The Great British Sewing Bee Series 8, which aired in 2022, marked the first season hosted by comedian Sara Pascoe, joining judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young as twelve new contestants battled it out in the sewing room. The series featured a lively mix of challenges, from sportswear and children’s dungarees to recycling vintage curtains and creating red-carpet gowns, pushing sewists to show both technical mastery and creative flair. Each week brought tense pattern challenges, inventive transformations, and dramatic made-to-measure moments, with friendships and rivalries developing along the way. After nine weeks of sewing brilliance, Annie McGrail was crowned the winner, impressing the judges with her elegant style, consistency, and ability to combine precision with personality in her garments.
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 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
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
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
Butterick 6703 Wrap Dress Pattern
Sew Over It Meredith Wrap Dress Pattern
New Look 6554 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.