THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE 2019 EPISODE 8 – SEWING PATTERNS AND SEWING TIPS

 We can’t believe it’s the final!

We have searched the sewing pattern database to bring you the best selection of patterns inspired by the the latest episode of the Great British Sewing bee series 5. If you haven’t already seen our dedicated Sewing Bee page do take a look, we’ve got loads of exciting Sewing Bee goodness!

In this final episode of series five there are three contestants remaining after we said goodbye to Jen last week. In this episode the theme was evening wear with contestants making a double breasted waistcoat. For the refashioning challenge they transformed net curtains into red carpet outfits before making strapless evening gowns for the made-to-measure challenge.  Take a look at our sewing pattern suggestions below 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.

We’ve included some sewing tips from sewing community bloggers and pattern designers to help you with any of the tricky techniques used in the show. If you want to chat about the episode with other makers then do join us for a weekly conversation in our Facebook group after the show has aired.

Plus we have some special sewing discounts to share with you from your favourite fabric and haberdashery shops below!

Sewing Bee: pattern picks

Task 1: Double-breasted waistcoats

The first challenge involved contestants creating double-breasted waistcoats. The sewers were given their most challenging pattern yet having to sew the whole waistcoat inside out before the final reveal.

Butterick – 6339

This was the pattern used for the first challenge of the final. It’s a close-fitting, partially interfaced and lined waistcoat. The pattern includes options for a single or double-breasted vest where the front extends to the upper and side back. There are no shoulder or side seams but welt pockets feature at the front.

Sizing: SML – XXXL. Available in the shop: No.

Thread Theory – Belvedere waistcoat

Sew a timeless waistcoat with the Belvedere pattern! It is the perfect minimalist piece to wear to formal events. This design features a curved back seam and long darts to fit the garment close to the body. It includes a back neckline facing for a high-end professional finish. There are two variations, a tailored waistcoat complete with welt pockets, a fully canvased front and side seam vents or a quick and easy waistcoat with no pockets and simplified construction techniques.

Sizing: XS – 4XL. Available in the shop: Yes, PDF.

Task 2: Upcycling net curtains into red carpet outfits

In the final upcycling challenge contestants used net curtains and refashioned them into red carpet garments. A range of sewing patterns were used for this task, so we will make some suggestions based on these below. 

Leah’s mermaid style dress

McCalls 7569

This dress has a close fitting bodice with halter or sleeved options. The close fitting skirt is straight with length variations or a mermaid flounce. Create your own design with mix and match pattern pieces. For moderate stretch knits only.

Sizing: 6 – 22. Available in the shop: No.

Juliet’s oversized bow dress

Burda Style 08/2016 #149

Get bonus points from Esme for this one with it’s oversized bow!

Sizing: EU 32 – 60. Available in the shop: No.

Riccardo’s collared lace dress

Colette – Penny Dress

The Penny Dress by Colette Patterns features a classic design with feminine details. This charming shirtdress has a fitted bodice, with traditional shirt details like a collar stand, button placket, and shoulder yoke. These thoughtful details allow you to learn new sewing skills or perfect existing ones.

Sizing: 0 – 26. Available in the shop: Paper copies now out of print.

Task 3: Strapless evening gown

The contestants used a range of patterns to create high end strapless evening gowns to fit a real life model. Take a look at our sewing pattern suggestions for this final task below.

McCalls 6838

Leah used this pattern as the inspiration when designing her final garment of the series. It’s a great challenge for an intermediate dressmaker. The dress has princess seams, close-fitting, underlined, lined, boned bodice and semi-fitted skirt variations with an invisible back zipper. The dress also has a circular skirt cut on the crosswise grain and overskirt with very narrow hem. Remember the wrong side of the fabric will show on this pattern. Designed for light to medium weight woven fabrics.

Sizing: 6 – 22. Available in the shop: No.

Juliet’s asymmetric strapless evening gown

To recreate Juliet’s look we would recommend combining these two patterns:

Bodice – Butterick 6019

This dress has a close-fitting, self-lined, boned bodice with bra, princess seams, bias band, elasticised side back, skirt variation and back zipper. Version A has inside buttoned shoulder straps and a skirt cut on the crosswise grain. Version B has a semi-fitted skirt with right front pleats and a narrow hem. The pattern comes with separate pattern pieces for cup sizes A/B, C, D. Designed for light to medium weight woven fabrics.

Sizing: 4 – 20. Available in the shop: No.

Skirt – McCalls 6893

This lined dress has a close-fitting, boned bodice with princess seams, available with or without shoulder straps, overlay variations, waistband, semi-fitted, straight skirt (flounce), gathered short (ruffle) or long skirt and invisible back zipper. Designed for light- to medium- weight woven fabrics.

Sizing: 8 – 24. Available in the shop: No.