GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2025 – SEWING PATTERNS S11 EP5

Images Copyright: BBC/Love Productions

It’s the fifth episode of series 11 and it's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle week!

In the fifth episode of The Great British Sewing Bee series 11, eight remaining contestants are challenged with taking on a zero-waste workwear jacket, in the transformation challenge discarded camping gear was given new life as each sewer transforms their tent into a complete outfit, and in the Made-to-Measure challenge the sewers create a design inspired by the Make Do and Mend campaign, raiding their wardrobes and those of family and friends to create fresh outfits from garments no longer worn. 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 11.

All neight 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: zero-waste workwear jacket

The first challenge of the fifth episode was to make a zero-waste workwear jacket. 

Birgitta Helmersson - Unisex ZW Workwear Jacket

This is an oversized workwear style jacket made using zero waste pattern cutting. It has a square collar and a dropped shoulder with dart shaping. The jacket has three front patch pockets, side splits that are faced using the neck cut-outs, and buttons and buttonholes to close at the centre front. The sleeve hem has gathers and is finished into a hem band which is rolled up once.

Sizing: Size One and Size Two (approx. UK 6 – 16 and UK 16 - 36, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size charts and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed pattern. 

Transformation Challenge 2: discarded camping gear is given new life

In the upcycling challenge contestants had to re-imagine discarded camping gear as each sewer transforms their tent into a complete outfit. 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: Make Do and Mend campaign

In the last challenge of the fourth episode, all the contestants had to design made-to-measure evening wear inspired by the cheollik, once worn by military officials and now a symbol of modern Korean fashion. 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 60th birthday party jumpsuit

Pattern: PATTERNLOCKER - Strapless jumpsuit with wide leg and pleats.

Dan's Wish every day was Christmas 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. 

Gaynor's Out for a family meal dress

Patterns

Top: McCalls 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. 

Skirt: Fibre Mood Bruna Skort. Perfect for summer bike rides, picnics, and festivals, Bruna combines the look of a skirt with the comfort of shorts. This asymmetric skort has practical front pockets as well as patch pockets at the back. A back yoke provides a nice fit, and Bruna has a button closure (no zip!).

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 pattern. 

Orla's Christmas Ceilidh dress

Pattern: McCalls M7408. These semi-fitted A-line dresses and tunic have French darts, a notch neckline and sleeve variations. A, B: Ribbon trim. A, C: Flared sleeves. A, B, C: Side slits. A: Contrast bands. B, D: Sleeveless. C: Purchased cording. D: Purchased beads. C, D: Stitched hem.

Sizing: Y (XS-S-M), ZZ (L-XL-XXL), approx. UK sizes Y (4 – 10), ZZ (12 – 24). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements.. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern. 

Stuart's menswear summer party dress

Patterns

Top: Simplicity S8594. Misses' and Miss petite dresses with bodice and skirt variations. Bodice options include crew neck with slit or halter. Skirt can be made in straight or flared with pockets.

Sizing: H5 (6-8-10-12-14) R5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes H5 (4/6 – 10), R5 (10– 18/20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern. 

Skirt: Tammy Handmade Simi Skirt. This classic A-line mini skirt features back waist darts, a chic button front, and playful patch pockets. 

Sizing: 6 – 32. Please check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements.. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF or PDF + printed pattern. 

Kit's All my friends' jeans dress

Pattern: Vogue Patterns V9292. This close fitting dress has princess seams, back zipper, length variations, and dickey that attaches with snaps.

Sizing: OSZ (6 - 22), approx. UK sizes 4/6 - 18/20. Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements. Available in the shop: Yes, paper pattern. 

Jess's Summer BBQ dress

Patterns

Top: Nadia Threads - Ruffle top. 

Skirt: By Hand London - How to cut and sew a circle skirt form multiple panels.

Yasmin's Pop the Champagne playsuit

Pattern: Studio Sadoe - Hollyhock bundle.