The Great British Sewing Bee Series 10, which aired in 2024, marked a new era with Kiell Smith-Bynoe stepping in as host alongside returning judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young. Twelve amateur sewists competed across ten themed weeks, taking on challenges that ranged from lingerie and sportswear to Indian-inspired garments and upcycled creations, all designed to test both technical ability and creativity. The series was full of imaginative transformations, polished made-to-measure pieces, and the camaraderie and drama that fans love. In the grand finale, the remaining sewists tackled opera gloves, a party-themed transformation, and a draped gown, before Luke-Matthew Iveson was crowned the winner, with Ailsa Lyall and Pascha Al-Qassab as runners-up.
Series 10 Episode 10: The Final
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.
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.