GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2025 – SEWING PATTERNS S11 EP1

Images Copyright: BBC/Love Productions/Neil Sherwood

It’s the first episode of series 11!

In the first episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 11, twelve brand new contestants are challenged with making a tie-front blouse, transforming circle skirts and using pleats in a dramatic Made-to-Measure challenge. For episode one 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 first episode of the Great British Sewing bee series 11.

All twelve contestants had to make three garments. 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.

Sewing Bee: Pattern Picks

Pattern Challenge 1: Tie-front blouse

The first challenge of the first episode was to make an on trend tie-front blouse, using gathers to add volume. Here is a similar pattern you could try at home.

Fabric Godmother Fleur Dress and Blouse

This pretty and versatile pattern has a loose fit, bias finished neckline, and optional sleeves. The playful bow ties and gathered peplum or skirt add an element of fun, while a secret placket stops you showing more than you might want to between the bows! Made in a lightweight cotton or linen this is the perfect summer dress or blouse. You can also use a heavier weight fabric and wear the sleeveless version as a pinafore dress in cooler weather.

Sizing: UK 6 – 30 (approx. UK 6 – 28, 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.

Transformation Challenge 2: circle skirts

In the upcycling challenge contestants had to reimagine circle skirts into brand new garments. 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: pleats

In the last challenge of the first episode, all the contestants had to sew a made-to-measure perfectly shaped dress with pleats Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.

Caz, Jess and Stuart’s pleated dress

Pattern: Vogue Patterns V1909. Pullover top, semi-fitted through bust, has box pleated front and back with pleat underlays. Bias cut stand collar closes in back with buttons and bias loops above back slit opening. Can be sleeveless or long sleeves.

Sizing: A (S-M-L-XL-XXL) approx. UK sizes 6 – 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.

Kit’s Bowie-inspired lightning bolt dress

Features: blue satin body, asymmetric hem and singularly pleated front panel.

Pattern: self-drafted.

Gaynor’s day dress

Features: pleated under bust, twin pleated sleeve and box pleats.

Pattern: Style Arc Patricia Rose dress. Feel comfortable and look great in this gorgeous, loose-fitting v-neck dress. The dress features an under-bust horizontal tuck, front inverted pleat, side in-seam pockets, and roll-up sleeves.

Sizing: 4 – 16 or 18 – 30 (approx. UK 4/6 – 16/18 or UK 18/20 – 32, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Orla, Peter and Dan’s pleated dresses

Pattern: Be inspired by the Pattern Magic series of books to recreate elements of these dresses. Pattern Magic is the cult pattern-cutting book from Japan. Taking inspiration from nature, from geometric shapes and from the street.

Yasmin’s punky tartan mini dress

Features: pleated bust and knife pleat side panels.

Patterns:

Top - Vikisews Lorraine dress. 

Skirt - Folkwear 152 Scottish kilts and men's jacket. The romance of the Scottish Highlands is alive and well in this authentic men's kilt, women's kilt skirt, and men's Prince Charlie jacket and vest, traditionally worn with a kilt on formal occasions. Complete instructions are provided for measuring, pleating, and constructing the kilt and kilt skirt, and pattern pieces and instructions are provided for the men's jacket and vest. To complete the ensemble, knitting instructions are also included for traditional Argyle socks and a lovely women's vest featuring a lacy Scottish horseshoe design.

Sizing: Kilt and Kilt skirt: All sizes (can be made to any size and length) // Jacket and Vest: Men's 36 - 48. Please check the size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + copy shop. 

Novello’s halterneck dress

Features: tubular pleats, cowl neck and oversized bow.

Pattern: self-drafted.

Saffie’s custom printed dress

Features: inverted box pleats and custom printed fabric.

Pattern: Simplicity S9134. Misses' dress with released pleats & sleeve & hem 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 shop: Yes, paper pattern.