GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2025 – SEWING PATTERNS S11 EP3
Images Copyright: BBC/Love Productions
It’s the third episode of series 11 and the theme is design icons!
In the third episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 11, ten contestants are challenged with putting their own spin on the timeless Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, transforming home furnishings into punk-inspired looks, paying tribute to Vivienne Westwood and in the Made-to-Measure challenge create luxurious garments inspired by the iconic style of Versace. 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 second episode of the Great British Sewing bee series 11.
All ten 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: the timeless Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress
The first challenge of the third episode was to make the timeless Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. Here is a similar pattern you could try at home.
Vintage Vogue Patterns 1970s Front Wrap Dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Front wrapped dress, three inches below mid-knee or evening length with fitted bodice, slightly gathered at front and tucked at back into waistline, has fitted and flared skirt and attached tie ends that tie at side front or center back. Full-length sleeves have pointed cuffs with button trim. With or without pointed collar, topstitch trim.
Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) U5 (16-18-20-22-24), which is approx. UK sizes H5 (4/6 – 10), U5 (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.
Transformation Challenge 2: Turn home furnishings into punk-inspired looks, paying tribute to Vivienne Westwood.
In the upcycling challenge contestants had to give new life to home furnishings turning them into punk-inspired looks, paying tribute to Vivienne Westwood. 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: luxurious garments inspired by the iconic style of Versace.
In the last challenge of the third episode, all the contestants had to sew a made-to-measure luxurious garment inspired by the iconic style of Versace. Here are our pattern picks for the contestants and where sewing patterns have been self drafted or hacked we have suggested an alternative.
Novello's Medusa Mini Dress
Pattern: Vintage Lady Marlowe Patterns - vintage Vogue Patterns V8392 from the 1950s.
Orla's Butterfly Outfit
Patterns
Top: Vikisews - Tally Bustier Top. Tally is a close-fitting bustier top with straps. The front and back feature many princess seams with topstitched channels. The front has an angled hem. Tally is fully lined and fastens with a centre back open-end zipper. Tally is above-waist length.
Sizing: 34 – 46 (approx. UK 6 – 14/16, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements. This pattern only includes up to size 46 (even though additional sizes appear on the size chart). Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Skirt: Fibre Mood - Gedda Skirt. This long gathered skirt with bohemian vibes is a real must-have for your summer wardrobe. Stroll along the beach, dance at your favourite festival, or simply waft about town – Gedda is sure to make you shine during the warmest months.
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.
Caz's Dorothy-inspired Dress
Pattern: self-drafted, this was a tricky one!
Dan's J Lo inspired Dress
Pattern: Vogue Patterns V1953. Fitted, lined dress with length variations has side front seams on skirt, thread loops, side seam pockets, invisible back zipper, left side front slit and baby hems. View A has contrast inset. Dress includes matching belt with covered buckle.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), F5 (16-18-20-22-24), 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.
Jess's Beyonce-inspired Outfit
Patterns:
Top: Sewing Patterns By Masin - Sicily Slip Dress. Sicily is a romantic bias cut slip dress. Inspired by summer road trips through southern Italy and sitting in a cafe in sunny Sicily, this slip dress is going to make you feel flirty and beautiful. The pattern comes with two views. View A has skinny straps, a low cowl neck and a midi-length. View B has wider straps, a higher cowl neckline and the hem falls above the knee.
Sizing: A - J (approx. UK 6/8 - 28). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed copy shop.
Skirt: Vogue Patterns V1683.
Kit's Body Positivity Outfit
Pattern: By Hand London Flora Dress.
Gaynor's Cut Out Dress
Pattern: Simplicity S9885. One shoulder dress has a gathered side cut-out detail. Gathered shoulder can be made with or without a sleeve. Length variations. View A has an asymmetrical hem.
Sizing: K5 (8-10-12-14-16) Y5 (18-20-22-24-26) which is approx. UK sizes K5 (6-12), Y5 (14-24). 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.
Glendora's Pandora Dress
Pattern: Simplicity - S8330. Arrive at your next special occasion in a gorgeous open back mermaid style gown or choose a classic little black dress. This pattern is versatile enough to give you both looks. The sleeveless halter dresses can be made short, long with a leg slit or with a mermaid tail of tulle. Dresses features an invisible zipper and a button and loop closure on neck band.
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 shop: Yes, paper pattern.
Stuart's River of Gold Dress
Pattern: McCalls M8475. Evening dresses for Misses’ and Women sizes 10-28W. Dresses have curved empire and princess seams, baby hem, straps or racerback style and invisible zipper closure. View C dress is floor length with train.
Sizing: AA (10-12-14-16-18), BB (20W-28W), which is approx. UK sizes AA (6/8 – 14), BB (16/18– 26) 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.
Yasmin's Harness Dress
Pattern: Vogue Patterns V1951. A-line midi dress with cutout details has neck tie, semi-fitted self lined front bodice, bias back neck and back armhole facings and elastic back. Skirt of the dress has lining, side seam pockets, invisible side zipper with hook and eye and stitched hem.
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.
Any idea of the pattern for gaynor’s blouse and pantsuit? I’m sure those were self made and so cute!