GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2024 – SEWING PATTERNS S10 EP3
It’s the third episode of series 10!
In the third episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 10, ten contestants are challenged with making a summer blouse using old tablecloths, upcycling nautical paraphernalia into a bag, and creating a made-to-measure outfit inspired by the French Riviera to fit a model. For episode three 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 third episode of the Great British Sewing bee series 10. If you haven’t already seen our ultimate guide to the Sewing Bee do take a look.
The theme this week was inspired by holidays. All ten contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a summer blouse using old tablecloths, upcycling nautical paraphernalia to create a whole new outfit and a made-to-measure outfit inspired by the French Riviera 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: Summer blouse
The first challenge of the third episode was to make a summer blouse using old tablecloths. The tablecloths were cut carefully to incorporate the embroidery. Bias binding was sewn around the neckline before the front and back bodice were attached at the bust line. Finally the sleeves were cuffed and then inserted. The hem could either be sewn or the edge of the tablecloth used. Here is a similar sewing pattern you could try at home.
Zoey is a loose-fitting blouse with a V-neck and bust darts. The voluminous three-quarter sleeves, which are gathered at the cuff, give this blouse an elegant look.
Sizing: EU 34 – 50 (approx. UK 8/10 – 22/24, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop pattern.
Transformation Challenge 2: a bag from nautical paraphernalia
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle nautical paraphernalia into a completely new garment. 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: French Riviera outfit
In the last challenge of the third episode, all the contestants had to sew a made-to-measure outfit inspired by the French Rivieria. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.
Georgie’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Beach to bar skirt made from champagne satin and cream crochet lace top.
Patterns:
Top: Sew Over It Silk Cami. This lovely sleeveless cami top is beautifully finished with French seams and an all-in-one facing. It’s super simple to sew up, with no darts or fastenings. And of course you don’t have to make it in silk!
Sizing: UK 6 – 20. Please check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Skirt: Vikisews Sati Skirt. Sati is a bias-cut, close-fitting skirt with a slight trapeze silhouette and an elastic waistband. Sati has luxe finishing with French seams and a pin hem, without the use of an overlocker. Sati is above-ankle length.
Sizing: 34 – 52 (approx. UK 6 – 20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF pattern.
Ailsa’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Palazzo pants with side pockets, pleats and back pockets.
Patterns:
Top: Papercut Patterns Marnie swimsuit. Designed to create a sleek, sophisticated silhouette no matter how you choose to style it. Make as a classic one piece or as a bikini with a short or longline top. Cut with a square neckline, a high or low scoop back, and optional shoulder and waist ties, you can customise the fit to suit you. Create a look that radiates timeless elegance.
Sizing: 1 – 8 (approx. UK 4 – 20, based on our standardised size chart) or 6 – 14 (approx. UK 18 – 36, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size charts and finished garment measurements.Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Trousers: McCalls M7131. These loose-fitting shorts and trousers have a front waistband and pleats, elasticised back casing, side-front pockets and stitched hems. D: Overlay, narrow hem.
Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), approx. UK sizes B5 (6 – 12), F5 (12 – 20/22). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Marcus’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Ruffle off-the-shoulder top with an asymmetrical skirt formed of sun ray pleats made from crepe fabric.
Patterns:
Top: French Poetry Polaris Top. Polaris is an off-the-shoulder peasant top with gathers on the neckline and arms. Wear it all summer long to showcase your shoulder line! The gathers are made using elastic casings, and an optional bow can be added on the front. Inspired by a vintage cut from the 1940s, it features an underarm gusset. Choose a crisp shirting or soft crepe to play with different textures and volumes!
Sizing: 2 – 16 (approx. UK 6 – 16). Please check the size chart. This top is very loose-fitting. Choose your size as per the measurements if you want a lot of gathers, or size down if you want your top to be closer to your body. Size down if the drape of your fabric is quite stiff or puffy. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Skirt: Vogue Patterns V1957. Asymmetric ruffled skirt has invisible back zipper, side seam pockets, baby hems and length variations.
Sizing: B5 (8-10-12-14-16), Y5 (18-20-22-24-26), approx. UK sizes B5 (6 – 12), Y5 (14 – 22/24). 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.
Alex’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Jumpsuit with tie straps and striped cotton fabric.
Pattern: Nina Lee Carmel Jumpsuit. With a high, relaxed waistline, voluminous legs and gloriously deep pockets, this easy, breezy outfit-in-one is the perfect combination of comfy and effortlessly cool. There are four bodice variations to pick from: a low straight neckline with wide straps, a scoop-neck, a simple V-neck, or a V-neck plus curving collar. Each bodice is beautifully finished with self-lining. Named after the idyllic California seaside town of colourful cottages and celebrities going incognito, Carmel has the capacity to be the epitome of easy elegance (picture a dark linen version paired with eye-catching jewellery and a broad-brimmed hat…) or wildly fun (romp around in a big crazy print!).
Sizing: UK 6 – 20 or UK 16 – 28 (approx. UK 6 – 20 or UK 18 – 28, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size charts and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF plus printed copy shop.
Lauren’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Halterneck top with chiffon wide legged trouser.
Patterns:
Top: Vikisews Sivi Top. Sivi is a close-fitting halter top with a criss-cross front and long ties with triangular ends at the back. The top is gathered at the side seams and features pleats at the centre seam at the back of the neck. The top is self-lined. Sivi is above-waist length.
Sizing: 34 – 52 (approx. UK 6 – 20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Trousers: McCalls M8292. High waist gathered wide leg pants and shorts have yokes with front pockets.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), which is approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), F5 (12– 20/22) 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.
Don’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Seamless trousers made using a sunflower print with a white cotton princess seam top.
Patterns:
Top: Vogue Patterns V9187. An original 1960 design, this top (close-fitting through the bust) has neckline variations, side-front and side-back princess seams, front hemline slits and a back zipper. A: Topstitching. B: Front belt, bow, knot. A, D: Sleeveless. B, C: Short sleeves. A, B: Jewel neckline. C, D: Scoop neckline.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), E5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), E5 (10 – 18/20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Trousers: Butterick B6851. Semi-fitted trousers, capris and shorts have no side seams and have invisible zip. Only one main pattern piece for each view.
Sizing: A (6-8-10-12-14-16-18-20-22), which is approx. UK sizes A (4/6-18/20) 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.
Suzy’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Polka dot skirt made of panels with matching top using a vintage table cloth.
Pattern: Sew Love Patterns Joelle Dress. The Joelle Dress is a gorgeous make that can be worn as either a mini dress or maxi dress. The maxi dress has a frilled hem, and both versions have a little peekaboo under the bust as well as optional side seam pockets. There is a very cute bow that is threaded through a tie at the front and sewn on with a couple of hand stitches so it is easy to take on or off. The dress is designed to be worn with a bra, although not every bra works. Wear it in bright colours in the sun, as a fun party dress, or even at your wedding!
Sizing: A – H (approx. UK 6 – 20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Janet’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Cocktail twinset with shorts and a silver bias binding fold over top.
Pattern: Itch to Stitch Pine Cove Pajamas. The relaxed hip-length top features dropped shoulders, long sleeves, side splits and a patch pocket. The banded overlapped front has tie closures, so no need to worry about sewing buttons! The long pants have an elastic waist. Make them in flannel for extra warmth, or use a luxurious satin. These pajamas are what sweet dreams are made of!
Sizing: US 00 – 40 (approx. UK 6/8 – 34/36). Please check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Luke’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Shirt with collar and buttons made with Broderie Anglaise fabric and a pair of fly zip-front trousers.
Patterns:
Top: Simplicity S9758. Relaxed fit button front shirts have convertible collar, front pocket, side slits, back yoke and long or short sleeves. Pull-on shorts in two lengths have elastic waistband, drawstring ties and pockets.
Sizing: AA (34-36-38-40-42), BB (44-46-48-50-52), Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Trousers: Merchant and Mills Men’s Elling Trousers. An everyday men’s elasticated trouser with front slanted pockets and back patch pockets. Make them with or without a zip.
Sizing: Men’s 28 – 48. Please check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Pascha’s French Riviera outfit
Features: Sailor trousers with decorative buttons and a twisted halterneck top made from white scuba fabric.
Patterns:
Top: Papercut Patterns Aalto Dress and Top. Aalto has been designed with timelessness in mind. A versatile piece, it can be made as a top or maxi dress with side seam pockets, centre front and back seams, a square neckline or beautiful twist neck detail. Whether you choose the classic straight across back or the gorgeous low back with an optional tie, this dress or top is perfect for any occasion.
Sizing: 1 – 8 (approx. UK 4 – 20, based on our standardised size chart) or 6 – 14 (approx. UK 18 – 36, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size charts and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Trousers: Burda 6573. The forward side seams and interesting waistband make these stylish trousers stand out.
Sizing: A (6-8-10-12-14-16-18), which is approx. UK sizes A (4/6 – 14), 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.
