy filters to help you sort through them and pick out the ones you want with minimal fuss.

If you fancy a bit of tailoring it's definitely worth reading an in depth blog post where our very own Angela talks you through the tips and techniques she used to create a chic Chanel style jacket. Not only does she talk you through structuring tricks and tips such as chest and shoulder pieces she also recommends speed tailoring products to give you the ultimate professional finish.

Have fun sewing!

Lucy

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Series 4 Episode 4

Well what a week folks, I feel emotionally drained after all that drama and can't believe how attached I'm becoming to all of the contestants once again. There were some real roller coaster moments this week with Sewing Bees performing at their best and worst all in the same episode and with such a gripping competition it is no wonder the viewing figures are so good again this year. I have to say it is lovely to see our local gal Tracey coming into her own now too - we love a bit of sewing in sunny Derbyshire you know!

As always we've picked out patterns and fabrics inspired by the makes on the show plus some of the tools and gadgets we spotted the Bees using to make them. If you want to see any of the items from previous episodes just scroll down the page, they're all there just for you.

Task One - The Chinese Top

The construction of this top was the real challenge and so many bees made mistakes by not following the pattern to the letter. If you fancy giving it a go why not try this New Look pattern and, although we don't have brocade in our stash, one of our gorgeous satin fabrics would work well.  We also have the frog closures you'll need for an authentic look and a wide range of invisible zips to choose from.

We spotted the Bees using rotary cutters for precision cutting, fabric weights and pins for extra stability when cutting and walking feet great for using with slippery fabrics.

Remember stay stitching the neckline is crucial to prevent stretching the fabric out of shape. Oh and it helps to undo the zip to get the top on as Charlotte reminded us and, as always, made us giggle.

Task Two - Refashioning A Sari

Our favourite task when we get to see the true creativity of the Bees and we certainly weren't disappointed this week. Some truly beautiful garments were made. From loose fitting trousers to caftans the Bees used the beautiful fabrics well to wow us. We have some lovely sheer fabrics in our dressmaking fabric stash that would make fantastic caftans and loose fitting trousers AKA the perfect cover ups for the beach this summer. There was also a lovely kimono and this New Look pattern gives you plenty of options to try depending on your preferred style plus there are more to choose from on our site.

Task Three - The Made To Measure African Dress

I loved the structure of these garments thanks to the dramatic shapes created by the stiff fabric. Peplums were incredibly popular and this Simplicity pattern and this Butterick pattern with it's partial peplum would make great options for you to try at home. Maxi dresses also featured in this task and we've created a filter on our dress sewing patterns page so you can just view the maxi dress options. Although we don't stock the specialist African fabric we have some lovely bold prints for you to try instead. The bold leaf print on this John Kaldor Leone fabric  and the bold abstract floral print on this Leone fabric are some good examples of fun fabrics to try.

All in all another fabulous episode of our favourite show and we can't wait to see what is in store next week - at this rate we'll have haute couture designers by the end of the series.

Have fun sewing!

Lucy

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Series 4 Episode 3

Our favourite allocation of BBC licence fee, The Great British Sewing Bee, is back this week with three challenges that pit our contestants against underwear and lingerie. The show opens with bra making (not for the faint hearted!), followed by silky unloved scarves transformed into racy lingerie and finishing with a luxurious robe.

Our very own Angela has made some beautiful bras in her time and her top tip for bra making is to choose an old bra that was an excellent fit then unpick it and use it as your pattern.

If you fancy having a go at creating your own lingerie check out our range of supplies below:

• Soft stretch lace in an array of colours
• Transparent elastic
• Underwear elastic including knicker elastic and bra strap elastic
• General bra making and lingerie supplies
• Lingerie patterns

Tracey recommended using a walking foot for the stretch lace and we have a great selection for a range of brands in our sewing machine accessories section of the website. They are also great for working with slippery fabrics such as silk and other stretch fabrics such as jersey. A great addition to your sewing arsenal!

We have some gorgeous luxury robe worthy fabrics including crepe de chine, satin, crepe back satin and more plus a range of sleepwear patterns to choose from so why not give yourself a great night's sleep in your own gorgeous designs.

Series 4 Episode 2

The Great British Sewing Bee Episode two was another delightful roller coaster of highs and lows for many of the contestants who worked furiously throughout to create three children's garments. We LOVED garment of the week and the baby grows were simply scrumptious! We won't go into too much detail to avoid spoiling the surprise for anyone who hasn't seen the show yet, but as promised here's the list of products we spotted...

Task One - The Baby Grow

We have some gorgeous baby grow patterns right here plus some super soft stripy jersey fabrics that would be perfect for baby to snuggle in.

The poppers or fasteners and pliers used to apply them can be found here.

When working with jersey fabrics Sewing Bee's in the know would have used ballpoint needles to prevent the stretch fabric fraying.

A walking foot for your sewing machine is also a worthy investment when working with jersey because it prevents the layers of fabric from moving at different rates. We have a range of different brands in our sewing machine accessories section of the website.

Task Two - The Refashioned Bridesmaid Dress

We spotted one of the Sewing Bee's using fabric weights to keep the slippery silky fabrics in place whilst cutting.

We saw lots of sumptuous satin and we have a whole range of beautiful colours to choose from here.

Rotary cutters and cutting mats made an appearance again chosen by Sewing Bee's cutting with ultimate precision.

A junior dressmakers dummy was used to showcase the makes.

Again a walking foot is a great tool that will make working with slippery fabrics such as satin and chiffon so much easier.

Task Three - The Cape

Here are a couple of super cute cape patterns for little nippers - this one is very similar to Joyce's heart pocket cape and here is another alternative cape pattern.

If you're feeling inspired to sew something for the little people in your life we've recently added some very pretty cotton children's fabrics to our range and we have a great selection of children's sewing patterns too.

Don't forget to check out our mega Sewing Bee sale on dressmaking fabrics this week with all John Kaldor patterned fabrics now half price!

Have a great week sewing and tune in for the products and tips from next week's show.

Series 4 Episode 1

And we're off! Episode one has aired and it was as good as ever. We loved Esme's straight talking and Patrick's peculiar choice of words...natty?! It was great to see the camaraderie between the contestants from the word go - we sewing fanatics are just the nicest people aren't we?!

If like us you're feeling super enthused about cracking on with some sewing we thought we'd give you a helping hand with a shopping list of the products and tools we spotted the newbee Sewing Bees using in tonight's show.

We wanted to be as quick off the mark as possible with this shopping tool so it doesn't have the usual bells and whistles photography or imagery as our usual posts, but it does give you everything you need to sew along with the contestants.

Every week we'll update the post with the goodies from the latest episode doing the hard work for you so you don't have to keep note of anything and can sit back, relax and enjoy the show instead. Perfect!

Task One - Basic Construction

Jamie and Rumana got busy with rotary cutters and cutting mats in the construction task whilst other contestants chose these good old fashioned Fiskars scissors.

Stripy fabrics were all the rage in task one - check out our John Kaldor Herringbone and red and black striped Portia fabrics if you want to try the chevron challenge. We also have some gorgeous jersey stripe