GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2023 – SEWING PATTERNS S9 EP6
It’s the sixth episode of series 9!
In the sixth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 9, seven contestants are challenged with making a children’s dragon dressing gown, personalising denim and sewing special occasion made-to-measure outfits to fit a child model. For episode six 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 sixth 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 ‘Kid’s Week’ and all seven contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a children’s dragon dressing gown with thick towelling fabric to create dragon spikes, google eyes and spiky teeth, personalising denim with appliqué and sewing special occasion made-to-measure outfits to fit a child 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: Dragon dressing gown
The first challenge of the sixth episode was to make a children’s dragon dressing gown with thick towelling fabric. The pattern comprises of nine dragon spikes, google eyes, spiky teeth, a hood, belt loops and waist tie. Here is a dinosaur fancy dress pattern and children’s dressing gown pattern you could combined to try at home.
Simplicity S1765
Child’s dinosaur and dragon costumes in sizes 3 to 8 plus dog dinosaur costumes in three sizes S (13″), M(15″), L(17″).
Available in the shop: No, unfortunately not.
Toddlers’ and child’s sleep shirt, shorts or trousers, robe, and footed onesie.
Sizing: AA (1/2 -1- 2) BB (3-4-5-6). Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Transformation Challenge 2: Personalising denim with appliqué
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle secondhand denim with appliqué. Here are some children’s jacket patterns that would be ideal to make in denim before appliquéing.
Style ARC Children’s Charlie Jacket
This panelled denim jacket has front in-seam pockets and a detachable hood or collar.
Sizing: 2 – 8 years. Please check the designer’s size chart.. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Ready to Sew Child/Teen Prosper Bleu De Travail Jacket
Prosper has all of the attributes of a traditional work jacket (bleu de travail in French): unlined with a straight fit, four patch pockets, and topstitched seams for increased durability. By making Prosper, you are not only sewing for your children, but for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren because this work jacket can be passed on from generation to generation.
Sizing: Approx. 4 – 14 years (girls) or 4 – 12 years (boys). Please check the designer’s size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Fibre Mood Child/Teen Legend Jacket
Twinning is winning! The Legend Jacket for kids is an adorable mini version of the Drew Jacket. You can brave the autumn weather together in trendy corduroy jackets! The Legend is a cropped jacket and features two chest pockets, a cool collar and practical snaps or jeans buttons. Line the collar with a cosy wool fabric, and it’s perfect for the winter too!
Sizing: 2 – 14 years. Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Made-To-Measure Challenge 3: Special occasion outfit for a five-year-old
In the last challenge of episode six, all the contestants had to sew a special occasion made-to-measure outfits to fit a child model. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.
Mia’s Christmas Party Dress
Features: Bias cut, buttons and large bow sash.
Pattern: Little Lizard King Bremen Dress.
Sizing: 12 months – 14 years. Available in the shop: No, unfortunately not.
Tony’s Neoprene Party Dress
Features: Large bow, rhinestones and pleats.
Pattern: Mingo and Grace Blake Girls.
Sizing: 12 months to 14 years. Available in the shop: No, unfortunately not.
Lizzie’s waistcoat and tiered skirt
Features: velvet waistcoat, welt pocket, rabbit print lining and taffeta tiered skirt.
Skirt Pattern: McCalls Skort M8316. Ruffled skorts have elastic waistband. View A is asymmetric with ruffle. View B is a double ruffle skirt. View C has lower ruffle. View D has tacked ribbon and longer pants that hit below mid knee.
Sizing: A (2-3-4-5-6) approx. UK sizes (children’s 2-6 yrs.) Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Top Pattern: Simplicity Waistcoat S1506. Husky boy’s and big and tall men’s vest pattern includes button down and zippered vest with pockets. Button down vest has adjustable back buckle. Also includes neck-tie and bow tie with back closure.
Sizing: A (S – L/1XL – 5XL). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Vicki’s Princess Party Dress
Features: Gathers, pin tucks and shirring.
Pattern:.Simplicity S9454. Over-the-head dress has round bias neckline, dropped shoulder, puffed three-quarter sleeves and calf length tiered skirt. The tunic top has above elbow, soft pleated sleeves; both have single button back closure. Create a co-ordinated dress or top for adult or child with this Easy To Sew Simplicity Pattern.
Sizing: A (3-8 / XS-XL) which is approx. UK sizes A (3-8yrs / 4/6 – 20). based on our standardised size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Asmara’s Birthday Party Dress
Features: Silk lined bodice, criss-cross ribbon and hanky organza skirt.
Pattern: New Look N6278. Child’s full skirted dress with side zipper can be made with a contrast ruffle and trim variations. Make it a day dress with a bow or add feminine trims and a ruffle for a special occasion.
Sizing: A (3-4-5-6-7-8) which is approx. Ages 3 – 8 years. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Lauren’s Sunday Best Dress
Features: Peter Pan collar, slubby linen and floral fabric.
Pattern: Little Lizard King Liberty Dress.
Sizing: 12 months to 14 years. Available in the shop: No, unfortunately not.
Fauve’s Floral Jumpsuit
Features: Turn ups, ruffle sleeves and cotton lawn.
Pattern: Simplicity S8850. Create the perfect wardrobe for your little one with this pattern for toddlers’ sizes 1/2 – 4. Pack includes faux wrap dress, jumpsuit with oversized bow detail, basket/bag, and stuffed toy.
Sizing: A (1/2-1-2-3-4). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
