GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2023 – SEWING PATTERNS S9 EP2
It’s the second episode of series 9!
In the second episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 9, 11 brand new contestants are challenged with making a rucksack, transform windbreakers and sew a made-to-measure swimsuit for a model. For episode two we have put our detective hats on to discover the sewing patterns from independent designers and commercial pattern houses used in Sewing Bee TV show. The patterns below are all matches or inspired by the designs used in the second episode of the Great British Sewing bee series 9. If you haven’t already seen our ultimate guide to the Sewing Bee do take a look.
The theme was ‘a travel wardrobe’ and all 11 contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a rucksack with straps and metal hardware, upcycling a windbreaker into emergency rainwear, and a made-to-measure swimsuit to fit a model. Take a look at our sewing pattern suggestions below, we’ve tried to find the exact patterns used but where we haven’t been able to we have plenty of suggestions so that you can recreate these looks at home for your handmade wardrobe. Kate also talks through her favourite pattern options from the episode on YouTube in our special mid-week sewing bee vlog.
If you want to chat about the episode and the challenges then do join us each week in our Facebook group event.
Sewing Bee: Pattern Picks
Pattern Challenge 1: Rucksack
The first challenge of the second episode was a sewing bee first – to make a rucksack. The rucksack had a roll top with metal clasp, two adjustable straps and a front pocket with zip. Here are some rucksack sewing patterns you could try to recreate this accessory.
Francli Day Pack by Merchant and Mills
A practical day pack designed by Francli Craftwear. Play with hardy fabrics and unique hardware to create a bespoke pack for everyday life and adventures further afield. With water bottle pockets and an internal laptop pocket.
Sizing: Finished measurements: height 48 cm (when top is folded over) x width 41 cm (taken flat) (19″ x 16 1/4″). Available in the shop: Yes, paper, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
A useful and fun backpack to make, it’s great for any outing where you need to be hands free! The foldover top and closure keep things secure, while the front zippered pocket keeps essentials within easy reach. The pattern also features adjustable straps, an interior slip pocket, and hang loop.
Sizing: Finished dimensions: 15″ H (closed) x 10 1/2″ W x 4″ deep (at base). Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
Hilda is a bike pannier and backpack in one – a dream combination. Clip it onto the back of your bike while you’re cycling, then pop it onto your back once you’ve arrived at your destination!
Sizing: One size for the bag. The chest and waist straps have three size brackets to choose from. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Buckthorn Backpack and Tote by Noodlehead
You’ll love this zippered top backpack and tote for everyday use. They both have a front pocket for easy access to smaller items and a flat oval base. A divided interior pocket keeps everything inside organised. The backpack has adjustable straps and fits tablets, small laptops and/or notebooks! The tote is perfect for projects on the go.
Sizing: Backpack: Approx. finished dimensions: 13″ (33 cm) W x 5 1/2″ (14 cm) D measured at oval base x 14″ (35.6 cm) H. Tote: Approx. finished dimensions: 10 1/2″ (26.7 cm) W x 6 1/2″ (16.5 cm) D measured at oval base x 11 1/2″ (29.2 cm) H. Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
Transformation Challenge 2: Windbreakers
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle windbreakers into emergency rainwear. Specific patterns weren’t used for these tasks as contestants had to create a garment from existing materials in a fixed time so it’s a bit tricky for us to make sewing pattern suggestions based on these design ideas.
Made-To-Measure Challenge 3: Swimwear
In the last challenge of episode two, all the contestants had to make a dress with cut out details for their model. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.
Vicki’s Sun Safe Swimsuit
Features: Contrast pink and orange panel with long sleeves and tie waist.
Fauve’s Wild Swimming Costume
Features: Elasticated thighs with v-neck.
Pattern: Seabright Swimmer by The Friday Pattern Company. The Seabright Swimmer is a one piece swimsuit pattern that can be made with or without sleeves. It features a plunging neckline with gathering at the shoulder and waist. The instructions include a tutorial for adding a lace up neckline closure for extra modesty. The sleeves let you look and feel glam while providing a bit of added sun protection!
Sizing: XS – 4X (approx. UK 6 – 24). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Tony’s Cornish Sea Swimsuit
Features: Halterneck with a 1950s silhouette.
Pattern: Bombshell Swimsuit by Closet Core Patterns.
Available in the shop: Unfortunately not.
Mia’s Puff Sleeved Swimsuit
Features: Tie front with self drafted box pleated puff sleeves.
Pattern: Pilatus Swimsuit by Opian. Pilatus is a one-piece swimsuit with a bow at the front and high-waisted, high-leg knickers. It has no underwire and can adapt to many breast sizes.
Sizing: 0 – 10 (approx. UK 4 – 20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Lizzie’s Frilly Ruffle Swimsuit
Features: Tie back with self drafted ruffle neckline.
Pattern: Cottesloe Swimsuit and Bikini by Megan Nielsen. This pattern includes both classic one piece swimsuits and mix and match bikini sets. Detailed instructions guide the sewer through swimsuit construction techniques. View A is a one piece swimsuit with a low scoop back, shelf bra and ties at the back. View B is a one piece swimsuit with a high scoop back. View C is a bikini top and a low rise bikini bottom. View D is an athletic inspired bikini top and high waisted bikini bottom with wide waistband. All versions can be fully lined.
Sizing: 0 – 20 (approx. UK 6 – 20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Matthew’s Transgender Flag Swimsuit
Features: Asymmetrical panels, high neckline and skater skirt.
Pattern: A similar pattern would be the Jalie Violeta open-back leotard and dress (3673).
Available in the shop: Unfortunately not.
Tony’s Halterneck Swimsuit
Features: Contrast panels, halterneck with tie, open back and skirt.
Pattern: A similar pattern would be McCalls 7964 with a self drafted skirt. The swimsuit (A, B) has bodice variations and lined panties. A: Self lined bodice and ties. B: Self faced band with hook and eye closure. The cover-up (C) is very loose fitting with a shaped front skirt and lapped fronts.
Sizing: A (S-M-L-XL), approx. UK sizes A (6 – 18/20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Maria’s Retro Inspired Swimsuit
Features: Tie front, side panels and cross-over straps.
Pattern: A similar pattern would be the Itaca Swimsuit by Etoffe Malicieuse. This is the one-piece version of the Itaca Bikini Top. The straps are nicely decorated with a flounce (or not – it’s up to you!) and they can be fastened in the back or tied at the neck. You can add foam cups if you wish. The elastic band under the bust gives excellent support. The back is fastened with a clasp. Itaca also has a seam in the middle of the back for a close fit.
Sizing: 32 – 50 (approx. UK 4/6 – 20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF.
