GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2024 – SEWING PATTERNS S10 EP4
It’s the fourth episode of series 10!
In the fourth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 10, nine contestants are challenged with making a quilted bag using fabric scraps, upcycling textile waste to create a new garment and a made-to-measure outfit using wedding dresses to create a repurposed outfit to fit a model. For episode four 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 fourth 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 reduce, reuse and recycle. All nine contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a quilted bag using fabric scraps, upcycling textile waste to create a new garment and a made-to-measure outfit using wedding dresses to create a repurposed outfit 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: Quilted bag
The first challenge of the fourth episode was to make a quilted bag using fabric scraps sandwiched between sheets of organza. Four panels of organza were stuffed with shredded scraps before being quilted with grid lines. A zip was added to form a tube with the fabric and ribbon loops were added. Finally a magnetic catch is hand sewn to the main bag and flap before a chain strap is attached. Here is a similar sewing pattern you could try at home.
A belt bag that’s perfect for running errands or for travel. Haralson is compact and easy to wear across the front or back of the body. It has a spacious interior with a zippered pocket as well as a handy back zippered pocket for your phone. The pattern includes multiple closure options for maximum versatility.
Available in the shop: Yes, paper.
Transformation Challenge 2: textile waste
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle textile waste 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: repurposing an outfit using wedding dresses
In the last challenge of the fourth episode, all the contestants had to sew a made-to-measure outfit using wedding dresses. 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 lace party dress
Features: bias binding dress with embellished lace and beaded straps.
Pattern: Simplicity vintage dresses S9594. Direct from the Simplicity archives, this 1960’s simple to sew A-line dress has back zipper, shoulder straps and front and back darts. Dress comes in above knee and mini lengths and can be customised with daisy medallions, rhinestones or beaded trims.
Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) R5 (14-16-18-20-22), which is approx. UK sizes H5 (4/6 – 10), R5 (10– 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.
Ailsa’s arty party dress
Features: corset with tulle overlay with giant kilt pin and strap.
Top pattern: McCalls Tops M8182. It’s perfect for an intermediate dressmaker. Scoop neck boned corset top with lacing or separating zipper front opening. Shaped hemlines. Elasticized short sleeve. Top is lined.
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.
Skirt pattern: Vogue Skirts V1941. Full asymmetric skirt cut cross grain has draped side split, faced hem, waistband, invisible back zipper, 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.
Marcus’s red carpet party outfit
Features: original wedding dress buttoned up front top and zip fly trousers.
Top pattern: McCalls his and hers lined vests/waistcoats M8442. Easy to Sew unisex vests in sizes X-Small through X-Large. Vests in eight styles have V-neckline variations, optional pockets and back buckled belt.
Sizing: A (XS-S-M-L-XL), approx. UK sizes Women’s (6/8 – 24/26) Men’s (30/32 – 46/48, 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.
Trouser pattern: Vogue Patterns Men’s Shorts M9324.
Available in the shop: Out of print, try Etsy or third patter.
Alex’s “Ta Da’ party dress
Features: puffed sleeves, painted fabric and original lace under garments.
Pattern: Fibre Mood Doris dress. The right dress can make your day, and Doris will give you immaculate style. The statement sleeves of this simple straight dress with a round neckline are sure to turn heads. The sleeves are double layered and the shorter inner sleeve pulls the outer sleeve in, creating a balloon effect. A few other details worth mentioning? Bust darts and a handy slit in the centre back seam for walking comfort. Pop this dress over your head and you’re ready to go! The length is up to you, and the belt is optional.
Sizing: EU 32 – 60 / US 0 – 28 / UK 4 – 32 (approx. UK 6 – 28/30, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and pattern measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Lauren’s 80s puffball dress
Features: hand sewn ruffle skirt and lacing back.
Pattern: Follow this tutorial video on how to create a balloon skirt.
Don’s ruffled party dress
Features: dress with spaghetti straps, ruffle skirt and back zipper.
Pattern: Vikiews Lucia Dress. Lucia is a close-fitting slip dress with an accentuated waist. The fit of the dress is achieved by the bias cut and a centre back seam. The front of the dress features bust darts. The front and back of the dress are finished with facings. The garment has spaghetti straps criss-crossing at the back. The back of the dress is open, V-cut, and framed with an insert at the waistline. The dress is midi-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 or PDF plus printed copy shop.
Suzy’s “dance all night” party dress
Features: original lace front dress panel with double circle skirt.
Pattern: Amy Nicole Chelsea Party dress. The Chelsea Party Dress is an empire waist, gathered and flared dress with a plunging neckline and open back. This pattern offers two views. View A is a shorter, flirty above-the-knee length. View B adds a panel for a beautiful, dramatic maxi length. This pattern prefers lighter weight fabrics with good drape, but more structured fabrics could work for the bodice pieces.
Sizing: . Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF plus printed copy shop.
Luke’s 80s power party dress
Features: dress with silver transfers and original buttons at the back.
Pattern: Trend Patterns TPC15 Tuck sleeve top. It’s still the year of the sleeve, and oversized shapes are still a key trend, seen again in New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. This trend isn’t going away anytime soon. This design works well in both lighter and heavier weight fabrics, simple but effective. It’s great for a daytime outfit or for an evening smart casual look, transformed by the fabric you choose. A lighter weight fabric allows the sleeve to drape, while a heavier weight fabric shows the structure in the sleeve.
Sizing: UK 8 – 22. Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Note: Does not include size 6. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF plus printed copy shop.
Pascha’s coctail party dress
Features: circle skirt dress with huge one shoulder bow.
Pattern: McCalls vintage dress M8380. Beautiful 1940s era sports dress pattern is a one shoulder design with bow tie at shoulder and waist. Full skirt finishes just below the knee. Authentic Vintage Reproduction includes additional size options and cutting layouts.
Sizing: . Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.
