GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2023 – SEWING PATTERNS S9 EP9

 It’s the semi-final of series 9!

In the semi-final of The Great British Sewing Bee series 9, four contestants are challenged with making a men’s trench coat, upcycling cleaning products and a made-to-measure boilder suit to fit a model. For episode nine 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 ninth 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 ‘utilitarian clothing’ and all four contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a men’s trench coat, upcycling cleaning products and a made-to-measure boiler suit 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: Trench coat

The first challenge of the ninth episode was to make the office staple, a trench coat. This garment originated as part of a military uniform. The trench coat has 32 pieces, double breasted with eight buttons, storm flaps and epaulettes. Here are some patterns you could try at home.

Simplicity Men’t Trench Coat S9389

Double-breasted coat and jacket has storm flaps, epaulettes, cuff straps and self belt, both of which use buckles.

Sizing: AA (34 – 42) BB (44 – 52). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Named Isla Trench Coat

This timeless trench coat is a wardrobe staple! Isla is a straight-cut, lined coat with plenty of details, such as a belted collar, a cape, welt pockets, a belt, and tabs on the sleeve openings. There is a vent at the back for added comfort. The double-breasted button fastening adds a classic look which is topped off with double top stitching.

Sizing: EU 32 – 56 (approx. UK 4/6 – 28). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF, PDF + printed copy shop or paper pattern.

Transformation Challenge 2: cleaning products

In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle cleaning products. 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: boiler suits

In the last challenge of the semi-final, all the contestants had to sew a made-to-measure boiler suit. Once worn to stoke boilers, the boiler suit is now an iconic garment on the catwalk and high street. 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 boiler suit for mum

Features: pink zip, waist tie and patch pockets.

Pattern: Closet Core Patterns Blanca Flight Suit. The Blanca Flight Suit is a semi-fitted, highly customisable boiler suit pattern inspired by vintage workwear. With multiple sleeve and leg options, it can be made in a variety of fabrics and can easily be styled up or down. Blanca features a centre front zipper, patch pockets that double as belt loops, an optional tie belt or buckled belt, a traditional shirt collar and a unique pleated back design. Customise your flight suit by adding a long sleeve, tapered sleeve with snap button, or short sleeve. The leg is cut straight, with the option to crop it or taper it at the hem with a leg tab. In addition, choose between a classic breast patch pocket or zippered pocket for added detail.

Sizing: 0 – 20 (approx. UK 6 – 20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Vicki’s Orange is the New Black boiler suit

Features: brass poppers, pen pocket and zip fly.

Pattern: Homer and Howells Lennox Boilersuit and shirt. Lennox is a refined take on the boilersuit with an androgynous utilitarian style. Lennox has been drafted with a relaxed fit. The bodice has a dropped shoulder, elbow-length sleeves and tucks in the waist. Lennox also has a discreet side bust dart for balance and easy fitting over the bust. Style Lennox with or without breast pockets. The bottoms have a wide-leg silhouette with tailored slash pockets and two leg length options. The waistband can be sewn straight or with an elasticated back waistband. View C, the Lennox cropped shirt, is great with high waisted trousers or sweat pants. Lennox is the ideal outfit for day to night or for lounging at home. Perfect made up in lightweight denim, crisp linens or cotton drills.

Sizing: UK 6 – 24 (US 2 – 20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.

Tony’s Camo boiler suit

Features: Yoke, mesh, collar and zip.

Pattern: Simplicity vintage boiler suit S8615. Mimi G’s take on this Simplicity Men’s Vintage 1970’s jumpsuit and overall. The top-stitched jumpsuit v. A with fly front zipper closing, has notched collar, back yoke, chest patch pockets, lower pockets that form carriers, back carrier, self fabric buckled belt and short set-in sleeves with tuck detail. The top-stitched overalls v. B with fly front zipper have side button closing, suspender crossed in back and fastened to bib with “hook-up closures.” patch pocket buttoned to bib, front and back trousers patch pockets and a back tool pocket.

Sizing: . Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Asmaa’s Rock Chick Boiler suit

Features: Adjustable belt and turn ups

Pattern: Liberty Sewing Patterns Zadie boiler suit. Liberty’s dressmaking patterns draw inspiration from their richly storied fashion archive, with contemporary style details offering a fresh twist on classic vintage shapes. A versatile silhouette, the Zadie Boiler Suit can be constructed as a full-length suit or a short playsuit.

Sizing: .6 – 14 or 14 – 22 (approx. UK 4/6 – 10 or UK 10 – 18/20, based on our standardised size chart).  Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.