GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2025 – SEWING PATTERNS S11 EP2

Images Copyright: BBC/Love Productions

It’s the second episode of series 11!

In the second episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 11, twelve contestants are challenged with making a seven-panel cap, transforming cycling gear and creating an athleisure outfit in the Made-to-Measure challenge. For episode two 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 second 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: seven-panel cap

The first challenge of the second episode was to make a seven-panel cap with mesh, bias tap, top-stitching and a sweat band. Here is a similar pattern you could try at home.

Fibre Mood - Minu Cap

A cap is a must-have addition to your wardrobe! Elevate any outfit with this trendy accessory that you can customise as you see fit. Try a cool and edgy look with denim, get creative with playful patches, or keep it simple and timeless in a plain fabric.

Sizing: One size. Available in the shop: Yes, as a PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.

Transformation Challenge 2: cycling gear

In the upcycling challenge contestants had to give new life to unwanted cycling gear, turning it into stylish 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: althleisure

In the last challenge of the second episode, all the contestants had to sew a made-to-measure athleisure outfit - something practical for the gym but stylish enough for a coffee shop. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.

Caz's tennis outfit

Patterns

Top and skirt: Majesti Collections Set Top and Skirt pattern. 

Cropped hoodie: Pattern Couture Bolero Hoodie.

Dan’s athleisure outfit

Pattern: Studio of Art - Hoodie corset.

Gaynor's roller Derby kit

Patterns

Bra: Simplicity S8560. Work out in style and comfort with these knit sports bras designed to help you achieve a perfect fit. This pattern includes band sizes from 30 through 44 and cup sizes A through G, plus detailed instructions to help determine your correct band and cup-size combination. Bra styles include V-front with optional mesh or crisscross insets, plus three options on back openings.

Sizing: A (30A - 44G), approx. UK sizes A (6/8 – 14). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Leggings: Simplicity S8561. These knit leggings are available in both miss sizes XS to XL and plus sizes 1X to 5X. Special features include contrasting, twisted tabs at ankle, stirrup detail, convenient side pockets and super flattering rear curved seam.

Sizing: AA (XS-S-M-L-XL) BB (1X-5X), approx. UK sizes AA (4/6 – 20), BB (20– 38/40). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern.

Glendora's yoga class outfit

Patterns

Pullover: Allie Olson - Hive pullover. The Hive Pullover is a boxy knit sweatshirt with two views. View A offers an angled front yoke with a centre front zipper, while View B offers a simple mock neck collar. Both views are easy fitting with dropped shoulders, forward shoulder seams, cuffed sleeves, and a semi-cropped length with a waistband.

Sizing: US 00 – 32 (approx. UK 6/8 – 32/34, 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.

Trousers: Closet Core Patterns - Sepia Pants and Shorts. Sepia has a clever design that blends style and comfort. Functional double pockets in the front are sewn to create a floating effect, with additional topstitched pockets in the back. A traditional elastic waistband is elevated with a fluted paperbag edge and optional drawstring. View A is a barrel leg pant ending at the ankle, shaped with darts at the knee and hem. View B is a wide leg, full length pant. View C is a short ending at mid-thigh.

Sizing: 0 – 20 (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, paper.

Jess's post work out princess

Patterns

Unitard: Kwik Sew 2722. Out of print. 

Sweater: Fibre Mood - Mika Sweater. Mika is an absolute must-have! This crewneck jumper – with its classic triangular insert – has raglan sleeves and a loose fit without being oversized. Make it long or make it cropped – it's great for pairing with a high waisted skirt or pair of trousers. Pick your favourite colour and decide whether or not to pimp it with a bit of embroidery.

Sizing: XS – XXXL (approx. UK 6 – 28/30). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.

Kit's mesh athleisure wear

Patterns

Top/bra: Made My Wardrobe - Lottie Top and Bra. The Lottie Top and Bra is your classic sporty base layer. It has a flattering racerback shape and can be made full length or as a bra with elasticated underband. The bra is not underwired but does provide a lovely amount of support across sizes.

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

Leggings: Made My Wardrobe - Della Leggings. The Della Leggings are a comfy pair of high waisted leggings. They are super quick and easy to make and only require one pattern piece! You can make full length leggings, cycling shorts or short shorts from this pattern.

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

Hoodie: Bara Studio - Svea hoodie. Svea is an oversized hoodie with dropped shoulders and a ribbed hem and sleeve cuffs.

Sizing: XS – XL (approx. UK 6 – 18/20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.

Shorts: Closet Core Patterns - Sepia Pants and Shorts. Sepia has a clever design that blends style and comfort. Functional double pockets in the front are sewn to create a floating effect, with additional topstitched pockets in the back. A traditional elastic waistband is elevated with a fluted paperbag edge and optional drawstring. View A is a barrel leg pant ending at the ankle, shaped with darts at the knee and hem. View B is a wide leg, full length pant. View C is a short ending at mid-thigh.

Sizing: 0 – 20 (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, paper.

Novello's yoga cool down clothing

Patterns

Leggings: McCalls 8368. Athletic crop top in two styles, View A has straps with a twisted front detail and View B is a high-neck top with a front cutout detail. Flare pants have waistband with optional front seams or knot detail at waist.

Sizing: A (XS-S-M-L-XL), approx. UK sizes A (4 – 18), 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.

Bra: Sew Projects - Barbary. The Barbary is your go-to comfy bralette sewing pattern! It's perfect for those days when you just want to feel comfortable yet supported. Due to its lined front, adjustable straps and wide underband elastic, Barbary is more supportive than you may think!

Sizing: UK 28 - 42 AA - A, 28 - 42 B - D and 28 - 42 DD - E. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.

Cropped hoodie: Pattern Couture - Bolero hoodie. 

Orla's influencer's outfit

Patterns

Top: Simplicity loungewear S9857. Stylish and comfy, elevate your loungewear with this matching set! Set includes knit button front cardigan, bralette and pants.

Sizing: A (XS-XXL) which is approx. UK sizes A (4/6 – 22/24) EU (30/32 – 52/52) 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.

Trousers: Butterick B7014. Semi-fitted dress and top have long sleeves with sleeve bands, cowl neck with adjustable drawstring and hem band. Top has side openings. Pull-on trousers with elastic waistband, front pockets and leg bands.

Sizing: AA (XS-XL), BB (1XL-5XL), which is approx. UK sizes AA (4 – 18/20), BB (14/16– 30/32) 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. 

Cropped hoodie: Pattern Couture Bolero Hoodie.

Peter's skater boy

Pattern: McCalls M8264. Men's pattern includes views for bermuda shorts, tapered cuffed utility pants with pockets, cargo style roll up pants, and slim leg slacks. Pocket options include flap with inverted pleat, rectangular angled patch pockets, side seam pockets, and classic patch pockets.

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

Saffie's combo climber

Patterns

Vest: Simplicity S9651. Relaxed utility waistcoat has zippered front, pocket details, back yoke and is lined to edge. Crew neck tee includes short or long sleeve options. Bucket hat has optional top stitching. Hat comes in three sizes S(22″), M(23″), L(24″).

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

Shorts: Simplicity S3110. Relaxed fit shirts with pointed collar have zip front opening, flap patch pockets with zipper detail, dropped shoulders, back yoke and sleeve variations. Pull-on shorts and trousers have elastic waistband, front ties and front and back pockets.

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

Top: Know Me ME2105. Stylish and soft turtleneck has roll neck and long sleeves. Oversized cardigan has dropped shoulders, neck band, front button opening and patch pockets.

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

Stuart's tennis two piece

Patterns

Pulllover: Sewing Machina - Oversize Sweater. 

Shorts: McCalls M8485. Three-button placket and self-collar polo design tops have a classic look and feel. Pattern includes shorts with elastic waistband, piping trim, and contrast options. The material is stretchy to ensure that you can play in comfort.

Sizing: AA (34 – 42) BB (44 – 52). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: PDF or PDF + printed copy shop. 

Yasmin's pitch to pub outfit

Patterns

Rugby shirt: Simplicity S9614. Oversized knit polo shirts have long or short sleeves, options for contrast sleeves, collars and plackets.

Sizing: A (XXS-XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL), ( 28-29 / 30-32 /34-36 /38-40 / 42-44 / 46-48 / 50-52), which is approx. UK sizes A (6 – 30). 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.

Shorts: Fehr Trade - Duathlon Shorts. This is a pattern for close-fitting capris or shorts in three lengths with contrast side panels. There’s an integrated pocket at each hip, perfect for gels, keys or your phone, plus an optional padding piece for cyclists wanting some extra comfort on their ride. An elasticated, high-rise waistband means these shorts won’t shift around as you move either!

Sizing: XXS – XL (approx. UK 6 – 18). Please check the size chart. It is recommended that you select a size based on your hip measurement. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.