GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2023 – SEWING PATTERNS S9 EP8
In the eighth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 9, five contestants are challenged with making Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, upcycling shower curtains and a made-to-measure smoking jacket to fit a model. For episode eight 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 eight 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 ‘history’s most influential fashion icons’ and all five contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, upcycling shower curtains and made-to-measure smoking jacket 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: Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The first challenge of the eighth episode as to make Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Drawing on old time Hollywood glamour, the dress has a tight-fitting bodice and an elegant cut. The dress is glamorous and many of the contestants opted to make their task more difficult by choosing a slippery fabric. The dress has a crescent shaped back, sewn using the ‘burrito’ method. The lining needs sewing at the waist seam and an invisible zip inserting. Here are some patterns you could try at home.
These evening or special occasion dresses have a fitted bodice with a back zip fastening. A: Deep-plunge back. B: Sleeveless, small fish-tail hem. C: Full-length sleeves, small fish-tail hem.
Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16), RR (18W-20W-22W-24W), approx. UK sizes B5 (6 – 12), RR (14/16 – 20/22). Please check the size charts and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Made My Wardrobe – Delilah Dress
The Delilah Dress is a classic fitted dress with two front neckline options and two open back options. Make what feels good for your body: square neck or rounded neck, combined with a V or X at the back. The Delilah Dress is fitted without being restricting, making it a joy to wear.
Sizing: UK 6 – 24. Please check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF, PDF + printed copy shop or paper pattern.
Transformation Challenge 2: Shower curtains
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle shower curtains. 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: Smoking jacket
In the last challenge of episode eight, all the contestants had to sew a made-to-measure smoking jacket to fit a model. This tailoring test involved handling tricky fabrics alongside getting the perfect fit. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.
Tony’s Willy Wonka inspired smoking jacket
Features: Shawl collar, welt pockets, corduroy and velvet.
Mia’s Harry Styles inspired smoking jacket
Features: Jacquard, scalloped and curved pocket flap.
Pattern: Dizzy Mister – The Hugh Jacket.
Available in the shop: Unfortunately not.
Asmaa’s smoking jacket
Features: Piping, shoulder pads, velvet and satin.
Pattern: Simplicity S1562. Cozy robes for the entire family. Great for lounging around your house.
Sizing: A (XS-L / XS-XL). approx. UK sizes A (4-16yrs / 4 -20) Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Lauren’s smoking jacket
Features: Waist tie, patch pocket, satin and chenille.
Pattern: Simplicity S9692. Easy-to-Sew jacket and waistcoat feature shawl collar, front button closure, and pockets. All jackets and waistcoat have front and back lining. Views C and D cropped length.
Sizing: A (XS-XXL) which is approx. UK sizes A (8 – 28/30) EU (30/32 – 50/52) based on our standardised size chart. Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Vicki’s ‘rainforest’ smoking jacket
Features: synthetic silk and velvet.
Pattern: Simplicity S8899. Men’s Tuxedo Jackets, Pants and Bow Tie.
Sizing: AA (34 – 42) BB (44 – 52). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
