GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2024 – SEWING PATTERNS S10 EP5
It’s the fifth episode of series 10!
In the fourth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 10, eight contestants are challenged with making a jacket popularised by the first prime minister of India, upcycling calico and Madras cotton into a new garment and made-to-measure evening wear inspired by the sari to fit a model. For episode five 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 fifth 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 India. All eight contestants had to make three garments. The challenges included making a jacket popularised by the first prime minister of India (Jawaharlal Nehru), upcycling Indian fabrics calico and Madras cotton into a new garment and made-to-measure evening wear inspired by elements of the sari 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.
If you want to chat about the episode and the challenges then do join us each week in our Facebook group event
Kate is on holiday this week, so we don’t have our usual Sewing Bee video for you to watch but do keep your eye out for an interview with a Sewing Bee judge this weekend!
Sewing Bee: Pattern Picks
Pattern Challenge 1: Nehru Jacket
The first challenge of the fifth episode was to make a jacket popularised by the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The pattern comprises of two front panels with double-ended darts and welt pockets. A stand collar is attached before the jacket is blind hemmed and five buttons are added down the front.
Simplicity S7926
Men’s Nehru Jacket. The lined slim fit jacket without side seams has underarm sections, front button closing, “stand up” collar, vent in center back seam, flap pockets and inside breast pocket, long two-piece set-in sleeves with button trim and optional top-stitching.
Available in the online shop: Unfortunately not, try reselling sites such as Etsy or Ebay.
Transformation Challenge 2: Upcycling Indian calico and Madras cottons
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to upcycle Indian calico and Madras cottons 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: Evening wear inspired by elements of the sari
In the last challenge of the fifth episode, all the contestants had to sew made-to-measure evening wear inspired by elements of a sari. A sari is a traditional garment made of one piece of cloth. There are over 100 ways to drape a sari around the body. The contestants though were asked to take the design element of a sari, using one piece of cloth and draping, to create a modern dress. 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 Green Goddess Sari Dress
Features: princess seams and a reclaimed sari.
Pattern: Simplicity dress S8870. Fitted floor length dress with darts and off shoulder draped cowl.
Sizing: D5 (4-6-8-10-12) P5 (12-14-16-18-20) approx. UK sizes D5 (4/6 – 8), P5 (8– 16). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the online shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Ailsa’s Scotland + India – together at last!
Features: bodice pleats, wrap skirt, tartan style silk and cutout.
Top Pattern: The Assembly Line Funnel Neck Top. It has neck darts at the front and a keyhole opening with two buttons in the back. The pattern includes options for both short and elbow-length sleeves. This top is perfect on its own or as a layering piece under a blazer or cardigan.
Sizing: XS – L or XL – 3XL (approx. UK 8 – 18 or UK 18/20 – 28/30, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the online shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Skirt Pattern: Burda Style Slit Skirt 09/2013.
Sizing: 34 – 44. Available in the online shop: Unfortunately not.
Marcus’s dress for Bally
Features: Indian fabric, chest drape and darts.
Pattern: Simplicity dress S8870. Fitted floor length dress with darts and off shoulder draped cowl.
Sizing: D5 (4-6-8-10-12) P5 (12-14-16-18-20) approx. UK sizes D5 (4/6 – 8), P5 (8– 16). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the online shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Alex’s Red Carpet Glamour Gown
Features: Box pleats, crepe satin dress and reclaimed sari.
Pattern: Simplicity S9142. Jumpsuit with one shoulder drape detail. Puffed or flared sleeve. Length variations.
Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) U5 (16-18-20-22-24), approx. UK sizes H5 (4 – 8), U5 (10– 18/20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the online shop: Yes, paper.
Lauren’s Silver Silk Sari Dress
Features: Asymmetric top, embroidered drape, bandeau and pleats.
Pattern: Self-drafted.
Suzy’s gold and green mini dress
Features: gold mesh drape with duchess satin dress and pleated bodice.
Pattern: McCalls M8108. These empire seam gathered dresses have length, neckline and strap variations.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 – 10), F5 (12– 20/22). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the online shop: Yes, paper.
Luke’s Big drape drag dress
Features: pleats, stretch velvet with surprise!
Pattern: Vikisews Jada dress. A draped slit dress with long sleeves.
Sizing: UK 6 – 24. Available in the online shop: Unfortunately not.
Pascha’s All-in-one Sari dress
Features: decorative trim, beads + embroidery, silk taffeta dress.
Pattern: vintage McCalls M3605.
Available in the online shop: Unfortunately not, try reselling sites like Etsy or Ebay.
